Working On Campus

If you are in college, you have probably heard about on campus jobs. Working on campus is a great way to get work experience and still be able to enjoy your college experience. I currently work on campus for my school’s newspaper, and I have to say that I really enjoy it.

There are many cool things about an on campus job, and I am going to talk about why you should consider working on campus and how to get a job.

Here are some reasons why you should consider an on campus job.

1. It’s Convenient.

This applies whether you live on campus or not, because you probably have class on campus. If you work where you go to school, it makes it so easy to go from class to work or work to class very quickly. You don’t have to factor in drive time when making your availability. You can go from one thing to another in no time at all.

2. The School Knows You’re a Student.

When you work for your university, they understand that you are there to learn and to get an education. They know that school should come first, and so they are more willing to work with you than some employers might be. Some bosses might not be too lenient with your schedule, but you school will.

3. You can Do Work-Study.

If you are eligible for a work study program, you can work on campus and have the money you earn go towards paying your tuition. If you would like to go with this option, make sure you apply to a job that can be fulfilled as a work study position.

4. There are tons of Options.

At my school, you can work for the school paper, the yearbook, one of the dining halls, as an aide in a department office, tutor other students…the possibilities are endless. If you are not a fan of food service, or writing or whatever, look at your school’s job board to check for openings. You’re almost guaranteed to find something.

5. Your Job cAn Build Upon Your Major.

If you manage to find a job in your department or field, you can gain valuable experience for when you apply for full time jobs. If you are an English major and you write for the paper, that can give you an advantage if that is what you want to do. For education majors, tutoring other students can be a great way to build your skills and make you more confident when it comes time to student teach.

6. You CAn Pursue aNother Interest.

If there are not any openings related to your major, working outside of it in a field you are interested in can help build your resume. As an example, I am a music major, but I work for the paper. This allows me to get experience as a writer, so when I graduate in May, I am not limited to working in the music industry.

7. You can Make Friends.

When you work on campus, odds are there will be at least one other student employee working with you. You can talk to them during breaks or before or after work. An on campus job is almost like another extracurricular activity, but you get paid for it.

8. It’s a Job.

Just because it’s on campus doesn’t make it any less of a job. You still have to show up on time and do your job. You get paid to be there, so it’s just as good as a job at the local burger place or the mall. If you need a job, either for the money or as a way to spend your time, an on campus job might just be for you.

Now for tips on how to get an on campus job.

1. Look at Job Postings Online.

Search your school’s website for job listings and look at the ones that interest you. Find out how you can apply and then do it. Your school will probably have a job board where you can filter jobs into different categories such as department, type of job, or even if it can be a work study job.

2. Check Your Student Email Account.

If your school sends out a list of announcements every so often, read them! They may seem useless, but those emails can be a good resource for finding jobs. If a group on campus needs to hire someone soon, they might send out an email announcement asking for applicants. This is a great way to find jobs, especially since it is not the most known.

3. Ask Your Professors.

If you really want to work in your department, ask some of your major professors if they know of any openings for work. If a position recently opened up, it may not be online or in the announcements yet, thus giving you a window to apply and possibly a better chance at getting the gig.

4. Fill Out The Entire Application.

Don’t leave anything out unless you truly have no answer for it. Also, as with any job, be honest on your application. You’re applying for work, and the last thing you want is to get into a job that isn’t right for you. Leaving as little information out of your application means that the application and hiring process can go a lot smoother.

Final Thoughts

Working on campus can be a great way to get experience, earn a little extra money and enjoy college at the same time. It’s convenient, flexible and can help build your resume, too. I love working on campus, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get work experience without sacrificing their college experience. I only wish that I had started working on campus sooner.

So, have you worked on campus? What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading!