Employment – Work While You Study
College career services offices usually provide lots of help in finding jobs during and after graduation. Ask them about online databases, local job pools, and other useful resources, such as job-search skills, like interviewing and writing résumés.
If you’re already working and your employer supports the educational advancement of staff, inquire about grants, loans and flex-time work schedules.
On-Campus Jobs
To boost your income, you can apply for Federal Work-Study employment. This program provides opportunities to work during the school calendar years, allowing students who demonstrate exceptional financial need to work up to 15 hours a week at their college. The award amount, paid bi-weekly at an hourly rate, represents the maximum that you may earn.
If you’re not eligible for the FWS, your school may also have its own work study program. On-campus jobs are ideal for students, because you won’t need to travel to work and you get to participate in important functions of your school’s operations, such as library and technology, food services, sales, campus mail delivery, printing services, and many other essential areas.
Off-Campus Jobs
Historically speaking, college students have often worked while matriculated full time. Many students may not be eligible for work study programs or may need to earn more than that offered by campus programs, especially when they’re self-supporting.
Balancing Act – Manage Your Time Wisely
If you must work off-campus, take these tips for balancing academic commitments with the demands of a job.
- Consider a part-time job – Many a student has seen academic performance suffer by working too many hours. Sleep deprivation is a big problem for students who don’t work, so you can imagine the impact if you do work! You’ll have even less time to study, participate in extracurricular activities, or socialize.
- Maximize your work experience – Sometimes jobs can boost your real-life experience, preparing you for the workforce when you graduate. Do you have a class project that's similar to a job-related task? Look for overlap. If you’re a computer technology student, seek work that gives you a hand in the IT field. If you’re aspiring to be a teacher, inquire at your school’s childcare center – if there is one. If you’re in a nursing program, the local senior residence or hospital may be hiring aides. Are you a culinary or hospitality student? Even a cleaning job can give you a valuable behind-the-scenes view of restaurant or hotel operations.
- Ask about employee support – If your employer values your work but worries that school may conflict with your job performance, ask about a few options, such as flex-time, staggered hours, and telecommuting. Your manager might even be willing to support your education by contributing to tuition reimbursement.
- Avoid skipping classes – You might be tempted by a few hours' extra wages when the opportunity arises, but missing classes means losing important time – you may never be able to catch up! You'll miss out on crucial information and help from your professors. Even if you're allowed to make up some school work, it's bound to pile up and you'll still be falling behind. Your college hours are precious – don't squander them!