Navigating On-Campus Student Jobs at USC: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding a job on campus at the University of Southern California (USC) can be a valuable experience, offering not only financial assistance but also career-enhancing opportunities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the on-campus job market at USC, covering everything from where to find job postings to eligibility requirements and valuable tips for success.

The Benefits of On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment provides valuable work experience and career-enhancing opportunities for a competitive job market after graduation. Many benefits exist for students who can balance the demands of work and school. Students who successfully manage classroom and employment commitments are much more likely to impress future employers. Furthermore, on-campus jobs offer convenience and flexibility, often aligning with academic schedules and providing a supportive work environment.

Key Resources for Finding On-Campus Jobs

USC provides several key resources to help students find on-campus employment:

Handshake: Handshake is your key resource for obtaining information on work-study and non-work study jobs. Students can find both work-study and non-work-study on-campus jobs through Handshake. Another way to access jobs posted to Handshake is to log in to my.usc.edu and add the Handshake widget to your home screen.
The Career Center: The Career Center is the university’s hub of on-campus employment opportunities. The Career Center even hosts an on-campus job fair at the top of each semester to directly connect students and USC staff. The fair features both work-study and non-work-study positions.
On-Campus Student Job Fair: Students can attend the On-Campus Student Job Fair held in the beginning of the fall and spring semesters for more information about on-campus employment and for the opportunity to talk with select employers hiring non-work study students. The Career Center also hosts the On-Campus Student Job Fair during the Friday of move-in week, which is the week before classes begin each Fall and Spring semester, as well as in April.
Social Media: My favorite way to look for job opportunities is through social media, primarily Instagram. These accounts, and many others, repost current on-campus job opportunities year-round.
Networking: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or even faculty if they’ve heard about any job opportunities on-campus. Speaking from experience, not all jobs are advertised. Make sure you keep your eyes open, there are on-campus opportunities everywhere if you’re paying attention!

Types of On-Campus Jobs

USC offers two primary types of on-campus jobs:

Work-Study: Federal work-study is awarded by the Financial Aid office. Not sure if you have work-study? Click here to learn more about work-study eligibility. Please note: International students are not eligible for work-study positions. The Financial Aid office supports students regarding educational financial assistance.
Non-Work-Study: These positions are open to all eligible students, regardless of financial aid status.

When to Apply

The majority of position openings starting in the fall semester are historically posted by the first or second week of August. However, on-campus departments continue to post positions throughout the year based on need. It’s never too late to find an on-campus job.

Departments That Hire Students

Many departments across USC hire students for various roles. Some examples include:

USC Bookstore: Looking for a job at the USC Bookstore?
USC Housing: Looking to apply to USC Housing?
The USC Hotel: Want to work at The USC Hotel?
Department of Public Safety (DPS): DPS provides a safe and secure environment on campus and in the USC community.
Facilities Management Services (FMS): FMS is responsible for the day-to-day operation, repair, and maintenance of USC.
USC Athletic Department: The USC Athletic Department hires students for part-time/hourly positions throughout the school year.
Office of Cultural Relations and University Events: The Office of Cultural Relations and University Events produces and manages over 200 events per year.

Special Considerations for International Students

*International students are not eligible for work-study positions on campus. On-campus employment for F-1/J-1 international students is limited to 20 hours a week (part-time) during the fall and spring semesters and 40 hours a week (full-time) during summer and university breaks. F-1/J-1 undergraduate and graduate degree students may begin on-campus employment at the beginning of their first semester at USC. F-1/J-1 students are permitted to work on-campus and participate in CPT/Pre-Completion Academic Training (AT) simultaneously. While the USCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for F-1/J-1 international students to be employed during their time in F-1/J-1 student status, working without proper authorization is a serious violation of the F-1/J-1 student status.

Important Information Regarding Final Semester Students

In order for students to work on campus and be paid by USC payroll, the student’s STARS report must be updated to indicate it is the student’s final semester. This is a separate process from submitting a Reduced Course Load (RCL) form to OIS. Updating the STARS report requires the student’s academic advisor to apply courses toward their degree and enter a “degree check” into the SIS record. This action causes STARS to identify whether the student has satisfied all graduation requirements. Once this action is completed, it takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for USC Payroll to receive the information.

Tips for a Successful Job Search

Utilize Job Boards, Social Media, and Your Network: In terms of finding jobs to apply for, connectSC is a great way to start your on-campus job search and to see what USC departments are hiring. However, I’ll be the first to admit that the platform doesn’t have the greatest success record. Due to the high volume of applicants on connectSC job postings, some students may never hear back from USC departments. Or, depending on what time of the year you are applying, it may seem like there is hardly anything available on connectSC. When looking for an on-campus job, step outside of the box!
Be Patient: Finding an on-campus job can be a frustrating and, at times, a time-consuming experience. However, my biggest piece of advice is to remain patient and positive. It’s normal to not hear back from employers or to get rejected a few times! This does not reflect your skills or capabilities. Many USC students are going through the exact same process as you.
Network and Ask Around: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or even faculty if they’ve heard about any job opportunities on-campus. Speaking from experience, not all jobs are advertised. Make sure you keep your eyes open, there are on-campus opportunities everywhere if you’re paying attention!

Equal Opportunity Employer

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Additional Information

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted. The University of South Carolina is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. USC Upstate participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Read also: Student Job Opportunities at CSUN

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