Guide to Getting Jobs
So, it seems you’re looking to get a job! Working as a student is a great way to stay busy and make a little money because, let’s face it, college is expensive! Looking for work when there are so many options can seem like an intimidating process, but don’t worry, we’re here to make your life a little easier. Below is your very own UVM student’s guide to finding a job.
Working on Campus
When it comes to finding work there are two main options that you have. On-campus and off-campus jobs. When it comes to working on campus some students are eligible for a Federal Work Study through the university. This is a form of financial aid that I won’t delve into for this blog, but if you want to know more information check out this link.
If you were not awarded FWS don’t fret! There are TONS of other jobs on campus available. A great place to start looking for on-campus work is through the universities job search tool. This tool allows students to scroll through all the listed positions on campus. It gives a description of each job and details on the hourly pay, how much you’ll be working, qualifications and lots of other useful information. They also provide a link to apply to each position.
If you have a more specific idea of where you want to be working then you can use the advanced search tool to filter by category, employer, wage, time frames or hours per week.
Working off Campus
Working off campus is a great way to immerse yourself in Burlington outside of UVM! There are countless employers in the surrounding area offering a vast array of positions. Although UVM’s job search tool can look for listings off campus I find that Indeed and Handshake are much easier to navigate and are more comprehensive. Indeed is quick, easy and allows you to filter for what you’re looking for and see what is available. Handshake offers a more in-depth service that starts with an extensive survey about yourself.
The Career Center is a super useful tool right here on campus for getting both on and off-campus jobs. It’s located on the second floor of the Davis Center right next to The Marketplace. With no appointment necessary you can drop in anytime Monday through Thursday, 10am to 2pm. Their page on the UVM website is also a great place to find information.
Applications and Interviews
The process of writing applications and interviewing is scary (to me at least!). But it doesn’t have to be. The idea of trying to capture all of yourself and what you have to offer in a few short answers is hard, maybe impossible. So, don’t get too caught up in this process. Just try and highlight a few things about yourself that the potential employer may like. If you’re feeling like you want to be extra prepared, you can go to the career center to practice your interview, or practice with a friend! It can also be helpful to bring an extra copy of your resume to any interviews you go to if you didn’t send it in beforehand.
I used to struggle with the thought of sounding “braggy” or “pompous” in applications. I quickly learned that this is the time to highlight your strengths. Expressing your good qualities and skills is the only way employers can see how great you are! So, take some pride in yourself!
I hope this blog gave you some new info or helped you feel a little more confident about this process. Now go find yourself a job, you got this!
