Navigating Student Jobs at the University of Washington: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Washington (UW) offers a multitude of job opportunities for students seeking to enhance their college experience, gain valuable skills, and contribute to the university community. Whether you're looking for on-campus convenience, community engagement, or a career jumpstart, UW provides a diverse range of options. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of student employment at UW, including how to find, apply for, and thrive in these roles.
Why Work at UW? The Perks and Benefits
Working at the University of Washington comes with several advantages. On-campus jobs offer convenience and flexibility, allowing students to balance work with their academic schedules. These roles provide a unique connection to the university community, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. Moreover, UW is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for all students. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for all. There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Diversity is one of UW’s core values and it is expressed, championed, and celebrated in many ways.
Discovering Opportunities: Where to Find UW Student Jobs
The University of Washington offers a wide array of student job opportunities, both on and off-campus. Here's how to navigate the search:
UW Staff Job Openings: With over 1000 staff job openings, you will find rewarding opportunities in hundreds of job fields. Discover how you can take your impact further with a career at the University of Washington. Find your place within UW’s integrated health system, with a number of award-winning hospitals and facilities located in the greater Seattle area and devoted to improving the health of all people.
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On-Campus Jobs: These jobs provide convenience, flexibility, and a unique connection to the university community.
Work Study Office: The Work Study Office continuously collects job descriptions from potential Work Study employers. There are a variety of jobs available and usually more jobs than applicants. The Work Study Office can provide information on available positions and eligibility requirements.
Community Service Positions: Of particular interest to many students are the community service positions and Literacy programs such as America Reads, and Riverways Education Partnerships. These off-campus jobs offer you the opportunity to work for local schools and other community non-profit agencies and organizations, providing direct service to their clientele.
Housing & Food Services (HFS) Jobs: A Popular Choice
HFS jobs are a popular option for UW students because they pay well, are flexible and accommodating with your schedule, and on-campus jobs are convenient when you’re also juggling classes. An HFS job is also a great way to build on your Husky Experience, because you’ll meet new people and gain new workplace skills.
- Easy Application Process: The first and most important step is for you to let HFS know you’re interested in working with them. There is a pretty straightforward application process that gets you into their system so they can figure out where your schedule might allow you to fit into their operations. You can start the process by completing their application online, or you can drop by the HFS Central Office in Terry Hall, and they’ll help you out if you need some extra guidance or are unsure about the process. If you have questions about the process after you apply, check out their Student Jobs FAQ.
Tips for Applying to HFS
Apply Early: The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll find a job.
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Keep Information Current: Keep your application information and schedule current. If your schedule doesn’t match an open shift, unfortunately you will not be contacted.
Schedule Matters: Since the key component of whether HFS can hire you is your availability, it is important to know what your weekly and daily schedules look like for the period you are interested in employment. HFS hires to their staffing needs across all of their campus operations, so if you’re not available during the time periods where they have open positions, they won’t be able to hire you until something opens up that works with your schedule. Students sometimes wonder why they don’t get hired by HFS right away after they apply, and lack of schedule compatibility is the most common reason. It’s best to check back with them after a few weeks if you don’t hear anything, in case something opens up, or to update your application if your schedule changes.
Prime Availability: Your best bet to get hired right away is to be available for work during the 11 am-2 pm window, as HFS can always use workers during the midday rushes.
Office Jobs: These jobs usually are more complex and more competitive to get, but they can be a great way to get experience in an office environment doing work that may match up with a future career. To find out about these jobs drop in on HFS at their Terry Hall office to look into available office jobs and what it takes to apply.
Become a Student Leader in HFS
Of course, you can also explore the ultimate immersive HFS opportunity-being a student leader. Student leader roles include Resident Advisers (RAs) and HFS programming teams, RPB and REP. Student leader recruitment for the following year typically begins in late Autumn. Check out the Student Leader Application page in the Autumn to learn more about opportunities and to find important application deadlines.
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The Application Process: Standing Out from the Crowd
You found the perfect UW job for you, now all you have to do is apply. Contact the individual employers to apply for a job.
Highlighting Transferable Skills
What if I don't have any 'real' work experience? Most of the student jobs HFS offers are entry-level positions. HFS recognizes that for many students, this will be their first opportunity to seek employment. They appreciate having the opportunity to guide and mentor new employees into the workforce and potentially into careers. They value what you bring to the University. Please list any volunteer or school and community project experience on your application.
Work Study: Funding Your Education
Please keep in mind that Work Study is only one type of job. There are non-Work Study positions on-campus and other part-time employment jobs off-campus.
Eligibility and Application
Once hired, your Work Study employer will need to complete a Work Study Hiring Form before you start working. All of our jobs are work-study eligible. If you receive any form of financial aid, you should check with the Work Study Office when you are hired.
Resources for International and DACA Students
International Students
If you are studying at the UW, HFS offers you the opportunity to expand your experience too! When you are hired, you will receive information about applying for your Social Security card.
DACA Students
The university remains steadfastly committed to the educational success of DACA enrollees and students. HFS follows University guidance in supporting employment of DACA students. HFS cannot legally hire undocumented students who are not a part of the DACA program.
UW's Commitment to Equal Opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. View the UW’s federally required Know Your Rights poster for prohibitions in employment discrimination. As a federal contractor, the University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
Summer Opportunities
Summer job listings will be available in the Work Study Office in mid June. Now accepting student applications
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