Student Work Jobs – How to Benefit from Them

Here in the United States, we are lucky to have a great program called Federal Work Study. This is a program of student work jobs that is organized by the federal government’s Department of Education.

Federal Work Study jobs are offered on a need basis, so students with the most need for funding assistance have first crack at the available jobs.

These Federal Work Study jobs all take place on college campuses. The jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage, and students are paid directly to help with their expenses while in school.

Students apply for the work study program at the same time they apply for other financial aid before coming to college. Students and their parents must fill out the FAFSA, and the program will use a formula to determine a family’s need, thereby determining eligibility for the program.

It’s by no means a perfect system, but it has helped millions of students, and you could benefit from it.

One of the great benefits of student work jobs through this program is that they are automatically set up to deal with your college schedule. You will be working on campus or at an off-campus facility that is in the public interest, and the employer must work around your class schedule.

Since it’s closely monitored by the Department of Education, you also know ahead of time how much you’ll be working, since the total money you’re paid cannot exceed your financial award through the program. You cannot work before the first day of term, and you’re encouraged to stay with the same employer all year, so you have continuity.

The name of the Federal Work Study program may be misleading to some. You will be expected to work while you’re on the job…no time for studying while you’re there! The organizational and time management skills you gain while doing work study will be important to you in your career later.

Student work jobs are an excellent way to start your career. Even though it probably won’t be in your chosen field, having this kind of experience on your resume when you graduate can help you on your way.