What should I do to increase my chances of getting a job on a college campus?

Hi Bethany,

In my experience of over six years of college pursuing my BS, and then a Masters degree, I recommend you work on campus while attending college. It’s low pay, but if you can get a job at your college Associated Students organization it opens up lots of doors to free money. For example, I worked for the college in my Student Activities Office. That office oversaw the Associated Students. I organized their calendar and filed paperwork from them to the college accounting office. I worked directly with a Dean, a Dean’s Management Assistant, the college accounting office, and most importantly Faculty Advisors.

When it came time to apply for scholarships I asked for a letter of recommendation from the Dean, the Dean’s Management Assistant, and the Faculty Advisors I had gotten to know all just by working a student job on campus. The first year I got $2,000 in scholarships. The scholarships I have received have only grown exponentially and this year I have $10,500 in scholarships! This is the first year I can actually quit my job and just attend college and live off my scholarships. All of my achievements came from networking at school through a job. But if you aren’t able to accept a job on campus then you can join a student organization (aka student club) or start one at your school. This is another way to get at least one Faculty Advisor who can then give you a letter of recommendation for scholarships. All student organizations (aka student clubs) can be found by visiting your Associated Students. They have an office someplace on campus, and they should have a webpage within your college website too. Go to your college website and search for “Associated Students”. Go meet them and see if they have job openings, or get the list of student organizations (aka student clubs) from them.

We’re about ready to start our fall semester again and fall is the time the most opportunities are open because a bunch of students should have graduated in the spring causing vacancies in either student governance positions, or office jobs within the Associated Students offices. Go check it out, and good luck!🍀

Either way, getting a paid job, or joining a student club —you’ll come out on top! You’ll find many resources within the Associated Students and you’ll have a greater college experience by getting familiar with who they are and what they do and how you can contribute to them.

Finally, any work you do in a student club can also be put on your resume. Employers really appreciate students who not only work, but volunteer time as well. So make sure to find ways to show both on your resume.

Best,

Julianne

Hi Bethany,

I think it is great that you would like to have a job on campus. I worked 20 hours a week during 3 out of the 4 years of my college studies. I would say the best thing you can do is talk to your professors and to college administrators. Also, your financial aid office should have some advice on that.

I have worked as a writing tutor, library worker, dining hall attendant, and security guard. I also worked as a tour guide during reunion weeks taking alumnae of the school around.

Below are my top tips for securing a campus job.