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Isaiah
Student
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Is it recommended to take on-campus jobs during College?
I'm an undergraduate, and I'm trying to prepare for some job experience during or preferably before college. With that being said, I recently found out that most Colleges in the U.S offer on-campus jobs. I thought this would be a perfect way to gain experience in the workforce, considering it's easily accessible. Should I try to find a job before then, and do it part-time, while also doing an on-campus job?
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11 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
If you are going to take an on campus job, then I would look into the possibility of doing Work Study. Work-study programs are highly recommended because they are designed specifically to support your academic program, rather than just provide a weekly paycheck.
There are many reasons why work-study jobs are beneficial, which include:
* Flexible Scheduling: Employers (the college or university), are typically required to prioritize your education, meaning they must schedule work hours around your classes and exams.
* Financial Aid Protection: Unlike traditional jobs, earnings from federal work-study do not count against you as income when filing the FAFSA for the following year, which helps preserve your eligibility for other need-based aid (like grants, scholarships etc..).
* Convenience: Most positions are located on campus, eliminating the need for a commute and making it easier to fit work shifts between classes.
* Professional Experience: Many roles can be related to your field of study or provide community service opportunities, allowing you to build a work history and resume and network with faculty and staff.
* Reduced Student Debt: By providing a way to earn money for daily expenses, work-study helps reduce the amount you may need to borrow in student loans.
* Academic Achievement and Success: The students who work a moderate number of hours (typically 10–20 per week) often perform better academically because they develop stronger time management skills and feel more connected to the campus community.
So, if you can work on the campus, work study is the preferred program.
There are many reasons why work-study jobs are beneficial, which include:
* Flexible Scheduling: Employers (the college or university), are typically required to prioritize your education, meaning they must schedule work hours around your classes and exams.
* Financial Aid Protection: Unlike traditional jobs, earnings from federal work-study do not count against you as income when filing the FAFSA for the following year, which helps preserve your eligibility for other need-based aid (like grants, scholarships etc..).
* Convenience: Most positions are located on campus, eliminating the need for a commute and making it easier to fit work shifts between classes.
* Professional Experience: Many roles can be related to your field of study or provide community service opportunities, allowing you to build a work history and resume and network with faculty and staff.
* Reduced Student Debt: By providing a way to earn money for daily expenses, work-study helps reduce the amount you may need to borrow in student loans.
* Academic Achievement and Success: The students who work a moderate number of hours (typically 10–20 per week) often perform better academically because they develop stronger time management skills and feel more connected to the campus community.
So, if you can work on the campus, work study is the preferred program.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I would highly recommend getting an on campus job if that is an option for you. I stayed in the dorms for a year and my job was literally about 30 feet away from where I live lived. In addition, they are going to be very understanding that you are in school and work around your class schedule.
Thanks! Will do!
Isaiah
Matthew Forlenza
22
Answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
A job on or off campus is a great way to start to get the taste for work life and potentially one that may match your degree; you may have a better shot on that with the on-campus job or getting the job through the school; think internships
Be careful in taking on too much; you do not want to get burnt out and impact your classes, you will have many years ahead of full time work
Be careful in taking on too much; you do not want to get burnt out and impact your classes, you will have many years ahead of full time work
Thanks a lot for your perspective!
Isaiah
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
On-campus jobs are a fantastic choice! They provide flexible hours, convenience, and valuable experience. Here's some friendly advice:
Consider on-campus jobs to gain experience, enhance your resume, and make connections. If you can, start with a part-time job before college to get a head start, but make sure not to overwhelm yourself—your studies are important.
Once in college, focus on jobs on campus because they fit well with student schedules and might align with your interests or major. Remember, balance is crucial. Don't take on too much; your academics should always be a priority.
In short, on-campus jobs are a smart and easy way to gain experience. Go for it, but be sure to manage your time well!
Consider on-campus jobs to gain experience, enhance your resume, and make connections. If you can, start with a part-time job before college to get a head start, but make sure not to overwhelm yourself—your studies are important.
Once in college, focus on jobs on campus because they fit well with student schedules and might align with your interests or major. Remember, balance is crucial. Don't take on too much; your academics should always be a priority.
In short, on-campus jobs are a smart and easy way to gain experience. Go for it, but be sure to manage your time well!
I appreciate your support, Roel!
Isaiah
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
505
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Isaiah,
Getting a job on campus is a great way to gain work experience. Many students find these jobs to be a perfect fit because they are flexible with class schedules, there's no commute, and employers know you're a student first. Whether you should work before college, during college, or both depends on your situation and priorities. If you need money or want to build your resume, working part-time in your senior year of high school can help you learn good work habits and skills. However, be careful not to take on too much by working both before college and during your first semester. College is a big change, and you'll need time to adjust. It might be better to find an on-campus job after you settle in during the first few weeks. On-campus employers are usually very understanding of student schedules and exam times. If you want work experience, focus on it during high school, then switch to an on-campus job in college. Balance is key: work experience is important, but not at the cost of your grades, health, or college life. Try to work only 10-15 hours a week during the school year. Also, internships and hands-on learning might be more beneficial than regular part-time jobs as you move through college.
