Where And How Should Students Look For Jobs Once On Campus?

It's freshman year, and you’re entering your first-year dorm filled with anticipation after a day of attending classes at your dream university. Midterms loom on the horizon and you’re not looking forward to the upcoming all nighters at the college library that lay ahead of you. The thought of it dampens your spirits, day after day. You have prepared for these tests to the best that you can, however, you find yourself yearning for something more. There is a missing piece, to say the least. You just can’t put your finger on it, just yet. What could it be? You wonder as a multitude of possibilities come to mind.

Perhaps you aspire to achieve financial independence at a young age, eager to lend a helping hand to your parents with tuition and personal expenses. Haven't they already done so much for you? Wouldn't this newfound responsibility be deeply fulfilling?

Or maybe you yearn to bridge the gap between theory and practice, to apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world situations, improving your chances of employability going forward.

Perhaps, you crave meaningful connections and networking opportunities. The desire to engage with esteemed faculty, staff, and other professionals on campus fuels your curiosity. You long to immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, knowing that these connections can pave the way for mentorship, references, and exciting future prospects.

In your quest for answers, a revelation dawns upon you: on-campus jobs hold the key. These opportunities offer more than just a means of financial support or a chance to gain work experience. They unlock a world of personal growth, professional development, and unparalleled campus engagement. However, through it all, it is important to remember to strike a balance between your academic responsibilities and work commitments. Prioritising your studies while successfully managing your work obligations will enable you to excel in both domains.

How do I go about acquiring an on-campus job? You may ask. The suggested steps below should help you in your search for that job.

Research Available Opportunities

Once you’ve understood your way around and assimilated to freshman year, the first step you should take in your course to find an on-campus job is to explore the university student website or the student employment office's website. This will help you identify the on-campus job opportunities readily available at that time. Through this, you will come across a range of positions in libraries, administrative offices, research labs, student services, dining services, or campus organisations.

Utilise Career Services

Once you’ve identified the area of employment you’re interested in, you should visit your university's career services centre or student employment office for additional assistance. They will provide guidance, resources, and job listings specifically tailored to your interested on-campus employment. Furthermore, they may also have a database or job board where you can find other positions, filter them out and reach out to the employers of the positions that may be of interest to you.

Network and Inquire

Another way to gather first-hand information on available job opportunities is by directly reaching out to professors, academic advisors, upperclassmen, or student organisation leaders. Once you’ve formed a connection, you can inquire about any available on-campus job openings in their individual fields. They might have connections or be aware of opportunities that are not widely advertised on campus.

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Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Before beginning your search for on-campus jobs, you should spend some time preparing a well-crafted resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and interests. Even as a freshman, emphasise any past work experience, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or academic achievements that demonstrate your abilities and commitment. This will come in handy, as the employers will gain an understanding of your practical skills beyond the classroom and academics, helping them gauge whether you’re a good fit for the job or not.

Apply for Positions

Once you have identified job openings, carefully follow each step in the application instructions provided. Submit your application materials, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional required documents, by the mentioned deadline. Make note of any specific requirements or qualifications mentioned in the job posting, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and then submit the application. This will save valuable time for both you and the employer.

Prepare for Interviews

If you are selected for an interview, take the time to research the position and the department or organisation you are applying to. Speak to current student employees or past student employees to understand the job profile better and what it takes. Prepare answers to common interview questions and practice articulating your skills and experiences. Don’t forget to be yourself, dress professionally and arrive on time for the interview!

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Follow Up

After submitting your application or completing an interview, don’t be anxious. Be patient and wait for 3-5 business days before expecting a response. You can consider sending a gentle follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position and gratitude for the opportunity to apply or interview. This can demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Remember, start your search early and be persistent. You may receive rejections, but those come with the learning process. Be open to different types of positions and consider your skills, interests and academic schedule when choosing jobs to pursue. There is only scope for growth by taking on an on-campus job. It gives you a platform to gain valuable experience, build strong connections with like-minded individuals and earn financial support during your college years. All in all, college is a transformative period and it is essential to find a balance between academics and exploring other interests. Don’t fret, enjoy the journey and make the most of this exciting chapter in your life! Good luck!

The author is a college admissions counsellor specialising in undergraduate applications for students aiming to study in the US, UK, and Canada. With a strong background in Business Economics, Nikita completed her undergraduate education at Bentley University in Waltham, MA. Currently serving as a Manager at OnCourse, she offers guidance to students navigating the complex world of higher education admissions.

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