Flickr user the Sage Colleges
Work study programs are a great way to earn money while you are in college. Work study programs are available via the federal government and participating colleges and universities. They provide an opportunity for students to earn some money while they are enrolled in college. Positions are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Most of these work study jobs are available on campus, though there may be some private placement off-campus with participating non-profit organizations.
Participating in work study is a far better way to get the money you need to cover college-related expenses rather than taking an additional loan. As an additional bonus, you will gain valuable work experience, which will put you ahead of the competition when you are job-hunting after you graduate.
So what exactly should you do during your work study program? Follow these tips to make your work study experience a success.
Be Punctual
Arriving to work on time every day is super important. Don’t expect your employer to cut you some slack because you are a student. When you are at work expect to be treated as just another employee. If you get to work late one too many times, your employer is sure to notice and that will reflect on your recommendation letter.
Dress And Act Professionally
This should be obvious. In order to be taken seriously at your work and within the work study program, you should strive to be the best and most professional employee you possibly can, and part of it is dressing and acting professionally. Reprimands hurt more than just feelings. They can also hurt your chances to remain in the program.
Follow All Rules And Regulations In The Student Employee Handbook
Just as it is expected of you in a regular off-campus job, there are rules and regulations all work study students must abide by. You don’t have to know everything the first day but keep this nearby as a handy reference in case your need it.
Update And Keep Track Of Hours On Your Own
Don’t expect that somebody else will do this for you. There are numerous apps and spreadsheets available for free that can help you with this. The work study employment office will have a copy of this, but backup copies can be helpful, especially around tax time. Always fill out your time sheet and keep track of your hours!
Don’t Schedule Work Time During Class Time
Just like students with part-time jobs, work study students will have to figure out how their work and class schedules fit together. One drawback to work study is the time it takes up, taking away from studying or fitting more classes into your schedule. Make sure you leave enough time to get from place to place as well.
The work experience you pick up via your time as a work study student can be transferred into real world work experience upon graduation so treat this as a real job. Think of work study as more than just a way to earn some money while you are in college. This is also an opportunity to obtain some valuable work-experience so get serious about your job. Remember, work study looks great on a job-seeker’s resume. It’s even better when accompanied by a great recommendation letter from the employer.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.99%-16.61%* Variable
4.24%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.37% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
5.37% - 17.99% Variable
3.79% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
5.98% - 13.74% Variable
3.99% - 12.61% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.99% - 15.85% Variable
3.79% - 15.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
4.17% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
6.00% - 14.22% Variable
4.50% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
