What’s Student Employment?

If you are a college student or you just entered high school, you are aware of the fact that life is about to get more serious from now on. You need to learn independence, act more mature, and stand on your own feet. It sounds scary, right?

I was scared when I graduated from high school, too. I knew I was no longer a child and had to prepare myself for this new chapter of my life. The first step was to find a job. But it wasn’t easy to find a job with my condition as a student. 

That’s when the concept of “student employment” saved my life. If you are a student who seeks a job that is suitable for students, you came to the right place. In today’s blog, we will cover everything you need to know about student employment. So, let’s waste no more time and get started!

What Is Student Employment?

Student employment covers a wide variety of On-campus and off-campus jobs that can be considered a fundamental part of every student’s educational path. 

Your university provides these opportunities to help you offset the cost of your education as well as to help you gain valuable skills and more experience, and basically, things that you can put on your resume; it is committed to providing beneficial and impactful support for student work opportunities.

Benefits Of Student Employment

Of course, one of the most important reasons students apply for employment and look for jobs is to earn enough money to handle college expenses. However, there are so many other benefits that student employment provides you besides money. Here are some of the benefits:

• Meeting new people and building a community.

• Supporting the cost of education

• Learning different skills

• Building resume

• Exploring careers

Does working while Studying Affect Your Grades?

Any student might be concerned about how working while studying could affect your grades and educational functioning. You might think you won’t have enough time to study, or you will be too exhausted to study after work.

But you will be surprised to hear that studies show working 10-15 hours a week wouldn’t affect your grades. In fact, students who work on campus are more likely to persist in their studies. 

Trying to handle your work and your studies gives you a sense of discipline and enhances your time management skills!

Types Of Student Employment

Now that we have learned about the importance of student employment, let’s dive a little deeper and understand the different types of student employment.

On-Campus Student Employment

If you are into on-campus student employment, you have two options: federal work-study and non-work-study

Federal Work-Study

Federal work-study is a need-based aid program that gives eligible students a chance to work on campus so they can earn money for their educational expenses and, at the same time, pursue their studies during the fall and spring semesters.

You need to remember that federal work-study is quite similar to your federal loans; you need to accept it to use it. So, it is better to make sure you have accepted your work-study award first.

The great news is that work-study aid is unique since it does not pay to your student account. It means that the whole process will be treated like a regular job. You need to apply and be hired in order to have access to this part of your aid.

The wages are paid directly to you, so even though it is a part of your aid package, it is treated like a typical job. Therefore, the money is yours, and you can decide how to spend it!

Non-work-study

Non-work-study refers to jobs that are not federal work-study and are usually very beneficial for international students.

Off-Campus Study Employment

Let’s speak about Seattle University and the opportunities it provides for students as an example.

State Work-study

State work-study is a Washington state aid program, and it gives Washington State residents with financial needs an opportunity to work off-campus. 

A notable difference between federal work-study and state work-study is that state work-study students are paid by organizations and not the university. This provides students with a chance to get direct career experience.

How Many Hours Are Students Allowed To Work?

Students are allowed to work from 15 to 20 hours per week in a student employment or federal work-study job. 12 to 15 hours of weekly work is advised to help you balance your academic life and workload.

Three Best Tips To Get On-Campus Jobs

Seniors

Your seniors can help you get a job on campus or even find out what kind of jobs are beneficial based on your preferences. Many of your seniors might be working in the cafeterias, assisting professors, etc. So, feel free to connect with them and benefit from their experiences.

Professors

Students usually don’t try to communicate with their professors as much as they should. Remember to reach out to your professors and tell them about your abilities and show your enthusiasm. They can help you get interviews or, even better, get you a job!

Participate In Activities And Involve On Campus

Participating in the university’s events and activities makes people notice you. Speak up, show your classmates and professors what you are capable of, and create a network. Don’t hide in the shadows!

FAQ

What Is Work-Study Funding?

Work-study funding is based on a student’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information. Students can see if they have been awarded work-study through their financial aid offer. The work-study funding system is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Is Work-Study Funding A Guarantee Of Student Employment? 

No, Work-study funding is not a guarantee of student employment. Each student will have to apply for the position they are interested in and go through the hiring process. However, if a student hasn’t been awarded work study, they are still allowed to work on campus.

What If I Don’t Have a FWS Award?

If you don’t have a FWS award, you have nothing to be worried about. There are multiple non-work-study on-campus jobs you can apply to. However, if you believe you need a FWS award, or if you want to know why you don’t have one, feel free to reach out to your university and ask them for clarification.

Do You Have To Utilize Federal Work-Study Award?

No, you are not obligated to utilize the funds if you do not want to seek employment.

Is State Work-Study In Seattle University Only Available For Washington Residents?

Yes, state work-study is only for Washington residents. You have to meet specific residency requirements since this is a Washington state aid program. However, there are multiple organizations that don’t necessarily participate in state work-study programs that you could work with.

Last Words

College life can be very challenging. But it is crucial to learn how to grow into a more mature person through those challenges and let them shape a fantastic person.

From my own personal point of view, I have to admit that working at the same time, studying is a crucial experience for any student because it provides them with the opportunity to find what they like, make connections, learn responsibilities, and gain more experience.

As we mentioned, with a good schedule and plan, you don’t have to worry about not keeping up with the lessons and classes. Working 10-15 hours a week won’t affect your grades.

I encourage every student to apply for student employment and use this fantastic opportunity to step into a bigger world!