Story by Kelly Hendricks
Photo by Luke Nankivell

Working with Sodexo may seem like a convenient job because it’s on campus and the application is just through Career Blueprint, but many of the student workers do not enjoy their jobs with the company.

To put it bluntly, “The cons outweighed the pros,” said junior Jalisa Tate, a former employee. “It’s a convenient location, but other than that, it isn’t worth it.”

Tate said the hours are unpredictable and the job only pays once a month. She also said the amount of pay is not equal to the amount of work.

“It was pretty hectic. Even though we had a schedule, you could easily stay longer than expected. I was often called in on off days to do small jobs or provide extra help for an event,” she said.

Tate was not alone in having negative feelings toward working for Sodexo. Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous to keep his job, has similar opinions.

“There is a definite lack of respect from the side of some of the managers. There are some good ones, but a fair few tend to ignore student workers,” this student said.

He also said work itself is unpleasant and many of the managers are unfit to be in their positions.

“The student managers make no attempt to get to know the student workers they manage, despite the fact that the student managers are students,” he said.

Tate nor the anonymous student said they would recommend working for Sodexo.

However, working for Sodexo when it is not directly related to food doesn’t seem too bad.

Korrie Merley, a first-year working for the company, is the Student Promotions Coordinator and enjoys her position.

“I have really enjoyed seeing another side of our food service. For instance, I had no idea about all of the promotions Sodexo puts on every month for the students, and all of the planning and thought that goes into the meals we eat,” Merley said.

Merley’s duties include designing promotions, managing Drake Sodexo’s social media accounts and working with students at the front desk of the Sodexo Business Office.

She seems to have a different opinion when it comes to recommending the company.

“I would definitely recommend getting involved with the company,” Merley said. “The employees are extremely welcoming and friendly, and it makes you appreciate the food you eat because you know of all the hard work that the employees put in.”