Work? Study?

How would you like to gain valuable work experience without leaving campus? Work-study students not only make a much-needed paycheck, they also benefit from an interactive work experience and jump-start their careers even before graduation.

The premise of work-study is simple: Students who need or want to work are offered various positions the school needs to fill. Eligibility for the Federal Work-Study Program is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and according to your financial need. However, most colleges and universities also offer additional work-study programs, which allow non-need-based students who want to work gain employment on campus.

Generally, you must apply for campus-based positions before the beginning of the school year through your school’s financial aid or student employment office. Available positions can include office assistant, department aide, lab assistant, child-care worker and campus safety officer.

“Our students work in every office on the campus, plus the gym, bookstore, day care center, labs, library, security, nature center, public broadcasting, TV and tutoring,“ says Nancy Vanzetta, director of financial aid at Finger Lakes Community College in New York. Many schools will even offer a small amount of paying community service jobs to interested students. Some work-study jobs even offer extra hours during school breaks and vacations, allowing students to work full time and save up.

Pay rates may vary according to the college and the position desired. The great thing about work-study paychecks is that they don’t usually influence your financial aid package in upcoming years, whereas off-campus jobs often will.

“Any funds earned do not come back to haunt them on their next aid application,” explains Vanzetta. “If they earned the same money off-campus, they could decrease their eligibility for aid the next time around.”

But that paycheck is only the beginning of the vast array of benefits work-study offers. “Work-study is a great résumé builder,” says Ramona Cornell, coordinator of student employment at SUNY Binghamton in New York. “Each May, there is an enormous amount of intelligent and qualified [new grads] looking for a small amount of jobs. The person who has worked while in college will generally get the job over the person who hasn‘t.”

Therefore, a campus position can make you more marketable to future employers, graduate schools and even potential scholarships. A campus job will teach you to be a functional, skilled employee and

give you the chance to learn a great work ethic.

The atmosphere is often more informal than a full-time job‘s, so you can learn from other students and your employer. ”Many employers form lasting bonds with their student employees,” says Cornell. ”They offer students valuable encouragement and advice.” It‘s not uncommon for employers to keep reliable students for all four years of college.

Employers can also offer valuable references when students move on, as well as invaluable networking opportunities with potential employers. You might even find an on-campus job related to your major, which gives you an opportunity to glance inside the field and determine whether it is, in fact, what you would like to do for the rest of your life.

Work-study participants are also more likely to do well academically. “Students who work tend to acquire better time-management skills, which help them balance their schedules and handle the rigorous academic curriculum,” Cornell explains.

Of course, it‘s important that work responsibilities don‘t interfere with your education—there is such a thing as working too much while in college. To avoid burnout and decreased academic performance, most work-study positions offer around 10 to 20 hours of work per week. This method keeps students in check, whereas off-campus jobs are less likely to take into consideration students’ primary academic responsibilities.

Work-study jobs also offer students a safe place to go, a place to belong. “Student employees often become a part of the office or community where they work,” Cornell says.

“The student has one more place to make friends and gain responsibility,” agrees Vanzetta. “Some students that are away from home for the first time need the adult companionship.”

If you would like to participate in a work-study program, follow these considerations:

Apply early. ”Students who take care of their job applications early are more likely to get a job,” says Cornell.  Most positions are matched up to employees on a first-come, first-served basis, although employers often have a chance to request specific students at the beginning of the school year.

Be professional. “Treat the job the same as you would a full-time job,” advises Vanzetta. “Have respect for your supervisor, and do the best that you can.” This is, after all, the beginning of your career, and you should treat it in a diligent and professional manner. Be sure to keep a courteous and positive attitude with your employer, fellow employees and anyone else you encounter during your workday.

Follow the rules. Whether you‘ll be working in an office, lab or other environment, do your homework about employee policies and regulations. Never assume. Ask about dress codes, time cards, lunch and break policies as soon as you get a job.

If you don’t like the job, say something. “If the job or the supervisor doesn’t work out, come back and talk to us, don‘t just stop going,” warns Vanzetta. ”We would rather switch the student to another job than lose them.”

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