Is an On-Campus Job Right for You?
Author: Lorin Harris
Read Time: 6 Minutes
Introduction
College extends beyond just academics at Penn State. The school is renowned for its wide range of options of extracurriculars, service engagements, athletics and more. A school so big is powered by many employees, and oftentimes there is space for students to work as part of that. Having a campus job is an option that some students choose to pursue, and some don’t. When I was contemplating a campus job, there were a few aspects I was wary of. It’s true that there are rewards and costs to working for the university, and it’s important to remember that jobs can be different and have different nuances despite being a Penn State position. Keep reading to dive into this further!
Types of Student Jobs
Most student jobs are part-time employment, meaning 10 hours a week is usually a steady max number of hours. The job description will specify if it’s part time or temporary--10 hours equates to about a 3 credit class. Federal work study also provides part-time jobs for students with financial aid needs, allowing them to earn money to assist in education expenses. Usually the programs encourage some sort of community service work or work related to the student’s major or study interests. Because these Research positions in labs can sometimes also count as a student job if they’re paid. Not all of them are, and many are volunteer or class-credit based so it’s important to check. Research positions are often very flexible in hours and up to the discretion of the lead investigator and lab staff, so it’s similar to part-time job hour commitments.
Finding Jobs
Jobs are advertised differently all over campus depending on the position and employer, but a large database that students can access to search all positions and filter them to their needs is Workday. This is one of the most helpful resources in the campus job search, as it compiles everything that is available with thorough job descriptions. Students can also apply for jobs through the site directly.
Places to Work on Campus
Campus recreation employs thousands of students and is a great opportunity to earn leadership and work skills through the university. Students have options to work in athletic facilities and explore options like teaching sports classes, working as trainers, operating desks and facilities and more. Read more about it here.
Food services also employs many students, and there are opportunities to work across all dining halls on campus as a “LiveOn” employee. Baristas, cooks, and cashiers are amongst many of the positions students can funnel into through the dining web.
Residence Life has employment opportunities for students as well, usually as RAs--which is more of a time commitment and has unique applications and interview processes in comparison to most student jobs.
The HUB hires many students to work in the facility as student event staff members, information desk/management, student activities workers and more. They offer a variety of flexible options including work study, as well as specialized training for different roles. Read more about it here https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/student-employment.
The PSU library also sometimes hires students to work at their information desks, as library assistants and with student events. Some roles may be specific to certain majors or require training on the library systems, so be on the lookout for that information when searching!Positions within specific colleges, departments and majors vary and require some searching, but there are opportunities for jobs within them. Different centers throughout PSU, like Bank of America, the Chaiken Center, Study Abroad, The Business Career center and more all hire students for different roles. It can be things like student advisers, peer coaches, professional development and leadership roles, all the way to more office-based management, information desk staff, assistants, secretaries, etc. Specific majors, like Psychology for example, have different entities like the Herr clinic or internships with the counseling center. Even athletics departments (depending on your major and qualifications) hire students as paid-interns for photography, journalism, communications and more. Organizations within the school like New Student Orientation teams and summer tour guides are also opportunities to work part-time for the college through Student Affairs.
Pay Rates
Pay rates differ by job type and employer. Like most minimum-wage or part time jobs, they usually fall anywhere from $10, $12 and $15 per hour. A research assistant or TA might have set wages at $10 an hour, whereas something with more training like a peer adviser or peer success coach might have higher rates like $15.
Flexibility and Commitment
As expected, every on-campus job has different requirements and varying levels of how much commitment is needed, and how much flexibility is allowed. When working as a student, the difference between an on campus-job and a local job not associated with the college is that they know you are a student first. I have found employers more willing and likely to be flexible with hours and scheduling when they see you as a student first and prioritize academics. When working for the college, your employment runs the course with your student status as well--unless there are specifications, it’s likely your work schedule will follow the school calendar schedule. It’s important to research what kind of hours your desired employment role is open for and how that aligns with your schedule--for example, the dining halls are open later in the evening so you may be expected to work shifts at night. On the other hand, if you work for a building on campus that is only open 9-5pm, you know your hours will never extend beyond that unless there is an event or special circumstance.
Conclusion
Like many opportunities students have at Penn State, an on-campus job can be a great experience if it feels like a right fit for you. Utilize your student databases and reach out to employers to see if the job is something you are able to do.
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