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Benefits of Student Employment

A part-time job can help you become a better student and get a jump on your career track.

Almost two-thirds of UCSD undergraduates hold jobs, and nearly half of these students work on campus. Find out why a part-time job is an option you'll definitely want to consider.

Benefits of working part time while attending school:

  • Studies show that students who work up to 30 hours a week do just as well or even better academically than those who don't. Working only 12-15 hours a week (as most students do) shouldn't affect your grades.
  • Studies also show that students who work on campus are more likely to persist in their studies. Through your job, you'll become better acquainted with faculty, staff, and other students.
  • Part-time work allows you to:
    • Perfect time-management skills necessary for academic success
    • Reduce your need for student loans and the resulting indebtedness
    • Gain career-related experience as you clarify goals, acquire skills and self-confidence, and build a network of contacts
  • UCSD graduates consistently report that part-time employment was their most common and valued source of career-related experience, and they often attribute post-graduation success to their work experience.

How to find a job that's right for you:

  • If you've accepted a work-study award (a type of financial aid), it can help pay for your educational expenses.
  • Look for work-study and other on- and off-campus jobs online at Port Triton, or visit the Career Services Center.
    • Nearly all off-campus jobs are open to all students regardless of work-study status.
    • Ultimately, work-study students hold only 15%-20% of on-campus jobs, because most vacancies are opened up to other applicants when employers aren't able to fill them with work-study students.

For questions about student employment:

  • Contact the Career Services Center, (858) 534-4472, for more advice about jobs and careers and to find undergraduate job listings.
  • Contact the Financial Aid Office, (858) 534-4480, to learn more about work-study jobs.

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