The Best On-Campus Jobs for College Students

Many students need or want to work while they’re attending college. That’s why finding the best on-campus jobs for college students is a common goal. Being able to work and study without having to leave school grounds is incredibly convenient, eliminating lengthy commutes that could be difficult with tight schedules.

If your student is looking for one of the best jobs for college students around and would like to focus on on-campus opportunities, here’s what you need to know.

If your student wants to make their scholarship search as efficient as possible, learning about the scholarship process is a must. While that may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. If you and your student want to learn about how to find and land scholarships during their time at college, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

What Are On-Campus Jobs?

On-campus jobs are work opportunities on school grounds. Typically, they are positions offered by the college. However, certain some may be with private businesses. For example, if a fast-food chain has a location in the student center, that’s technically an on-campus job, even if the college isn’t the employer.

Are Student Worker Jobs and On-Campus Jobs the Same Thing?

No, student worker jobs and on-campus jobs aren’t always the same thing.

While student worker jobs tend to be on-campus (or at school-affiliated locations), many on-campus positions aren’t limited to just students. For example, working as a faculty member is technically an on-campus role, but it isn’t typically a student worker job.

Are Work-Study Jobs and On-Campus Jobs the Same Thing?

No, work-study jobs and on-campus jobs aren’t necessarily the same thing.

Work-study is actually a form of financial aid. Participating students have to hold a qualifying position that’s associated with the program. It can include specific on-campus roles with the school, though there are also work-study jobs with non-profits, public agencies, and private companies, potentially both on- and off-campus.

The on-campus jobs category includes any position where the work is done on school grounds. Essentially, it’s a location-specific designation, nothing more.

Where to Find Out About On-Campus Jobs for Students

Where your student needs to look for on-campus jobs can depend on the type of role they’re after. Since student worker jobs aren’t open to individuals who aren’t enrolled in classes, those positions usually don’t appear on other traditional career sites. If your student is looking for that kind of on-campus job, the college’s job board is usually the best starting point.

For work-study, the college’s financial aid office is typically where students can find information about opportunities. The financial aid office might maintain a separate job database or work with students directly to find potential matches.

For on-campus jobs available through companies, traditional job boards are usually the best starting point. Social media may also help or simply stopping by the locations and asking if they’re hiring.

In any case, your student should make sure they have a resume ready. Competition for the best on-campus jobs for college students can be surprisingly fierce. Often, there are far more students interested in on-campus opportunities than positions. By having a resume prepared in advance, when your student finds a job with potential, they can take a moment to target the content of their application and send it on its way quickly.

Additionally, interviews are common for on-campus jobs. Ideally, your student wants to take a little time to practice their answers to common job interview questions. That way, when their interview arrives, they’ll be ready.

The Best On-Campus Jobs for College Students

Which position is the best on-campus job for your student usually depends on their interests, skills, and experience level. However, some roles are commonly considered favorites among students. Here’s a look at some of the best on-campus jobs for college students.

Tour Guide

One of the best jobs for college students on campus is a tour guide. The admissions department turns to students to help familiarize others with the college and its offerings.

In the position, student workers take prospective students and their parents on a walkthrough of the campus, pointing out key features. Along the way, they discuss critical information that can help prospective students make a college decision.

Tutor

Working as an on-campus tutor could be an excellent option for students who excel in a particular subject. Student tutors spend their time assisting students in specific subjects, often with the goal of helping students pass a class or improve their GPA. Along with positions offered by the college, students could also choose to freelance in this kind of role, giving them more flexibility.

Resident Assistant

One of the quintessential campus jobs for students, resident assistants (RAs), oversee a specific portion of the on-campus dorms, such as a building or floor. Along with providing supervision and ensuring students follow the rules, they often receive reports of any maintenance issues or similar concerns that need addressing.

There are several benefits to being an RA. Along with pay, an RAs dorm housing is usually free or discounted. Considering how much student housing can cost, that’s a big potential perk.

Library Assistant

When it comes to low-key, low-stress student worker jobs, library assistant is possibly the best. In this role, students check books in and out, reshelve returns, and assist other students searching for materials or using library equipment. During downtime, studying might be allowed, giving students a chance to work and learn simultaneously.

College Newspaper Editor

If your student is interested in journalism or communications, snagging the college newspaper editor position could be a boon. It’s one of the on-campus jobs for students that aligns with their professional interests and comes with a set salary.

It’s important to note that, along with having a relevant major, many college newspaper editors originally started out writing articles for the paper. While article writers are often paid, the compensation is usually per piece instead of per hour or another guaranteed rate.

Radio DJ

If your student’s campus has its own radio station and your student is majoring in the field, snagging an on-campus job as a radio DJ is a perfect match. They’ll get to practice hosting programs and coordinating the music, as well as handle other station-related duties.

Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant is another one of the on-campus jobs for college students that tends to be pretty straightforward and relatively quiet. Department heads, faculty members, and different offices may all hire for these student worker jobs.

In the position, student administrative assistants help with a range of office and receptionist needs when needed. For example, they might welcome visitors, make copies, and create presentations.

Mailroom Attendant

If your student prefers something quiet and likes working independently, a mailroom attendant might be one of the ideal on-campus student jobs for them. The role mainly involves sorting incoming mail and packages, ensuring it’s ready for students to pick up.

Research Assistant

For students majoring in science, research assistant should be one of their go-to student worker jobs. Department faculty often need help with their projects, and they may turn to students to assist with data collection, grant preparation, and similar tasks.

Campus Ambassador

While it may sound like campus ambassadors would work for the college, that isn’t the case. Instead, campus ambassador jobs are offered by companies that want an advocate for their products or services among the student body.

As a campus ambassador, you’d receive training on a company’s products or services. Then, you’d spend your work time telling other students about the company’s offerings.

Along with pay, campus ambassadors often get access to the company’s products or services at no cost. Depending on the company, that can be a pretty nice perk.

If your student wants to make their scholarship search as efficient as possible, learning about the scholarship process is a must. While that may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. If you and your student want to learn about how to find and land scholarships during their time at college, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.