For many people on the Hi-Line, finding a job that fits around school, family, or other commitments can make all the difference. For Montana State University-Northern senior Sterling Shelton, a part-time position at Northern Montana Health Care has given him the flexibility to balance those responsibilities.
Shelton recently marked his sixth year as an NMHC employee, which he said fits well with his busy schedule.
He said his job at Northern Montana Care Center is a convenient way to earn some extra income while balancing his other responsibilities.
“I really like it,” Shelton said. “… It’s really flexible for students, especially those who are looking for a job maybe just on the weekends or something. I actually encourage a lot of students to look into it.”
Shelton works at Nate’s Gona Fix It, Inc. in Havre, while double-majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Diesel Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology. He also serves as an MSU-Northern Student Ambassador and as president of SkillsUSA at MSU-Northern.
Shelton has excelled in SkillsUSA competitions, taking first place in every state competition he has entered. Those finishes qualified him to compete at the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a bronze medal and a silver medal. He said the competitions have also provided scholarships, tools, and valuable resume-building experience.
He said the MSU-Northern SkillsUSA team has been rebuilding since the pandemic and is becoming more active on campus. The team is looking forward to a fantastic year, with many events planned and in the works for MSU-Northern students and the community.
At NMHC, he works in the Care Center as a kitchen aide, but primarily as a steward, which mostly involves cleanup.
He said the Care Center is very flexible when it comes to scheduling his hours.
“I can pick up shifts whenever, and I often pick up shifts for co-workers who are requesting time off for a vacation or maybe they become sick and need me to fill in,” Shelton said.
That flexibility allows him to finish a shift at Nate’s or finish a class and then come to work at NMHC. It also allows him to work weekends.
He said he mostly works weekends, evening weekday shifts, and some early morning weekday shifts. He works a four-day week at Nate’s Gona Fix It over the summer, so he also works some Fridays.
He said the extra income is very helpful.
“It’s really nice. It helps fill in the gap,” Shelton said.
From full-time careers to flexible part-time opportunities, there are many ways to become part of the Northern Montana Health Care team. Visit nmhcare.org/careers to see current openings and find an opportunity that fits your skills, interests, and schedule.