With the holiday shopping season in full force, some Ball State students are taking advantage of seasonal job opportunities.
Amy Newton, merchandise manager for Old Navy in the Muncie Mall, said she hires seasonal personnel depending on business.
"I usually hire seasonal part-time workers for October through January," Newton said. "Most of my staff -- I'd say close to 70 percent -- is made up of Ball State students."
Newton said she keeps some of her seasonal employees after the holidays and invites the others back as seasonal help as well as for busy nights and weekends.
Senior Amanda James, a supervisor at Old Navy, said the store has a reputation for keeping seasonal employees.
"I actually started working here a year and a half ago, because I thought it would be fun," James said.
Sophomore Robin Bisel said Old Navy hired her for seasonal work six months ago.
"I was hired over the summer, and they kept me," Bisel said. "I had a class with a girl who worked at Old Navy, and she put in a good word for me."
Newton said the holiday television ads for Old Navy have helped keep business booming this season.
"We totally sell through fashion trends like our blazers," Newton said. "The store is always busy on nights and weekends, times when people are off work. We're also very busy whenever Santa is here in the mall."
Sophomore Katy McGinnis, who works at Things Remembered, said the manager has hired several seasonal employees for the season.
"This will be my first Christmas working here," McGinnis said. "It's been busy, especially on Saturdays."
Senior Nicole Stephenson works at Ornaments and Ink, a seasonal kiosk in the Muncie Mall.
"I was hired for part time," Stephenson said. "If you work in the mall during the holidays, I hope you like Christmas music, because it's all you hear."
Stephenson said she started working in July at a kiosk owned by the same manager who owns Ornaments and Ink.
Carrie Blackmer, a full-time employee at Things Remembered and Ornaments and Ink, said this is her second year working during the holidays.
"The mornings have been really busy lately," Blackmer said. "I've picked up more hours when needed, and they've hired more people for Christmas."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
