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What Is Work-Study and How Do I Find a Position?

Work-study programs offer students paid employment opportunities through on-campus positions. Here's what to know about it and how to find a job.

Christine FaderChristine Fader
Career Counselor
Author and Editor 

Work-study programs are employment subsidies that offer eligible students the opportunity to earn money by working on campus for a few hours per week. Eligibility is normally determined through your Student Awards Office and is based on financial need. Once you have been accepted into the program, you can apply for work-study jobs posted (normally through the campus career center) that look like a good fit for you. Most work-study positions are in departments or offices on campus and are generally quite flexible around your school and exam schedule. They range from clerical positions (answering telephones, filing, data entry) to library work (shelving and signing out books) to program administration (student orientation/tours, international student services). Most work-study programs have a prescribed number of hours per week or term you are allowed to work (e.g., 10 hours per week maximum). Work-study is a great way to earn money in a geographically convenient way and gain experience for your résumé!

Find more helpful advice by reading the blogs and articles in our Internships and Careers section.

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Methodist University

Fayetteville, NC