Ask a College Advisor: How Can I Find Work-Study Opportunities?

One of our education professionals discusses how students can pursue work-study opportunities to support their education.
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Updated on February 28, 2022
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Question: How can I find work-study opportunities?

Answer: For many students, work-study programs are a reliable and accessible way to pay for education expenses. However, if you're unfamiliar with the process, you may be wondering how to find these opportunities.

The first place to start is with your school's financial aid and career services departments. Once you confirm that your school participates in the federal work-study program and you get approved, you can begin to search for work-study jobs on or off campus.

Once you are awarded work-study, you should receive access to an online job board where you can apply for work-study opportunities. If the jobs are on campus, you have the option of working within a department at your school that has allocated work-study positions. If you are working off campus, it will most likely be at a public nonprofit or public agency that your school has a partnership with.

When deciding which work-study job is best for you, consider the factors that matter most to you, such as flexibility, commute time, type of work, and shift hours.

For example, if you live on campus, a job within the residence halls may be a good option. If you are a commuter student, you may want to choose a job with shifts on the days that you are on campus. A position that offers hybrid or remote work options could also be a good fit.

Where to Find Work-Study Opportunities

Your School's Online Job Board

Many schools' online job boards are housed within the office of career services, but you may also find information about student employment on your school's financial aid website.

When searching for jobs on your school's job board, read the job description carefully to make sure that the position you are interested in is a work-study job. Some listed positions may be regular student employment jobs that are not paid through the work-study program.

Academic Advisors

Your academic advisor may be aware of work-study positions because they work with a high volume of students. Even though student employment is not their area of focus, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Professors

Your professors are a good resource for finding work-study jobs. Some professors may be aware of teaching or research assistant positions for their classes or within their academic department.

Fellow Students

Contact classmates and friends to inquire about any openings that they might be aware of.

Word-of-mouth is a good way to find out about work-study jobs that other students have done.

Summary

Finding work-study opportunities is fairly simple as long as you know where to look and start applying early. Reach out to your school's financial aid and career services departments to gain access to the online student job board.

Check the job board regularly and reach out to faculty and fellow students to uncover new opportunities. Keep in mind the work factors that matter most to you so that you can find the work-study job that best fits your preferences, interests, and career trajectory.


DISCLAIMER: The responses provided as part of the Ask a College Advisor series are for general informational purposes only. Readers should contact a professional academic, career, or financial advisor before making decisions regarding individual situations.


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