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Though it may seem like a daunting addition to the already busy lives of many college students, working a part-time job on campus comes with many benefits that outweigh the cost of giving up a few hours of time each week.  

Most obviously, having a job while in school is financially beneficial, as it can help offset the costs of textbooks, meal plans, tuition, and living expenses, which can pile up to staggering heights. The money can also help students budget some fun into their lifestyles by covering costs such as sorority/fraternity dues, going out to dinner with friends, or costs associated with a student’s hobbies.  

Working on campus also allows students to connect with other students and faculty of their university, providing them will friendships and connections that could be beneficial to their future careers. Students can find campus jobs that relate to their career interests, making their employment at their university a highly beneficial addition to their resume and a useful talking point in interviews.  

Campus jobs are also a great option for students, because they tend to allow a higher level of flexibility than jobs offered elsewhere in the community. Students who work on campus can squeeze in shifts between classes and extracurriculars, without the inconvenience of having to leave campus, making it a desirable option for those with even the busiest of schedules. At Iowa State, student employees are not permitted to exceed 20 hours of work on a weekly basis, preventing students from having to deal with the stress of their jobs competing with their academics.  

And speaking of academics, research has found that students who work part-time in college get higher grades than their peers who don’t have jobs, so adding a campus job to your schedule may be just the challenge you need to help you excel in academics as well. 

All in all, working on campus is a great way to spend your spare time, as it allows you to conveniently earn some extra cash, learn useful career skills, make valuable connections, and maybe even boost your GPA.  

By Cathy C., Peer Financial Educator