Creating Student Jobs: Strategies For Universities

In an era of unpredictable job markets, the relevance of university degrees is questionable. However, with university qualifications becoming more common, they are increasingly expected by recruiters and employers. The correlation between education level and job performance is weak, but universities can enhance the value of degrees by teaching critical soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and resilience, which are becoming more valuable in the age of AI and disruptive technology.

Universities can also improve graduate employability by offering career-enhancing programmes and integrating professional experience into degree programmes. Additionally, extracurricular activities can equip students with essential skills for the workplace.

Universities can also provide more student jobs on campus, such as in libraries, labs, food services, and residence halls. These jobs can help students develop transferable skills and gain work experience while earning money to offset college costs.

On-campus jobs for international students

International students in the US and Canada are restricted by their visa regulations and are not permitted to work off-campus. However, there are plenty of part-time job opportunities available on campus that can help them gain new skills and valuable work experience.

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks. On-campus employment is the most freely available work for international students, and it does not require special approval. However, these jobs are often limited and unrelated to students' fields of study.

• Contact departments directly to inquire about openings and apply early as coveted jobs get filled quickly.
• Work in the IT department as a printing assistant in the library, assist with formatting, updating software, fixing computer glitches, or inputting data in an office.
• Become a tour guide, available all year round for people who come to visit the university on campus tours.
• Work as a fitness/recreation assistant or instructor at the university's fitness centre. Many universities offer fitness classes due to the growing demand for wellness and fitness facilities on campus.
• Work as a social media/marketing assistant. Some universities hire student assistants to help manage their social media accounts and data entry, which can be a great way for marketing majors to gain industry experience.
• Become a day-care assistant/babysitter at the university's day-care facilities for employees and students' children.
• Work as a production assistant for concerts, festivals, and other events organised by the university.
• Find employment in the library, such as at the front desk, lending department, mailing department, or administrative department.
• Work as a DJ for the campus broadcasting station.
• Work as a teaching or research assistant, grader, or teaching assistant (TA).
• Look for job postings in residence hall housing offices, recreational sports departments, transportation services, and computing centres.

Student jobs with attractive salaries

On-campus jobs are a great way for students to gain work experience and earn an income. These jobs typically offer flexible work schedules and convenient locations, with supervisors and coworkers who understand the demands of student life. While on-campus jobs may have lower wages compared to off-campus positions, they often provide other benefits such as tuition assistance, free room and board, or career-relevant experience.

• Social Media Assistant or Intern: National Average Salary: $53,103 per year. Responsibilities include writing social media copy, planning and executing social media campaigns, reviewing analytics, and engaging with online audiences.
• Research Assistant: National Average Salary: $45,249 per year. Students assist professors or doctoral fellows with research projects, organize documents, proofread drafts, collect and analyze samples, and provide other assistance as needed.
• Student Ambassador: National Average Salary: $42,457 per year. Student ambassadors represent their school or organization at various events and may be involved in planning, setting up, and managing these events. They also recruit peers and represent students in meetings with university staff and administration.
• IT Assistant: National Average Salary: $52,746 per year. IT assistants install, update, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks and digital technology on campus. They respond to IT tickets, fix computers, and apply their knowledge in a practical setting.
• Resident Assistant: While the national average salary for this role is $36,023 per year, it can also provide free housing as payment. Resident assistants live in dormitories and oversee a group of on-campus students. They enforce rules, plan events, provide guidance, and offer emotional support to students.

In addition to the salary and benefits, on-campus jobs offer students the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, such as communication, time management, and technical expertise. They also provide a valuable networking advantage, allowing students to build connections with faculty, staff, and peers.

Student jobs with flexible hours

Universities can create more student jobs with flexible hours to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their student population. Here are some ideas for student jobs that offer flexibility in scheduling:

On-Campus Jobs

On-campus jobs are a great way for students to balance their work and academic commitments. These jobs are often part-time and offer flexible hours, allowing students to work around their class schedule. Examples of on-campus jobs include:

• Library assistant
• Lab assistant
• Dining hall staff
• Residence hall assistant
• Administrative support in campus offices and departments

Research Assistant Positions

Universities can offer paid research assistant positions to students, providing them with valuable experience in their field of study. These positions often allow students to work independently and set their own hours, making it a flexible option.

Student Leadership Roles

Student leadership roles, such as positions in student government or residence halls, can provide students with a source of income while also developing their leadership skills. These roles often involve event planning, student advocacy, and representing the student body. The hours can be flexible and tailored to the student's availability.

Event Staff

Universities often host various events, such as conferences, workshops, and orientations, which require event staff. These positions offer flexible hours as the work is usually project-based and may include evening or weekend shifts. Event staff roles can include event planning, logistics, registration, and on-site support.

Online or Remote Work

With the rise of remote work, universities can create opportunities for students to work remotely or online. These jobs can include social media management, content creation, virtual assistant roles, or contributing to university publications. The remote nature of these positions offers flexibility in terms of work hours and location.

