I’m A Broke College Student, and I Need CASH NOW

How many incoming freshman have had a part time job throughout high school or during the summers?  Probably most of you.   Although we’ve all had to suffer from that slightly painful minimum wage mark, having a part time job was great for extra cash.  No more asking Mom and Dad for money just to go to the movies, it’s great!!  But what about when you get to college??!  Being in college welcomes in a whole new set of expenses, on top of a whole new workload!  A part-time job is certainly something to consider, and is absolutely doable throughout the school year.  You just need to be smart about it, and I am here to help you!

Whether you helped out completing your FAFSA (props to you!) or had Mom/Dad fill it all out (guilty :)), there is one item you should definitely be looking for: Federal Work Study. 

What is a work-study?

A work-study is a part-time job through the university that full or part time students have throughout the school year.  Students are awarded a work-study based upon their financial need.  If you are selected for a work-study, it will be listed on your Student Aid Summary on Elion (elion.psu.edu).  

The difference between a work-study and a regular part-time job is that you are paid by the Federal Government instead of directly by your employer.  On your Student Aid Summary, a value is listed that is the maximum amount you can earn through the work-study per semester.  This means that once you’ve reached the limit you are no longer allowed to work.  The number of hours that you can work in total will depend on exactly how much you are allotted for your work-study.  Generally you can work 10-15 hours per week.

How do I get a work-study job?

One great thing about work-study jobs is that the job search is incredibly simple!  Here’s how to go about it:

1.      Log onto Elion→Financial→Work-Study Job Search

2.      Enter the campus that you will be attending, click Submit, and you will see this window

3.      Search available work-study positions by selecting different college/admin areas.  DON’T limit yourself to only the College of Engineering!  Having experience within the College of Engineering would be great, especially as a freshman, but make sure you look at all opportunities available for work-study students.  You can get a job pretty much anywhere on campus that you would like.  You can do anything from being a Lab Assistant in physics to a manager for the Men’s Volleyball team!

4.      Once you’ve found a few that interest you, apply!  All positions are provided with a name and number to contact for employment.  Remember to call during business hours if possible.

Why choose a work-study?

Here are a couple reasons why I believe work-study jobs are the best part-time job options for college students!

1.      Wage. Work-study students are paid quite well.  Starting in Fall 2014, the wage for work study students will be $9.50/hr.  Remember, you can only work until you have reached your earning limit for the semester, so you should keep that in mind when scheduling your hours throughout the semester.

2.      You will get hired.  Some jobs are for work study students only, while other positions take both work study and non-work study students.  Work study student only positions are almost always available.  You’ll find ads for ‘work study students wanted’ all throughout the HUB, Osmond building, etc.  Other jobs that hire both sets of students are generally more apt to hire work study students because they are paid through the Federal Government instead of the university.  This is great news for work study students!  If you are willing to put in a small amount of time and effort into the job search, you will find a job.

3.      Considerate employers.  All work study positions are through the university, which means that there is an 8hr/day maximum, and a 20hr/week maximum for all full-time students.  Every work study employer understands the responsibilities of a full-time student, so there will not be unrealistic expectations; they recognize that you are a student first.  In fact, in many work study positions, there is no minimum amount of hours.  You can work as you are able to and can effectively balance work and school.

4.      Awesome jobs.  If you happen to go to the gyms on campus, you’ll see a desk attendant who swipes each gym-goer’s ID as they enter.  If you go to the Fitness Loft, that desk attendant might be me!  That’s right; my work study job is at one of the gyms on campus.  I either swipe entrants into the gym, or work at the sales desk selling merchandise and memberships.  And best of all, I’m allowed to do my homework during work.  This certainly isn’t the case for every job, but many work study positions are more relaxed and flexible, allowing you to easily integrate a job into your schedule.

Interested in a work study, but it’s not listed on your Student Aid Summary?

No worries, you still have a chance!  You need to contact the Shields Building (conveniently located next to East Halls) and go to the Student Aid Office.  Let them know that you are interested, they will review your eligibility, and you will receive one if there are any positions available.

So to wrap this up, anybody who has a Federal Work-Study or anyone considering a part-time job while at school should absolutely look into work-study jobs.  It’s a great way to keep cash on hand at school without sacrificing your grades.  I’m hoping that I have covered everything, but if there any questions at all on the work study application process I would be happy to answer them!  Simply shoot me an email at jns225@psu.edu.  Hope everyone is enjoying summer!!  Can’t wait to see you all in Happy Valley!

Jessica Smith is a junior in Architectural Engineering, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14!