There are many reasons college students may seek employment.  The reasons are as varied as the students themselves – tuition costs, room and board expenses, extra spending money, gaining professional experience or simply to stay busy.  For others, it may seem impossible to take on the additional responsibility of a job.

Here are some things to consider when evaluating whether or not to seek employment during your college years:

• What do you hope to gain by obtaining employment?
• Is it necessary for you to work to meet tuition or basic living expenses
• Will your income be sufficient to meet your financial needs
• Are you saving up for a semester abroad or a trip over spring break
• Are you looking to build your resume to enhance future career opportunities

 

• Where can you go to look for job opportunities?
  • On-campus career centers
  • Campus bulletin boards or newsletters
  • School or local newspapers
  • Job fairs
• Ask professors in your areas of interest
• Previous employers – do they have an office/store in your college town
• Ask other students to refer you to their current or former employers

 

• How many hours a week are you available to work?
  • Is your availability consistent week after week
• Will your work and class schedule coordinate
• Would you still have enough time to devote to your studies
• Will you need to request changes in your schedule during exam weeks or over breaks

 

• Other considerations
  • Do you have reliable transportation to and from work
• Will you incur additional expenses for wardrobe, meals, parking, or other incidentals
• Does the employer offer benefits such as tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, paid sick leave, health insurance, 401 K (retirement) package, opportunities for advancement, etc.

Learn more about Work Study.