As a college student, you have plenty of opportunities for employment, federal work-study being one of them. Work-study jobs are positions funded by the U.S. government and offered exclusively to college students for the purpose of providing them with income at a minimal time commitment. It is easily one of the many career resources ignored by students and remains virtually unknown by many.
So what do actual student workers have to say is unique and has shocked them the most about their current jobs? I spoke with three college students to see what they say have been the biggest surprises (and perks) of the federal work-study program.
1. Flexibility in Hours
“The staff was very understanding about my classes and my extracurricular activities. They allowed me to work during the times I wanted to work, and not during the times I couldn’t…I don’t think you could find such a hospitable job anywhere else.” – Benjamin, Highland Community College ‘20
The work-study program was created to help students earn an income while in school, but without taking away time from their studies. If offered funds for this type of job, you’ll have a great amount of control over your schedule. The typical college student will never work more than 20 hours a week, allowing for plenty of time for classes and other activities.
2. Location
“I [don’t] have to go off-campus to work since I live in a dormitory on-campus…I don’t have to use gas and spend gas money to travel off campus. This benefit allows me to save money by walking about 10 minutes to my work-study job.” – Mick, University of Arkansas-Little Rock ‘19
Most work-study positions will take place directly on your college campus. Positions range from working the front desk for the History Department, like Mick, or offering tutoring in math in the evening as I did.
Offices all over campus rely on student workers to assist professors and admins with their day-to-day tasks and big-time research projects even. Minimal amounts of traveling are required, especially for students living in campus residence halls, which makes it a cinch to get to your job (and get there on time.)
3. Supervisors Who Understand Student Life
“It feels like not only they [my supervisor and other staff] care about your studies, but if you do good work for them, the relationship is that much better.” – Ekene, University of Texas-Knoxville ‘18
As school administrators and staff themselves, supervisors remember that you are a student before you are a worker or anything else. They are very familiar with the needs and time constraints you might have and are more than willing to accommodate when assigning workloads and schedules. This way, you can rest assure that you won’t be missing important events or burning out during the semester. Office staff will work with you, helping you to minimize stress as much as possible and keep your main priorities first.
As a student worker myself, I can speak on the benefits of such a great job opportunity. Work-study has its perks and is an offer you should definitely seize if you get the chance to. Just another way the government is able to put some extra cash in your pocket!
