16 of the Best On-Campus Jobs

If you have been accepted into a federal work-study program as part of your financial aid or if you want to earn money between courses, you may be curious about what kind of jobs you can get on campus. Each college differs in what it offers, but it is entirely possible to apply for a work-study position that will be beneficial to your future career. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of working at your school, plus the 16 Best Campus Jobs!

Benefits of working on campus

For some students, working on campus means being accepted into a work-study program. However, this is not always the case. You can find jobs at your college even if you don’t get a financial aid package. Doing so has many benefits.

You gain experience on your resume.

This can lead to a career in college after graduation.

You won’t have to travel a lot for work.

The college understands that you have classes and that you have to study and complete your homework. They will be flexible to your needs and schedule.

You can get discounts based on your job, including money you spend on books, coffee, and other supplies. Some may even give you free stuff!

And of course, you’ll earn money while you’re in school!

16 of the best on-campus jobs

1. Library assistant

There are certain tasks that you must complete as a library assistant. This includes putting books where they belong, helping students find texts, helping with computer work, or showing books to students, faculty, and staff. These jobs look even better when you’re starting out, because working in a bookstore is no joke! Between organization and customer service, there’s a lot going on.

2. Office assistant

There are many places you can work as an office assistant on campus, from the school gymnasium to the math department. You will answer phones and possibly emails, file documents, assist professors, and complete other office tasks.

3. Tour guide

Every college and university offers open houses and tours to high school students. Maybe you brought some yourself! However, positions are also open to work-study program students.

4. Marketer

When it comes to your college’s marketing department, it may need help. From social media to open house brochures, there is a lot of ground to cover. There may be opportunities for students but what you are hired to do depends entirely on the needs of your school. Other on-campus jobs related to undergraduate marketing may include typist, interviewer, photographer, and writer.

5. Department of Art – Assistant

There is a lot going on in the technical department and a lot of content needs development. Students and faculty can’t always handle it all on their own. Your job might be mixing soil or organizing equipment. This work can vary since there are many different areas of art.

6. IT help desk or computer lab assistant

Many computer lab staff and help desk staff are work-study students. You can help fellow students with computer or printer problems, monitor computer usage, or answer the phone at the help desk. This can be a great job because you often have time to work on your own projects between calls.

7. Teacher

If there is a particular subject in which you excel, teaching may be right up your alley when it comes to work study programs. This can help your peers, but you may also be asked to help out at local K-12 schools.

And you don’t have to work in school for that! You can go out and advertise your services yourself. There are also many online opportunities for students looking to teach others.

8. Fitness center assistant

Health care assistants can have a wide range of required tasks. You may be responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, or organizing supplies, or you may be required to be a receptionist at the center. Other schools require students who attend a fitness center to fill positions as sports team directors, judges, referees, or fitness programmers. The work you get will likely be set based on availability, but your experience in sports may also play a role.

9. Research assistant

Many laboratories in colleges and universities are understaffed. Research assistants in work-study programs can provide much-needed support for research, equipment, and laboratories. You may be required to clean and maintain equipment, but some students engage in fun work.

Research assistant jobs pay more than other study and work positions, but they also have more stringent requirements. The school may only require students who are studying a related major or have laboratory experience.

10. Day Care Assistant

As employee and student benefits expand, many colleges have begun offering day care to parents. This position may be hard to come by (your school may not even offer it), but work-students plan, implement, and welcome the children’s daily activities. They can expect to help complete various assignments. Schools typically require students interested in this position to focus on early childhood development or other areas related to education.

11. Mailroom Assistant

Mailrooms can be busy places, especially at a large university, and they need all the help they can get. The school will need a Mailroom Assistant to sort and deliver mail, run errands, receive work, deliver supplies and equipment around campus, and more.

12. Positions of the local organization

It won’t necessarily be on campus, but it’s still worth a mention. Sometimes, local nonprofits are looking for employees. Colleges will partner with these organizations for their work-study programmes. Available jobs can vary from helping an animal shelter to working at a food bank to helping out at the Boys & Girls Club.

You can even be in charge of fundraising for these campus organizations or recruiting others to the cause!

13. Barista

Like coffee? You might want to spend more time at the campus cafe! The position offers flexible hours, and you can walk away with free or discounted coffee after your shift. Even if you tend to be artistic, you can add some creativity to the lattes you make.

14. Library assistant

College libraries regularly help students build stocked shelves and counters and help other students find what they are looking for. If you are interested in, or even studying, a career, this could be right up your alley and give you some valuable retail experience.

15. Food court attendant

Dining halls often employ both students and local residents. You can also choose to schedule breakfast, lunch, or dinner according to the class schedule, which makes it an ideal on-campus job for students. If your schedule changes the following semester, you can always choose another shift!

16. Resident advisor

The dorms are on staff with a resident advisor, also known as an RA. These students are usually upperclassmen and are responsible for the dorm floor. They help resolve conflicts, make sure rules are followed and search rooms. RAs can also organize building-wide activities or lead your residence in competitions against other buildings. One of the perks of being an RA is that you sometimes get a free private bedroom (which can get expensive!).

These are some of the best jobs available on your school’s campus. Although every campus is different, job opportunities may change from year to year. When applying for a job on campus, try to find one that matches your interests or will enhance your resume after graduation.