Introduction
Balancing academics with work can be challenging, but on-campus jobs offer students a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop essential skills, and earn some extra cash. Chapman University provides a wide range of on-campus employment opportunities that cater to students’ interests and schedules.
Benefits of On-Campus Jobs
- Flexible hours: On-campus jobs offer flexible schedules, allowing students to balance their work with their studies.
- Convenience: Working on campus eliminates the need for lengthy commutes or off-campus interviews.
- Skill development: On-campus jobs provide hands-on experience in various fields, helping students develop transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Networking: Working on campus connects students with faculty, staff, and fellow students, expanding their professional network.
- Supplemental income: On-campus jobs provide financial assistance to students, enabling them to cover expenses or save for future goals.
Types of On-Campus Jobs
Chapman University offers a diverse range of on-campus jobs, including:
- Administrative support: Assisting with clerical work, data entry, and office management.
- Student mentors: Providing academic and social support to new students.
- Tutors: Helping other students succeed in their coursework.
- Research assistants: Supporting faculty members with research projects.
- Library assistants: Providing assistance in libraries and archives.
- Housing and residence life: Managing housing assignments, resolving issues, and providing support to students.
- Campus events: Assisting with planning and execution of campus events.
- Dining services: Serving meals and managing dining facilities.
- Bookstore: Providing customer service and assisting with bookstore operations.
How to Find On-Campus Jobs
- Handshake: Chapman University uses Handshake, an online job board, to post on-campus job openings.
- Career Services: The Career Services department provides guidance on job searching, interview preparation, and resume writing.
- Department websites: Some departments may advertise on-campus job opportunities on their websites or through email newsletters.
- Student organizations: Student organizations often hire students for part-time roles related to their activities.
- Faculty and staff: Reach out to professors or staff members who may have openings within their research teams or departments.
Tips for Getting Hired
- Build a strong resume and cover letter. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare for interviews. Research the job and prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions.
- Network: Attend campus events and connect with potential employers.
- Be flexible: On-campus jobs may have varying schedules and responsibilities. Be willing to adjust your availability.
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for jobs.
Pros and Cons of On-Campus Jobs
Pros:
- Flexible schedules
- Convenience
- Skill development
- Networking opportunities
- Supplemental income
Cons:
- May conflict with class schedules
- Limited earning potential
- Potential for competition
To find unique and non-traditional on-campus jobs, consider the following strategies:
- Think laterally: Explore departments and offices that may not typically hire students, such as the athletics department or the president’s office.
- Create your own job: Propose a project or service that you can offer to the university community, such as tutoring in a niche subject or organizing a student-run event.
- Connect with external organizations: Reach out to businesses and nonprofits that have partnerships with Chapman University and inquire about potential on-campus opportunities.
- Job share: Team up with a fellow student to split the responsibilities of a larger job, allowing you to manage your workload more effectively.
- Use keywords in your resume and cover letter. Identify keywords that are relevant to the jobs you’re applying for.
- Attend career fairs and networking events. Meet potential employers and learn about job openings.
- Follow up promptly. After applying for a job, follow up with the hiring manager to express your interest and inquire about the status of your application.
- Be persistent. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired the first time you apply. Keep applying and networking.
| Job Title | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | $12-$18 per hour |
| Student Mentor | $10-$15 per hour |
| Tutor | $15-$25 per hour |
| Research Assistant | $10-$20 per hour |
| Library Assistant | $12-$16 per hour |
| Housing Resident Advisor | $20-$25 per hour |
| Campus Event Coordinator | $12-$18 per hour |
| Dining Hall Manager | $13-$19 per hour |
| Bookstore Manager | $15-$22 per hour |
| Job Title | Average Hours per Week |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | 10-15 hours |
| Student Mentor | 5-10 hours |
| Tutor | Variable, based on demand |
| Research Assistant | 10-20 hours |
| Library Assistant | 10-15 hours |
| Housing Resident Advisor | 15-20 hours |
| Campus Event Coordinator | Variable, based on event schedule |
| Dining Hall Manager | 15-25 hours |
| Bookstore Manager | 10-15 hours |
| Job Title | Skills Developed |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | Communication, data entry, office management |
| Student Mentor | Leadership, communication, problem-solving |
| Tutor | Subject knowledge, communication, teaching skills |
| Research Assistant | Research methods, data analysis, critical thinking |
| Library Assistant | Information retrieval, customer service |
| Housing Resident Advisor | Conflict resolution, community building, crisis management |
| Campus Event Coordinator | Event planning, logistics, teamwork |
| Dining Hall Manager | Food service management, customer service, inventory control |
| Bookstore Manager | Retail sales, customer service, inventory management |
| Job Title | Networking Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | Faculty, staff, students |
| Student Mentor | New students, faculty, staff |
| Tutor | Students, faculty |
| Research Assistant | Faculty, researchers |
| Library Assistant | Faculty, staff, students |
| Housing Resident Advisor | Students, staff |
| Campus Event Coordinator | Faculty, staff, students, external organizations |
| Dining Hall Manager | Students, staff, visiting professionals |
| Bookstore Manager | Students, staff, faculty |
Conclusion
On-campus jobs provide Chapman University students with a valuable opportunity to earn money, gain experience, develop skills, and build their professional network. By leveraging the university’s resources and following effective job hunting strategies, students can find on-campus jobs that align with their interests and goals. Remember to be persistent, network effectively, and explore creative ways to expand your options.