Understanding And Applying For Work-Study Programs
The financial burden of college can be heavy for many people for a variety of reasons. Despite things like scholarships, grants, and financial aid, sometimes you still need a little bit of extra help. Luckily, there is a great way to help alleviate the cost of college, all while working for the college itself. This is called “work-study.” For those not familiar, a work-study program is a program designed for students to work on campus and have their paycheck go directly toward paying their tuition. These programs are generally offered at most colleges and universities, with a wide range of jobs to fulfill the requirements of eligibility. They are a fantastic way to stay on-campus, meet people connected with the campus life, and help reassure yourself that you truly are working for that degree.
At NSHSS, we want students to feel at ease and confident that their college experience is a great one. That is why we wanted to break down the ins and outs of a work-study program, break-down how to apply for them, and identify the added benefits they may provide. We believe that work-study programs are one of the most underrated ways of taking the weight off a student’s shoulders, and our goal is to get the word out.
You may not know what you’re missing!
Do I Qualify?
Before applying for a work-study program, the first thing you need to figure out is whether or not you qualify. This first step in the process might not be the most fun, but it is crucial to know before you begin looking for jobs around campus. There are a few ways to verify your eligibility: you can reference the financial aid material you received when you enrolled, you can call the school’s financial aid office and speak with a representative, or you can call your financial aid phone number directly and speak with one of their representatives. Again, this step can be a bit tedious and possibly more time-consuming than you might expect, but it’s imperative that you be sure you qualify before applying.
It’s important to note that the money you receive from your paycheck does not have to go directly towards your tuition. If that is covered but you are still having trouble with other, smaller expenses such as food, transportation, book, and club fees, then you can use your paycheck compensation towards those as well. When you speak with your financial aid representative, be sure that you identify exactly what you want to use your money for.
The Search Begins
Once you have verified that you’re eligible, then you can begin your job search. This is where you get to really dig in. A college campus is a world unto itself, and there are many moving parts. This means that there are plenty of jobs on campus for students to do. Some of the more common work-study jobs are working at the school library, checking in students at the campus gym, working for the athletics department in some capacity, giving tours of the campus to prospective student and their parents, or even assisting in a technology or science lab under the supervision of a professor.
Although it’s not required, it always helps to begin your work-study job search by looking into jobs around campus that align with your major and future career aspirations. It never hurts to get early experience in the field you wish to enter later. If you cannot find a work-study job like that, then look for jobs that can at least fit with your personality and comfort level. If you prefer to be in the gym, then working behind the front desk would be the right place for you instead of the library, and vice-versa. But be sure to apply as soon as you can, because these jobs can be limited, and the applications will pile up fast!
To Apply or Not Apply
After you have identified a few jobs that peak your interest, next up is the application process. This is generally going to feel like any other job application, the only difference being that you are applying directly through the school’s website. Like with any application, you want to put your best foot forward, highlight your strengths, and show your commitment to both the school and the work. The employers and supervisors of these jobs may or may not know that you are on a work-study program, but it’s likely that they will not care either way. They are looking for good, hard-working students. Your financial situation should be kept between you and the financial aid department. Once you begin your work-study job, you must treat it like any other job: show up on time, be respectful, and work diligently.
What’s in it for me?
You might be wondering about the overall benefits, besides the obvious financial incentives, and that is completely fair. Working on campus is a fantastic way to earn money while you are still an active, full-time student. The employers of these campus jobs are used to working around a shifting schedule, and they understand the importance of things such as midterm and finals weeks, as well as when you have other extra-curricular activity commitments. Working on campus is also a great way to meet other students who may not be in your major, or even older students who can offer advice. Working on campus can also help you stay active in the life of the college, as opposed to leaving the campus every day to work in another part of the city.
Beyond the scope of your student career, these jobs will also be a great way to show just how active and hardworking you were during college. When you graduate and enter the workforce, these on-campus jobs will be very handy to show prospective employers who are looking for experienced candidates. To say the least, a work-study program offers more benefits than you may have imagined. It just takes time and effort to find the job that works best for you!
It’s All About Your Future
The NSHSS team strives to support all students in their efforts to receive a robust and exciting education, no matter their financial background or their field of study. If you are interested in learning more about ways to help alleviate the stress of college, check out our other blogs on financial aid, investing in your education, and other scholarship opportunities. Be sure to also check out our website to learn more about how you can make your education excellent and your future unlimited.