Boost Your College Experience with Work-Study

Work-study is a part-time employment program created for college students to help them earn money for tuition, personal expenses, or both. While balancing a work-study job alongside studying at college can be challenging,  the experience gained from these positions can play a key role in your future career and personal development. 

Prepare for Your Future

Working with grounds and facilities maintenance is one type of work-study.

Work-study can help you develop a strong work ethic and time-management skills. It’s also great to add to your resume when applying to future jobs and internships!

Balancing work and academics teaches you how to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. These are qualities that employers look for in potential employees. 

Expand Your Professional Network 

Work-study can be a great place to expand your professional network. Working on campus allows you to interact with other students, faculty, and staff whom you might not have met otherwise. These interactions can expand your horizons and lead to meaningful connections which can help you develop your future career.  

Learn Outside the Classroom

One of the most significant advantages of a work-study position is that it allows you to develop professional knowledge and experience beyond the classroom. Work-study jobs can help you build a variety of skills, from customer service and teamwork to problem-solving and leadership.

Connect with College Resources

Work-study positions often come with access to a variety of campus resources, providing skills that can help you tackle daily life challenges as a college student. For example, working at the technology help desk can equip you with knowledge to assist friends with their computer-related questions. Additionally, these positions often make you more aware of campus resources, allowing you to guide your peers when they need help.

Shape Your College Experience Beyond Your Major

One work-study job type is marketing and communications, including photography.

As a student who’s been a part of work-study programs since I started college, I have had a lot of opportunities to explore various roles on campus. I’ve worked in dining services, marketing, and financial services. Each of these jobs has provided me with different perspectives and diverse social interactions that have shaped my college experience.

One of the most significant benefits of my work-study positions has been the opportunity to develop skills outside of my major. For example, working in the marketing department has equipped me with the ability to write press releases and blog posts–skills I wouldn’t have gained only through my coursework. This role has allowed me to explore a different field, broaden my skills, and expand my social circle by meeting new people in this field. 

Overall, my work-study experiences have significantly enriched my time in college. They have provided me with practical skills, professional knowledge and connections, and a deeper understanding of campus life. Although they are challenging at times, I have grown a lot as a person, learning how to work with others and be productive.

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