Navigating Work-Study for College Students: A Guide for Parents

As your student embarks on their collegiate career, you may be exploring various ways to support them both financially and academically. One excellent opportunity to consider is the Federal Work-Study Program. This initiative not only helps students earn money to cover educational expenses but also provides valuable work experience.

Here’s what you need to know about work-study eligibility, its benefits, and how your student can prepare for it.

Understanding Work-Study Eligibility

Eligibility for work-study is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid report you receive will outline whether your student qualifies for this program. If eligible, they will be awarded a specific amount they can earn through work-study jobs during the academic year.

The Benefits of Work-Study

Financial Assistance: Earnings from work-study can help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses, reducing the need for student loans.

Flexible Hours: Work-study jobs are designed to accommodate students’ academic schedules, ensuring that work commitments do not interfere with their studies.

Skill Development: Students gain practical work experience, enhancing their résumés and preparing them for future careers. Work-study positions often relate to students’ fields of study, providing relevant experience.

Networking Opportunities: On-campus work-study jobs allow students to build relationships with faculty and staff, which can be beneficial for academic and career advice.

Work-study job postings are typically released at the beginning of August. To ensure your student is ready to apply, have them upload their résumé to Handshake, your student’s one-stop career management tool (accessible from their my.sjf.edu Launchpad).  This will allow them to quickly apply for work-study positions once they are posted.  Handshake also offers a variety of resources to help students craft a professional résumé.  We will be working with your student to transition to a college-level résumé in their First Seminar course.

By taking these steps, your student will be well-prepared to take advantage of work-study opportunities as soon as they become available. This proactive approach can significantly enhance their college experience, providing both financial support and professional development.

Encouraging Career Check-Ins

As parents/guardians, your involvement in your student’s college journey can significantly impact their future success. One crucial step you can encourage is scheduling a check-in with Career Services. Whether your child is a first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior, regular engagement with Career Services offers numerous benefits that can pave the way for a successful transition from college to the professional world.

Explore & Refine Interests: Career coaches can help students identify and explore various career paths that align with their interests and strengths.

Prepare for the Job Market: Work on advanced résumé building, interview techniques, and networking strategies to be ready for the job market.

Gain Experience: Career Coaches can guide students towards internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities that build relevant experience and enhance their résumés.

Interview Preparation: Intensive interview preparation sessions ensure students present themselves confidently and competently to potential employers.

Post-Graduation Plans: Whether it’s entering the workforce, applying to graduate school, or considering alternative paths like gap years or fellowships, Career Services can provide guidance and resources.

Why It Matters

Regular engagement with Career Services ensures that your student is not navigating their future alone. Encouraging your student to schedule regular career check-ins will help them make informed decisions, build essential skills, and ultimately achieve their career aspirations.  Your support and encouragement can make a significant difference.  Appointments with Career Services can be scheduled via Handshake.