Work Study Explained

This article breaks down what a work study is and how it can benefit you.

By Maggie Argiro — March 9, 2023

Tags: campus connections, career readiness, fasfa, income building, networking, work study

So, you filled out the FAFSA and learned that you can receive work study. Before accepting, what is work study and how can you use it? Most importantly, how can it benefit you? Work study is a federal aid program that connects students to part-time employment that is typically on campus. The program is administered by the school you're enrolled in. Most colleges have a work study office, or you can visit the financial aid office for help. Students usually receive a certain amount of dollars they can earn each semester or quarter that they're enrolled, either at part-time or full-time student status. Sometimes you can find off-campus employment opportunities, so be sure to visit your financial aid office to inquire about job opportunities as a work study student.

Now that you know what work study is, let's talk about how you can make it work for you.

1. Work in an area that is related to your major.

One of the major benefits of work study is hand-on experience in your field of study. For example, if you're a biology major, you may be able to work as a lab assistant. This will give your resume a leg-up after graduation and help you meet people in your field.

2. Work in an area that is NOT related to your major.

Maybe a healthier choice for you is space from your major when you're at work. Not to worry! Work study is another great option for students seeking new and different opportunities than what they receive in the classroom each day. At my college, students loved working in the theater shop where they could build sets and get a break from the rigors of academia while still getting paid.

3. Flexibility.

Most supervisors are flexible with scheduling work around your classes, exams, labs, homework, performances, and events. In a college with a work study workforce, school comes first. That's not to say you can slack off at work. You'll want to be honest about your college workload and obligations when you're looking for a work study job, so you don't leave your supervisor in the lurch.

4. Community.

As a work study student, you'll have the privilege of meeting college staff, faculty, and administrators and other students who you might not normally meet if you're just going to class each day. These are people who could become friends, advisors, mentors, and role models. Your work study supervisor will likely become your first recommender for jobs after college.

5. Earn Money.

Perhaps the most important aspect of work study is that it allows you to earn money that you can either receive as a paycheck or put toward your tuition. For some students, their work study job might be their first job every. The great part is that you can use the money you earn however you want or need.

So where do you think you'd like to work on your campus? As a library manager I suggest looking at the library for a job with lots of flexibility, where you can build transferrable skills, where you can meet people from all over the world, and where you might have a really cool supervisor, though I may be biased.

Maggie Argiro

Maggie Argiro is a library professional, writer, oral historian, and is TEFL-certified. She currently manages the circulation desk at the South Seattle College library where she is deeply invested in helping all students reach their academic goals.

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