When I first started looking for a student job, I focused entirely on off-campus opportunities—restaurants, retail, coffee shops. I thought those would pay better and look better on a resume. I was so wrong! After six months of searching with no luck, I finally looked into on-campus jobs and it's been the best decision of my college career. The flexibility is unreal. My supervisors know that my classes come first, so they're always willing to work around my exam schedule . I literally walk or bike to work in about five minutes, which saves so much time and money compared to commuting somewhere off-campus . And I'm actually building relationships with faculty and staff who can write me recommendation letters down the road.
I found my position in the admissions office through my university's job portal. The application process was straightforward—just a resume and a brief cover letter expressing my interest . I didn't need any prior experience; they trained me on everything. Now I give campus tours, help with events, and I've gotten so much more connected to the university community. One thing I didn't realize: some on-campus jobs are connected to the Federal Work-Study program, which can be a huge advantage if you qualify. The wages are at least minimum wage (in Virginia it's going up to $12.77 in 2026), and the hours never conflict with class time . Plus, work-study earnings don't count against you on future FAFSA applications .
If you're feeling stuck in your job search, definitely check out what's available right on your own campus. The University of Wisconsin-Stout career services team puts it perfectly: on-campus jobs know you're a student first, so they're designed to work with your schedule . I'm earning money, building my resume, and still have time to be a student. Win-win-win!
I found my position in the admissions office through my university's job portal. The application process was straightforward—just a resume and a brief cover letter expressing my interest . I didn't need any prior experience; they trained me on everything. Now I give campus tours, help with events, and I've gotten so much more connected to the university community. One thing I didn't realize: some on-campus jobs are connected to the Federal Work-Study program, which can be a huge advantage if you qualify. The wages are at least minimum wage (in Virginia it's going up to $12.77 in 2026), and the hours never conflict with class time . Plus, work-study earnings don't count against you on future FAFSA applications .
If you're feeling stuck in your job search, definitely check out what's available right on your own campus. The University of Wisconsin-Stout career services team puts it perfectly: on-campus jobs know you're a student first, so they're designed to work with your schedule . I'm earning money, building my resume, and still have time to be a student. Win-win-win!