It’s no secret that going to college is expensive. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t have some extra money to go out with your friends on occasion! 

Not only do on-campus jobs help cover students’ living expenses throughout the semester, but they also provide undergraduate students with valuable work experiences and even potential job references. It’s also important to mention that, due to visa requirements, for many international students, working on campus may be their only option for employment. 

Of course, there are lots of ways to find college funding, including applying for financial aid and scholarships. On-campus jobs are a great resource for students who need a little extra money to cover living expenses throughout the semester. 

In this article, we will review some of the most common jobs for students on campus, as well as the many perks of working on campus. So if you have questions related to student employment, such as “how much do on-campus jobs pay?” and “are on-campus jobs worth it?” read on to find out! 

Why on-campus jobs are great for college students

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of working on campus versus off campus. That said, what are some of the benefits of working on campus? There are lots of reasons why on-campus jobs are so highly sought after. Let’s take a look at some of them:

  • Short commute
  • More flexible hours
  • Meeting new people on campus
  • The ability to work on homework during downtime
  • Gaining work experience and potential job references

What does “work-study” mean?

Your financial aid package may include a “federal work-study ” component. If your college offers work-study positions, this means that your college participates in a program where federal funding is used to pay students’ hourly wages to complete various on-campus jobs. 

It is important to note that work-study jobs are reserved for students with demonstrated financial need. This is why it is important to understand your financial aid package and whether or not you qualify for work-study positions. 

How to find an on-campus job

Now, let’s review how to get a job on campus. Although on-campus jobs are usually pretty competitive, knowing how to apply for an on-campus job is usually pretty straightforward. 

Most likely, your school will have some sort of online database for student employment. You may also find on-campus jobs for students advertised on good old-fashioned bulletin boards, so keep an eye out! Email or visit the Career Center if student employment opportunities are not explicitly explained to you. Depending on your goals and interests, you may also want to reach out to your professors directly, especially if you are interested in working for a specific academic department.

One of the most important things to keep in mind about how to get on-campus jobs is that there won’t be any jobs on campus for students mid-semester or mid-year. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and send out your applications early!

Common on-campus jobs to consider

So what are on-campus jobs? There are lots of opportunities for student employment on college campuses. Let’s take a look at some common on-campus jobs.

Barista

College is often a caffeine-fueled endeavor, so coffee shops are a must! If you love coffee and are eager to socialize and meet new people, working as a barista might be the gig for you. In addition to being a very social job, baristas often get free drinks — which can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re addicted to coffee. 

Library attendant

Library jobs are usually pretty competitive. They provide you with lots of great training and transferable job skills. They are also a great way to get your foot in the door if you are interested in studying library science. Not to mention they offer a great environment for studying during downtime. 

Administrative assistant

Administrative assistant jobs offer valuable training and lots of transferable job skills. Check-in with different departments for various student employment opportunities.

Tutor

If you excel in a certain subject, you may want to consider academic tutoring. Tutors are often needed in foreign language labs and writing centers. Visit the Career Center to see what opportunities exist at your school.

Campus tour guide

Students with stellar communication skills and lots of school spirit tend to do well in this position. Guide prospective students throughout campus while sharing colorful stories and helpful tips and resources. 

Mail room attendant

Another fairly social job. Also, a great way to work on homework during downtime!

Research assistant

Great for students studying science who are eager to gain research experience. Research assistant positions are more common in grad school but each school is different so be sure to check in and see what opportunities are available to you.

Gym attendant

Gym attendants check student IDs and make sure equipment is kept clean and that students don’t wear their “street shoes” into the facilities. If you typically spend a lot of time in the gym, this might be a good way to make some money (and some friends!). 

Resident assistant (RA)

Resident assistants organize social activities and offer student support within their dorms in exchange for room and board. If you enjoy helping younger students and are social by nature, this might be the gig for you!

Event caterer

Lots of students work for dining services. Sometimes this involves event catering. Not only is this a great way to make money, but it’s also a great experience for students interested in the restaurant industry and event planning.

Preparing your resume and cover letter

Many students get their first job in college. Oftentimes this is an on-campus job. This is why it is important to know what to expect, especially during the hiring process. 

You will need to know how to write an on-campus job cover letter and familiarize yourself with common on-campus job interview questions, in addition to knowing how to write an incredible entry-level resume. You may even consider using a professional resume maker and reviewing several on-campus job resume examples to help you get started. 

In general, use clear, concise, and professional language — in your resume, cover letter, and job interview. Avoid slang and informal language. Speak (and write) honestly about your strengths and express how the position you are applying for will help you reach your goals for the future. 

Entry-level job skills to include on your resume

Here is a list of entry-level job skills you may want to highlight during your job application process, especially if this will be your first experience in the workforce:

  • Time Management
  • Organization Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Responsibility
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Creativity
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • Communication skills
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Active Listening
  • Decision Making

Key takeaways and moving forward

Working on campus benefits are pretty extensive. Not only do you enjoy a short commute and flexible working hours, but you also receive valuable work experience, and opportunities to network, and may even gain some job references for your future endeavors. 

While landing any sort of on-campus job is sure to enrich your college experience, reflect thoughtfully on what positions may help you reach some of your long-term career goals. For instance, if you’re interested in starting your own business, working as an administrative assistant may help you develop stellar planning and organizational skills. Similarly, if you’re interested in becoming a librarian, you may want to seek out a job at the library. 

