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Finding Your Fit for Part-Time Employment or Work Study

Finding and working at a part-time job can be hard to do in college in combination with classes and extracurricular activities. If you decide that a job is in fact for you, here are some tips on how to find one that suits your interests and goals.

If you received a work-study grant as a part of your financial aid package from your college, it will probably be easier for you to find a job. What I did this year was browse my school’s work-study job openings page before school started so I would be prepared when I got back to campus. As soon as I arrived, I immediately started emailing open positions and ended up receiving an offer from the business school at my university.

Just because work-study jobs are reserved for students on financial aid does not mean that they should not be treated as a real job. They may still require an interview and depending on the culture of wherever you end up, you might have to dress a little nicer on days that you have work than you normally would.

If you are not a work-study student, it may be slightly harder for you to find a job since so many of the on-campus openings are reserved for work-study students. This means that you might have to look at openings from places outside the university.

One good option is nearby restaurants, because they will hire anyone who is qualified, not just work-study students. Ask your friends if they know of any nearby stores that are hiring, or browse your university’s jobs and internships site for a part-time paid internship.

Finally, before you commit to the responsibility of having a part-time job, make sure you have the time to devote to it. It is easier to start off working limited hours and increase how much time you spend at work if you can handle it than vice versa. Juggling a part-time job in addition to school can be very difficult, but with careful planning, it can work.

Ask your friends how they juggle earning money with their other responsibilities and follow their lead. If it becomes too much to handle, don’t be afraid to cut back on hours, since school should come first.

In conclusion, even though working a part-time job while in college can be difficult, it can also be a great way to earn some extra money and add value to your resume. The job search process will look different for work-study and non-work-study students, but through networking and using career services, both can be successful in the job hunt.

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