Finding the right job while earning a degree isn’t always easy. Between classes, studying, internships, and everything else college brings, students need work that fits into their lives. But a college job can also be an opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, and figure out what comes next.
For AlphaBEST team members Kylie Sarto and Ryan Toscano, working while earning their degrees has given them the chance to do just that.
Kylie is a fifth-year student at the University of Oklahoma studying Business Management and is heading into her fourth year with AlphaBEST as a Site Director.
One of the biggest reasons AlphaBEST has worked for her is the consistency.
“I actually plan my class schedule around my AlphaBEST hours, which has made balancing school, internships, and work much more manageable,” Kylie shared.
But her connection to AlphaBEST goes beyond her schedule. Kylie’s younger brother attended the program, and she wanted the opportunity to create the same kind of positive experience for other students.
Ryan Toscano came to AlphaBEST with a different goal. A student at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City studying Early Childhood Education, Ryan joined AlphaBEST in 2023 to gain experience in a quality after-school program.
For him, AlphaBEST has offered both flexibility and work that connects to what he is studying.
“Find work that is meaningful to you that allows you flexibility to invest into your own future,” Ryan advises other college students.
Both Kylie and Ryan have also found that their AlphaBEST experience is teaching them skills they can take well beyond college.
Kylie credits her role with strengthening her leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management skills. In fact, her experience at AlphaBEST helped shape what she decided to study.
She originally started college in another major, but her work at AlphaBEST sparked an interest in leadership, communication, and business operations that ultimately led her to switch to Business Management.
Ryan has also taken on more responsibility throughout his time at AlphaBEST. As a Site Director, he regularly works with students, parents, school staff, Group Leaders, and other Site Directors.
“I was given more responsibility with this job than anything that came before, which helped me grow strong leadership qualities,” he shared.
Of course, not everything they’ve gained can be added to a résumé.
Some of Kylie and Ryan’s favorite memories come from the relationships they’ve built with students and families.
Kylie remembers a parent telling her how happy they were to learn she would be returning for another school year because of the relationship she had built with their family and the care she showed their children.
For Kylie, it was a reminder that taking the time to understand each child can make a real difference.
Ryan also remembers building a special relationship with a family whose morning schedule sometimes required extra support.
“I made so many great memories working with that family,” he shared.
Those relationships are a big part of what makes working at AlphaBEST different from just another college job.
As Kylie approaches graduation, she hopes to build a career where she can support teams, improve processes, and create meaningful experiences for others. She says the leadership and program coordination experience she’s gained at AlphaBEST has helped prepare her for that next step.
Ryan hopes his next step keeps him right here.
“I would like to grow within the company,” he shared. For him, AlphaBEST continues to provide opportunities to take on responsibility, grow as a leader, and show what he can contribute.
Their paths may be different, but both show what’s possible when a college job gives you more than a paycheck.
As Kylie puts it, “The experience and relationships you build can be just as valuable as the paycheck.”
At AlphaBEST, you can earn your degree, gain experience, make a difference, and start building toward whatever comes next.
Looking for a job that can grow with you? Explore opportunities to join the AlphaBEST team!
