Nat Kundanis-Grow started working at Clarke’s Restaurant, 720 Clark St., so he would have enough money to tour with his bands this summer.

“I’m saving money to go play some music,” said Kundanis-Grow, a Weinberg freshman. His two bands will be on the road for seven weeks, and he said he would not be able to afford the travel costs without his job.

Many students said they began exploring off-campus options when they learned they did not qualify for Northwestern’s work-study program. For others, work-study is an option but may not pay enough.

Kundanis-Grow said he already had a work-study job at the library but sought out an off-campus job to supplement his income.

“My music is important to me,” Kundanis-Grow said. “I knew I had to get (another job) as soon as I could to pay for everything.”

Patsy Emery, director of NU’s Financial Aid Operations, said approximately 2,000 undergraduates participate in work-study jobs. She added that students are chosen for work-study based on financial need.

“When [students] apply for financial aid, they are automatically considered for work-study,” Emery said. “It is a need-based program.”

Meaghan Stainback, a Music and Weinberg freshman said she began looking for a job after learning she did not qualify for work-study.

Stainback worked at a Cold Stone Creamery near her Florida home before coming to NU. Stainback said she wanted to continue her job when she came to campus. She now works at the ice cream store located at 1611 Sherman Ave.

“I really liked it there,” Stainback said. “It’s convenient, and because I had previous experience, (getting a job) wasn’t a problem.”

Some students said they thought their tight schedules would be a deterrent for employers, but managers at some Evanston stores said this isn’t true. Instead, managers said they are simply looking for someone who is right for the job.

“There’s a definite type of person we look for, and it shouldn’t make a difference if they’re a Northwestern student,” said Joe Warden, the store manager at Gap, 1706 Sherman Ave.

Warden said the Gap store in Evanston currently employs about five NU students. While hiring he looks for the most qualified applicant, he added.

David Sweeney, assistant manager at the outdoor equipment store Uncle Dan’s, 700 Church St., said Evanston stores look for the best job candidates, regardless of whether the applicant is an NU student. Sweeney said he currently has “two or three” NU students on staff.

“We prefer the best person for the job,” Sweeney said. “We’ll look at each applicant and see if they’re a good fit.”

Reach Aliza Appelbaum at [email protected].