Most Frequently Asked Questions
About Getting a Part-Time Job or Internship
Are all the listings current?
All part-time off-campus jobs are posted within two days of receipt
and are posted for approximately 30 days or until notified by the
employer that the position is no longer open.
Where are all our job listing sites?
Search Jobs & Internships (Work-Study
Jobs, On-Campus non Work-Study Jobs, Internships, Student Regent
Recruitment, monsterTRAK, Staff Human Resources). See Jobs Recommended
by staff as well.
How many hours can I work as a student?
If possible, wait to commit to a job until you can determine how
much free time you will have beyond your course work, extracurricular
activities, and some quality time for yourself. It's important to
remember that the Career Center receives job listings year round
so choose your job selectively.
When classes are in session, students are encouraged to work less
than 20 hours per week.
How can I get a job if I have no job experience?
Employers value skills developed through academic work, volunteer
experiences, extracurricular experiences, or other experience which
demonstrates skills useful in work. Not all of these skills are
job type specific; some of these skills are general such as communication
skills and analytical skills, and can transfer to different settings.
And routine types of student jobs can demonstrate to employers that
you have been a successful employee.
If a job does require some very specific experience, you might consider
finding a more routine position in a setting similar to where you
would eventually like to hold a job with greater responsibilities.
What are some benefits of student work experience?
In addition to wages earned, student work experience is valuable
for exploring fields of work which you may wish to enter after graduation.
Experience develops new skills and strengthens existing skills.
Work experience helps you establish professional contacts in a potential
field of interest. You will be able to demonstrate work accomplishments
in your resume.
What salary can I expect?
Salaries vary according to experience and skill required, year in
school, type of position, and location of the business. Students
working in Santa Cruz county can expect to earn around $6-$7/hour
and up depending on the position.
When should I start looking for an internship,
part-time job, or summer job?
Begin searching in the preceding fall semester in order to take
full advantage of all the resources and job listings available to
you. Some deadlines to apply are very early in the school year.
If you begin looking early, you will have the time to conduct a
thorough job search even though your academic schedule may be demanding
of your time.
What can I do to increase my chances of
finding a good job?
In addition to looking at our job listings, diligently network with
people who may have contact suggestions for you, approach employers
of interest to you directly, be sure you have put your best effort
into writing your resume and are prepared to handle interview questions
well. consider being more flexible if you are having difficulty.
For a summer position, can you consider other geographical areas?
Be sure to attend our Job Search Strategies workshop. Or talk with
one of our Career Counselors or Jobs Developers if you need additional
information.
How Can I research employers?
To find information about a specific employer, you may want to conduct
a web search. With so many companies on the web, it is possible
to do a lot of your research from home. Most pages contain an overview
of the company, annual reports, and products.
Some pages also have information regarding career opportunities
and may even have a link to current job openings.
Can I have someone review my resume?
Yes, Contact our Career Advisors. If you need help beginning or
revising your resume, attend a resume workshop or look at the section
of Services for Students & Alumni.
Do employers come on campus to recruit students
for employment?
Yes, See Up-coming Events section
of our web page.
Can I receive credit for an internship?
Yes, internships can be paid, non-paid, or you can receive academic
credit. You need to talk with the appropriate departmental advisor.
The advisor can provide you with forms that will have to be signed
by the student and professor.
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