Getting a job on campus is a great way to gain work experience. Many students find these jobs to be a perfect fit because they are flexible with class schedules, there's no commute, and employers know you're a student first. Whether you should work before college, during college, or both depends on your situation and priorities. If you need money or want to build your resume, working part-time in your senior year of high school can help you learn good work habits and skills. However, be careful not to take on too much by working both before college and during your first semester. College is a big change, and you'll need time to adjust. It might be better to find an on-campus job after you settle in during the first few weeks. On-campus employers are usually very understanding of student schedules and exam times. If you want work experience, focus on it during high school, then switch to an on-campus job in college. Balance is key: work experience is important, but not at the cost of your grades, health, or college life. Try to work only 10-15 hours a week during the school year. Also, internships and hands-on learning might be more beneficial than regular part-time jobs as you move through college.
Great points. Thanks for sharing!
Isaiah
Brandon Barkoff, CPA, CAIA
Senior Director of Corporate Strategy
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
When I was in college, I worked in Intramural Sports to earn some extra money. It turned out to be a great way to build skills. I started as a basketball and flag football referee and eventually became a supervisor. This role helped me land my first full-time job after graduation.
While off-campus jobs might pay more, they often offer less flexibility with your student schedule. Consider looking for on-campus jobs. They're a great way to earn money, gain experience, and meet people with similar interests. Start by finding opportunities that interest you and apply for positions that fit well with your skills and schedule.
While off-campus jobs might pay more, they often offer less flexibility with your student schedule. Consider looking for on-campus jobs. They're a great way to earn money, gain experience, and meet people with similar interests. Start by finding opportunities that interest you and apply for positions that fit well with your skills and schedule.
Thanks for the help.
Isaiah
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
95
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is really smart of you to be looking for ways to build your resume before you even step foot on campus, and honestly, on-campus jobs are one of the best-kept secrets for a successful college experience. These roles are usually super convenient because your supervisors are typically university staff who completely understand that you are a student first, so they tend to be much more flexible with your schedule during midterms or finals compared to a typical off-campus boss. While it is tempting to want to stack up as much experience as possible by working both a part-time job and a campus job, you should be careful not to overextend yourself right away because the jump in academic workload from high school to college can be pretty intense. Many students find that working about ten to fifteen hours a week is the sweet spot where they can earn some cash and gain professional skills without their grades starting to slip. If you really want to get a head start, you could try finding a seasonal job or a small part-time role now to get some basic customer service or office skills under your belt, and then transition strictly to an on-campus job once your first semester starts to see how you handle the transition. You have clearly got a great work ethic and that drive is going to serve you so well throughout your degree and beyond. You are going to do great things and I am rooting for you to find that perfect balance. Good luck.
Your advice was so helpful!
Isaiah
Eugene Dvorochkin
Information / cyber security
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Eugene’s Answer
Any professional experience is a pro, especially when you are first starting out. Many people think they need to start getting internships in the field they want to eventually work, and while that would be ideal, its much harder to get. Or you may not even know what career you want in the future.
So having any work experience is still powerful, as you still get to learn many important skills such as communication, planning, following instruction, personal skills, etc. For instance I had a summer job in college working in a small office doing bill collection calls and filing as I was unable to get an internship in technology / information management. And after I graduated I still ended up getting a role in a consulting firm doing cybersecurity as I hoped to.
So all of that to say, yes any experience in any type of job would be a positive including on-campus. Its all about what you gain from the experience and how you evolve yourself through different roles.
So having any work experience is still powerful, as you still get to learn many important skills such as communication, planning, following instruction, personal skills, etc. For instance I had a summer job in college working in a small office doing bill collection calls and filing as I was unable to get an internship in technology / information management. And after I graduated I still ended up getting a role in a consulting firm doing cybersecurity as I hoped to.
So all of that to say, yes any experience in any type of job would be a positive including on-campus. Its all about what you gain from the experience and how you evolve yourself through different roles.
Thank you!
Isaiah
Rishitha marripeddi
Senior Deal operations analyst
12
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Rishitha’s Answer
Absolutely! On-campus jobs are highly recommended. They provide a great balance, are convenient, help you build skills, and offer financial support, all while respecting your academic priorities.
Thank you!
Isaiah
Hetal Patel
9
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Hetal’s Answer
Yes, taking an on-campus job during college is a great idea, especially as an undergraduate. It’s flexible, convenient, and gives you real work experience while keeping academics manageable. You can absolutely start with a part-time job before college to build basic skills, then take an on-campus role once enrolled this way, you gain experience, learn time management, and explore your interests without overwhelming yourself.
Hetal, thank you!
Isaiah
Chad Varner
Customer Service
2
Answers
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Updated
Chad’s Answer
That is a great question. Whether you prefer to work while in high school or wait until college is completely up to you.
On-campus jobs may be more beneficial for several reasons. First, they are often more accessible for students. Second, you can frequently find a position that coincides with your major, which can provide relevant experience and help start your career in the right direction.
On-campus jobs may be more beneficial for several reasons. First, they are often more accessible for students. Second, you can frequently find a position that coincides with your major, which can provide relevant experience and help start your career in the right direction.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Isaiah