Part-Time Teaching or Tutoring

Students with strong academic records can be encouraged to apply for part-time teaching or tutoring positions within the university. For example, upper-year students can tutor first-year students in introductory courses. These positions offer flexible hours and allow students to share their knowledge and gain teaching experience.

By offering a variety of jobs with flexible hours, universities can provide students with income-earning opportunities that accommodate their varying schedules and help them gain valuable skills and experience.

Student jobs with predictable hours

Universities can create more student jobs with predictable hours in several ways. Here are some suggestions:

On-campus jobs

On-campus jobs are a great way for students to gain work experience and earn some money while studying. These jobs often offer flexible hours and can be easily integrated into a student's schedule. Examples include working in libraries, labs, food services, and residence halls. International students, in particular, can benefit from on-campus jobs as they can work legally on campus with their F-1 visa status.

Student assistant positions

Many universities offer student assistant positions in various departments, such as international offices, mailrooms, and administrative offices. These jobs typically involve supporting staff with clerical tasks, customer service, or event planning. For instance, a Student Engagement Assistant contributes to the success of Student Services and International Relations by supporting alignment, communication, and engagement strategies.

Part-time and casual jobs

Part-time and casual jobs are ideal for students as they offer predictable hours and can be fitted around their studies. Examples include retail sales assistants, baristas, servers, and booksellers. These jobs often provide a stable income while allowing students to focus on their academic commitments.

University partnerships with local businesses

Universities can partner with local businesses to create job opportunities for students. For instance, cafes, restaurants, and bookstores near university campuses may be willing to hire students on a part-time basis. Additionally, universities can provide career guidance and resources to help students find suitable employment.

Work-study programs

Work-study programs allow students to work part-time to earn money for their education. These programs are often need-based and may be funded by the university or the government. Students can work on campus or at approved off-campus locations, gaining valuable work experience while managing their studies.

Student research and teaching assistant positions

Universities can offer research and teaching assistant positions to undergraduate and graduate students. These roles provide valuable experience in academia and often come with a stipend. For example, a Student Research Assistant may assist faculty members with data collection, literature reviews, or laboratory work.

By implementing these strategies, universities can create more student jobs with predictable hours, helping students gain valuable work experience and financial support during their studies.

Student jobs with hourly pay

There are a variety of jobs available for students that offer hourly pay and can be fit around their university schedule. Here are some examples:

Tutor

National average salary: £24.24 per hour

Primarily, tutors meet with students and teach them various subjects like maths or geography. They also prepare learning materials, clarify school lessons and prepare students for formal exams. Tutors can adjust the content of their tutoring sessions to meet the needs of individual students. Sessions can be conducted at home, online or at the student's home.

Receptionist

National average salary: £11.27 per hour

Receptionists greet visitors, schedule appointments and answer customer questions in person, over the phone or via email. In facilities like hotels, they may also maintain security systems. Receptionists often provide on-the-job training to new members of the hospitality team.

Retail sales assistant

National average salary: £10.97 per hour

Retail sales assistants greet and assist customers, restock products and manage transactions. Depending on the shop and their experience, they may also process returns or receive product deliveries. Sales assistants may also open, close and clean the store.

Barista

National average salary: £10.79 per hour

Baristas are coffee specialists who make coffee for customers and assist them in cafes. In smaller cafes, baristas may also work at the cash register, clean coffee machines and serve or prepare food. They may also need to be creative in designing decorative menus and signs to attract customers.

Server

National average salary: £10.72 per hour

Servers are members of restaurant, cafe or bar staff. They welcome and seat guests, take orders and communicate them to the kitchen staff. They also memorise new menus, recommend dishes and upsell items.

Bookseller

National average salary: £10.71 per hour

Booksellers are bookstore employees who recommend and sell books, magazines and other types of press. They listen to customers, analyse their reading needs and give advice about the books available. Booksellers need to stay up to date with literary news and the newest publications to make recommendations and create store displays.

Administrative assistant

National average salary: £10.32 per hour

Administrative assistants answer phone calls, schedule meetings and organise files. They may also run the office, order office supplies and coordinate the work of the cleaning staff.

Telemarketer

National average salary: £9.33 per hour

Telemarketers are sales professionals who use outbound marketing techniques to call potential customers and convince them to make a purchase. They contact prospects, explain product features and obtain payment information. Telemarketers can sell a wide range of products, from insurance to kitchen supplies.

Game tester

National average salary: £7.42 per hour

Game testers test games and identify any bugs or errors. They then report their findings to the project manager or software developers for improvements. Depending on their expertise, they may specialise in a specific game genre. Game testers may be employed by software companies or entities that develop and manufacture board games.

In addition to these job opportunities, international students can also find on-campus jobs in libraries, labs, food service and residence halls. These jobs offer flexibility and a better understanding of the student's busy schedule.

Frequently asked questions