Student Employment - Financial Aid

Studies have shown that students who work while in college have, on average, better grades than those who do not work. Working while in college also:

• Helps you become more organized.
• Tests and helps you develop your work skills and knowledge.
• Helps you learn more about your community.
• Teaches you valuable work habits.
• Allows you to explore different career options.
• Provides you with important references for future jobs and/or graduate school.

Federal Work-Study(FWS) is a type of financial aid that encourages college students to engage in part time employment while attending college. To qualify for FWS, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate on it that you are interested in FWS, demonstrate financial need through the results of your FAFSA, and meet the satisfactory and measurable progress standards. FWS is not directly applied to your bill, but is paid in a biweekly check based on hours worked and level of hourly wage.

There are a number of opportunities for students who do not qualify for a FWS award. Some of the departments on campus do not require students to have a FWS award. Students who do not have a FWS award can also work off campus and make themselves available for employment through Career Services’ online job tool, Handshake.

Follow these simple steps:

• Check the Career Services Bulletin Board (JOB Board) in the hall outside of Career Services (3502 C.B. Hedgcock) OR
• Check out Career Services online.
• Contact the departments that interest you to see if they have any job openings (not all departments post their positions with Career Services).
• Fill out an on-campus employment application form.
• Complete any hiring process that the department requires (i.e. filling out an application, taking a typing test, interviewing, etc.).

Summer Orientation also provides incoming students with an opportunity to explore on-campus employment before they arrive in the fall. Make sure to check your orientation packet when you visit this summer.

Take advantage of Career Services. They keep and/or provide:

• An up-to-date list of jobs available on campus.
• Lists of jobs available off campus.
• Lists of people interested in childcare, tutoring, handyperson work, or office work.
• A temporary pool for those students who only want occasional work.
• Many valuable services to help you later in your career (i.e., internships, full-time job assistance, workshops, etc.).