Student Employment
Whether you call it a part-time job, internship, experiential learning or volunteerism, it is important for you to get real world experience before you leave college.
Types of Student Employment
Students at IU South Bend have a variety of employment options available while they pursue their degrees. A Career Services Office Counselor, an Academic Advisor, or a faculty member can help you determine which employment option best suits your needs.
There are different types of employment available to full-time students at IU South Bend. Each has its own focus and its own value within the life of a student.
- An Internship provides the all-important ‘real world’ experience before you leave college. It also has the potential to yield academic credit.
- A Part-time Job offers ‘real world’ experience (although perhaps not in your field) along with a pay check. Part-time work can be found almost anywhere, but can be more conducive to your education when it’s organized by the university.
- Student Employment refers to positions specifically intended to be filled by students. They all accommodate student schedules. Most of them are on campus. Many of them require Work Study eligibility.
- Off-campus Work Study refers to off-campus positions with organizations that are part of the Work Study program.
What is Work Study?
The Federal Work-Study Program offers an opportunity for you to earn money while gaining valuable job experience. Eligibility is determined by financial need as indicated on your FAFSA. You can make use of your award by applying to positions that accept your work-study award. Once you have been hired and begin working, you will receive bi-weekly paychecks, which will be deducted from your work-study award.
Your Work Study award contributes more than financial assistance to your college education. It offers you additional advantages—education plus job experience. In increasingly competitive job markets, employers seek applicants who have employment as well as academic experience. Your award may also provide:
- Practical training and experience in your chosen field
- Positive job experience to help you identify career objectives
- Experience to your résumé and recommendations from employers
How to Check if You Are Work Study Eligible
To get the most accurate answer, the Career Services Office encourages students to contact the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships directly. When you email the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at sbfinaid@iu.edu, here is an example of what you could say:
"Hello! My name is ___ and my student ID number is __. I am reaching out to inquire about my eligibility for Federal Work Study. I would like to know whether I qualify for work-study funding for the upcoming academic year and, if not, are there are any steps I can take to be considered.
If you need any other information from me, please let me know. I appreciate you assistance and look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Benefits of Using Your Work Study
There are many benefits to utilizing your work-study award. Along with financial assistance, you can expect the following benefits:
- Exemption from FICA taxes (for federal work-study earnings).
- On the FAFSA, federal work-study earnings are excluded in determining expected family contribution for the next financial year.
- Gain work experience with either our community program or on-campus positions.
- Our community and on-campus employers understand you’re a student first. They’ll be flexible with your class schedule.