How Do I Get A Job On Campus This Year?

Most campuses have lots of student jobs available, but it isn’t always easy figuring out how to find them.

While some jobs for the coming school year will have already been filled (some departments do their hiring in winter/spring of the previous year so that they are ready to go with new staff in September) there are usually still lots of jobs open in the fall.

In terms of where to look, most schools do not have one place where all the jobs are advertised. So, it can take some legwork to look around to find what’s available on your campus.  And just like finding jobs anywhere, networking is key.

Here are some tips for helping you get job hunting on campus:

Many schools have part time jobs on campus that are specifically designated for students who are in financial need.

Visit your campus career centre

The career centre should be stop #1 if you are looking for work on campus. Staff at the career centre are usually very knowledgeable about on campus work, and getting their advice first can save you lots of time with their leads and direction.

Find out about work/study programs

Many schools have part time jobs on campus that are specifically designated for students who are in financial need. These are often called “work/study” programs, but may have a different name at your campus.

To learn more, and to find out whether you qualify (“financial need” can be defined differently at different schools), ask staff at your career centre and/or student financial services or loan office.

Speak with professors and your department

Often professors need help with their work. Sometimes they have enough money to hire students (other times they may use volunteers). Check with your departmental staff and faculty members if you are interested in getting research-related experience.

Visit on campus vendors

The restaurants, pubs, shops, and other retail outlets on campus all need staff. You can visit them and see if they are hiring.

Keep your eyes and ears open

Watch notice boards, let all your friends know you are looking and ask them if they have any contacts or leads, make sure you read the emails you might get from your department or student clubs – you never know what might turn up a job lead. The more people you speak with, the greater your chances of finding something.

With these strategies, some gumption, a solid resumé, and a smile, you can get started on your on campus job search.

Click here to check out more of Cathy’s answers to pressing career questions from students and grads just like you

Photo credit: Become and Uptown Girl (or Boy) by cydneycap on Flickr

This article was written by Cathy Keates

Cathy Keates is a career counsellor and trainer who has worked with university students and graduates for the past decade, helping them to strategically create careers they will love. She has worked as a career counsellor at Queen's University and was the associate director of the career centre at York University. Convinced that we can all create lives based on authenticity and integrity, she is the author of the new job search book Not for Sale! and shares her thoughts about finding work without losing yourself on her blog, Transform Your Job Search.