Having a job on campus is one of the best ways to build real work experience while you’re still in school. The skills you pick up (time management, communication, teamwork, customer service) can become strong resume bullet points that make you competitive for internships and full-time roles later.
Here are some helpful tips on how to approach the search effectively.
1. Know the Difference: Work Study vs. Non-Work Study
Before applying to on-campus opportunities, understand whether you qualify for federal work-study jobs.
Federal work-study is a need-based financial aid awarded to domestic students that shows up on your financial aid summary. Many positions are only open to students who have work-study funds, while others (non-work study) are open to everyone.
Only apply for the jobs you’re eligible for. This saves both you and the organization you are applying to time.
Additional Resources:
- How do I request Federal Work-Study? | USC Financial Aid
- On-Campus Employment | USC Office of International Services
2. Use Handshake Strategically
Handshake is the best starting point, and filtering by part-time, on-campus, student employment, and work-study status can help narrow listings down fast.
A targeted list saves you time and surfaces roles you’re actually eligible for, rather than scrolling through hundreds of irrelevant postings. You can also search terms like USC, Work-Study, or On-Campus directly in the search bar.
Note: While searching on Handshake, you may encounter off-campus jobs that state they are hiring for work-study students. Approved off-campus non-profit organizations are able to hire work-study students every semester. For questions about this process, feel free to email the Employer Engagement Team at recruit@usc.edu.
3. Look Beyond Handshake
Not all departments on campus post their positions on Handshake.
Many departments often list openings on their own websites or their social media pages. Word of mouth, emails from your academic advisors or from within your department, are some additional ways students find roles on campus.
4. Treat Every Application Seriously
Read each posting closely. Some require a class schedule, a cover letter, or other specific documents, and missing them can get you screened out automatically.
Avoid mass-emailing departments or applying to everything without checking eligibility as this tends to reflect poorly rather than showing initiative. If you use AI tools to help draft a cover letter, edit the output so it still sounds like you.
On-campus employers notice generic, careless applications. A tailored, complete application signals professionalism and genuinely improves your chances of getting moved on in the process.
Additional Resources:
- Resume/Cover Letter Guidelines | USC Career Center
- Get your resume reviewed during our drop-in hours (Monday-Friday 1:30pm – 3:30pm) in STU 110
5. Prepare for the Interview
Confirm the interview location and format ahead of time, dress a step more formal than you would for a casual job interview, show up on time, and send a brief thank-you note afterward.
Even if you don’t get the job, a strong impression can lead to a future offer. Employers remember reliable, prepared candidates and often reach out first when a new opening comes up.
Additional Resources:
6. Have a Backup Plan
Keep in mind on-campus jobs can be quite competitive due to the sheer amount of applicants each role receives.
If nothing lines up right away, consider alternatives that still build your resume: on-campus research positions, service-learning programs, off-campus part-time roles, leadership roles in student organizations.
These experiences carry just as much weight when you’re applying for internships or full-time jobs down the line.