Take a moment to reflect on your long-term career goals and ask yourself what sort of skills would help you best succeed. Then seek out employment opportunities that incorporate these skills. Applying for a job for the first time can feel overwhelming. If you feel like you could benefit from professional guidance, reach out to learn more about our services

Earning a promotion and assuming new workplace responsibilities can feel overwhelming, regardless of how qualified you are. It’s natural to feel nervous. After all, you haven’t done it before and it can be difficult to know what to expect. This is why cultivating greater workplace confidence is so important after earning a promotion. 

A new job promotion means navigating a new workplace dynamic, complete with new bosses and coworkers. So how do you step into your new role while engaging meaningfully with your new coworkers? How can you gain respect and assert yourself without gaining criticism? 

In this article, we will provide key insights, tips, and strategies for building confidence in the workplace as you navigate your new workplace dynamics, post promotion. 

What is a job promotion?

To start, what is a job promotion? And what’s the difference between a promotion vs a new position? Let’s take a quick look at how promotions work: A promotion involves a new title, a new set of responsibilities, and a raise. 

If you get a new title or take on new responsibilities, but don’t receive a raise, you have a new position, not a promotion. This is known as a “lateral job move.” In some cases, a new position is truly what’s best for you and your company. That said, it’s important to know how to advocate for yourself and know how to ask for a raise when necessary. 

If you are taking on new workplace responsibilities and roles, you likely deserve a raise. Confidence in the workplace can help you advocate for your needs and ensure you are compensated fairly for your work. 

What to do when you get a promotion

After you get a promotion, observe your new working environment carefully. Ask yourself questions such as: Who works well together? How are decisions made? How do people interact with one another? What are communication standards? 

You want to be a good team player and contribute meaningfully toward your company’s goals. Ultimately this is why it’s important to understand the existing workplace dynamics. It may also be helpful to understand the meaning of a culture-fit workplace and to actively reflect on whether or not your new role embodies your personal and professional values. 

While it’s important to be respectful of existing team dynamics, it’s equally important to try your best to be taken seriously and be treated as an equal, not as an assistant. It may take time for your new coworkers to see and treat you as an equal. If this is the case, be patient and respectful while consistently communicating your boundaries. Do not let other people delegate their work to you just because you are new. 

How you interact with your new coworkers will be crucial for garnering respect and cultivating a collaborative working environment. Take extra care to

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demonstrate confidence and respect, especially during your first weeks and months in your new role. Take time to formally, or informally, touch base with your new coworkers. Ask them about the existing team dynamics, what you should know, and how you can best be of assistance. Do your best to communicate that you are a team player.

How to build confidence in the workplace

Adjusting to a new workplace role requires increasing confidence levels. There are lots of steps you can take to help settle into your new position and gain workplace confidence. Start by actively engaging in self-reflection and setting professional goals. 

Reflect thoughtfully on your existing job skills. What are your natural strengths and talents? Where could you improve? Could you benefit from learning a new skill? You may even consider seeking out career coaching and counseling services as you grapple with these questions. 

Having clear short-term and long-term goals will give you a greater sense of purpose and direction in your career. It will also help you navigate any transitions in your career, such as settling into a new promotion, with more grace, ease, and professionalism. Meeting goals, even small ones, naturally boosts confidence. So focus on completing manageable goals that are tailored to your strengths during the first few months in your new position.

Newly promoted workers often have a plan for their first 90 days in their new position. This is a good practice to follow. Keep up your forward momentum by consistently rising to challenges and taking clear, actionable steps towards your goals. Not only will this boost your self-confidence but it will also foster greater workplace confidence in your leadership capabilities. 

Steps to increase workplace confidence

So how do you gain confidence at work? Consider some of these tips and strategies to help you transition into your new role with grace and professionalism:

  • Make a list of clear short-term and long-term goals
  • Focus on tangible goals and developing new skills
  • Engage in professional development opportunities
  • Observe your new workplace dynamics
  • Periodically reflect on your progress and goals
  • Reflect on your professional strengths and weaknesses
  • Focus on the needs of the team

  • Reflect on your past successes

  • Seek out informal feedback from your peers

Communicating with confidence in the workplace

Confidence in the workplace is key when you step into your new work role. Ideally, you want to inspire confidence. And the best way to do that is to speak with confidence. 

Do your best to practice good posture. Sit tall and stand up straight. Don’t slouch. Make eye contact. You may even want to start dressing more professionally. This will help you remember to communicate, verbally and nonverbally, with more confidence and professionalism. 

Always approach your coworkers with respect and humility. Yes, your ideas are important and there is a reason why you were promoted. But being promoted doesn’t place you above the team. Ideally, you want to be well-liked and respected. The best way to accomplish this is by practicing clear and considerate communication. While you certainly do not want to appear arrogant, you also do not want to be treated as an assistant. 

Key takeaways and moving forward

Earning a new promotion can feel both exciting and intimidating. It’s okay if your confidence wavers initially. Confidence typically comes in waves and cycles. Just don’t let it take too much of your attention. Remember, you earned this promotion — which means that people believe you are capable of completing your new tasks and responsibilities. 

If you are struggling to regain your footing and continue your upward momentum, reflect on your past successes and your natural talents and strengths. Make clear, manageable goals for yourself. Seek informal feedback from your peers. Focus on the needs of the team and demonstrate your willingness to collaborate. Remember, you earned this promotion and people believe in your ability to succeed. 

Take a moment to congratulate yourself on your recent success. Then make a plan for continuing to move forward in your career. If you feel like you could benefit from career coaching or counseling, reach out to learn more about our services.