2 answers
Logan
Student
Rockwell, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Is a college work-study better than a local part-time job Which is better for advancing your career/writing a resume??
I am planning on staying in-state and pursuing pre-law studies.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2378
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Logan !
Since I have some first hand experience with Work Study from when I was a college student, I would be happy to share some advice and lived results.
I don't remember the process or how and why I got my first Work Study position because it was outside of my major but a great job. Another work study student and I worked in the Admissions office filing. This was before tech and nothing was done by computer or video. Me and the other student are still best friends forever till this day.
My second work study position, it's getting better, was in the film rental office. I managed the films and slide shows for professors, films that they showed during class about subjects they were teaching. Awesome job and superb co-workers !
My third work study job had me full fledged in my major. I worked for the theatres on campus in the Theatrical Scene shop. It was very much worth getting my hands dirty as I learned a great deal and made a good rapport with my professors.
After graduation, I moved to Hollywood and got my first non-acting, professional career job at a very well known theatre complex. There is no way I would have obtained that job if it weren't for my experience working on sets and my degree in Theatre. I highly attribute that first career job to that last work study job. I was also acting in the community, but that didn't go on my non-acting resume. Definitely put all work study jobs on your resume. It's actual work experience.
You will like the schedule, too. Your work study hours are arranged around your class schedule, something not always possible with working for a company off campus. You won't have to drive from classes to work where ever you end up getting a job for a company off campus. Staying on campus for classes and work really served me well. It was so convenient and not exhausting. Gas prices weren't an issue back then, but it will save you on gas, too.
So, for me, it was an all-win situation and I highly recommend it. I would advise trying to get a position connected to your major - it will shine on your resume.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Since I have some first hand experience with Work Study from when I was a college student, I would be happy to share some advice and lived results.
I don't remember the process or how and why I got my first Work Study position because it was outside of my major but a great job. Another work study student and I worked in the Admissions office filing. This was before tech and nothing was done by computer or video. Me and the other student are still best friends forever till this day.
My second work study position, it's getting better, was in the film rental office. I managed the films and slide shows for professors, films that they showed during class about subjects they were teaching. Awesome job and superb co-workers !
My third work study job had me full fledged in my major. I worked for the theatres on campus in the Theatrical Scene shop. It was very much worth getting my hands dirty as I learned a great deal and made a good rapport with my professors.
After graduation, I moved to Hollywood and got my first non-acting, professional career job at a very well known theatre complex. There is no way I would have obtained that job if it weren't for my experience working on sets and my degree in Theatre. I highly attribute that first career job to that last work study job. I was also acting in the community, but that didn't go on my non-acting resume. Definitely put all work study jobs on your resume. It's actual work experience.
You will like the schedule, too. Your work study hours are arranged around your class schedule, something not always possible with working for a company off campus. You won't have to drive from classes to work where ever you end up getting a job for a company off campus. Staying on campus for classes and work really served me well. It was so convenient and not exhausting. Gas prices weren't an issue back then, but it will save you on gas, too.
So, for me, it was an all-win situation and I highly recommend it. I would advise trying to get a position connected to your major - it will shine on your resume.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
976
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
When considering whether a college work-study or a local part-time job is better for advancing your career and enhancing your resume, especially with your goal of pursuing pre-law studies, there are a few key factors to consider. A college work-study program can offer distinct advantages in terms of career preparation, networking opportunities, and relevance to your academic goals. Work-study jobs are typically offered through your college, and they are often tailored to provide students with experiences that complement their field of study. Since you are pursuing pre-law, seeking a work-study job in a legal department, a law library, or assisting professors with research can directly align with your career aspirations. For instance, you might be able to assist in organizing legal documents, conducting legal research, or supporting academic projects that will give you exposure to real-world legal issues. Such positions not only give you valuable, law-related experience but also demonstrate your commitment to your field of study on your resume.
In contrast, a local part-time job—whether in retail, customer service, or another non-academic setting—can still offer transferable skills, such as communication, time management, and teamwork, which are beneficial for any career. However, unless you find a part-time position in a law office or related field, it may not provide the same direct advantage when it comes to building a career in law. That said, working in a customer-facing role can enhance your interpersonal and problem-solving abilities, which are also critical skills for a future lawyer, but it may not be as specialized as a work-study opportunity tied to your academic interests.
Moreover, a work-study job can offer added benefits in terms of flexibility and understanding from your employer. Colleges often structure work-study positions to accommodate students' academic schedules, and these roles tend to be more understanding of the time constraints that come with studying. Work-study positions are also often subsidized by the government or the school, which means they can be more flexible in terms of the hours worked, making it easier to balance with your studies.
When it comes to building your resume, both types of employment can be beneficial, but if your focus is on advancing your career in law, a work-study job directly related to the field would be a more strategic choice. It will provide relevant experience and help you network within the academic and legal communities. Many law schools value work-study experiences, particularly those that involve research or direct legal assistance, when reviewing applicants for internships or scholarships.
Ultimately, if your goal is to gain specific legal experience and make meaningful connections that could help with future internships or job opportunities in law, a college work-study in a law-related role is likely the better option. If you decide to pursue a local part-time job, seek one that develops transferable skills that can still contribute to your personal and professional growth. Websites like Handshake - https://www.joinhandshake.com or your college’s career services website can help you explore relevant work-study opportunities or internships that align with your pre-law studies.
In contrast, a local part-time job—whether in retail, customer service, or another non-academic setting—can still offer transferable skills, such as communication, time management, and teamwork, which are beneficial for any career. However, unless you find a part-time position in a law office or related field, it may not provide the same direct advantage when it comes to building a career in law. That said, working in a customer-facing role can enhance your interpersonal and problem-solving abilities, which are also critical skills for a future lawyer, but it may not be as specialized as a work-study opportunity tied to your academic interests.
Moreover, a work-study job can offer added benefits in terms of flexibility and understanding from your employer. Colleges often structure work-study positions to accommodate students' academic schedules, and these roles tend to be more understanding of the time constraints that come with studying. Work-study positions are also often subsidized by the government or the school, which means they can be more flexible in terms of the hours worked, making it easier to balance with your studies.
When it comes to building your resume, both types of employment can be beneficial, but if your focus is on advancing your career in law, a work-study job directly related to the field would be a more strategic choice. It will provide relevant experience and help you network within the academic and legal communities. Many law schools value work-study experiences, particularly those that involve research or direct legal assistance, when reviewing applicants for internships or scholarships.
Ultimately, if your goal is to gain specific legal experience and make meaningful connections that could help with future internships or job opportunities in law, a college work-study in a law-related role is likely the better option. If you decide to pursue a local part-time job, seek one that develops transferable skills that can still contribute to your personal and professional growth. Websites like Handshake - https://www.joinhandshake.com or your college’s career services website can help you explore relevant work-study opportunities or internships that align with your pre-law studies.