Throughout my role as a Residence Don at Woodsworth College Residence, one of the questions I get a lot is how to navigate on-campus jobs and Work Study roles. If you’re looking to gain more hands-on experience, explore different career paths, and build valuable professional skills while still in school, a Work Study position can be an amazing starting point! These roles can offer the chance to apply what you’re learning in the classroom, make meaningful campus connections, and earn some income to help support your studies. If you’re on the fence about starting a Work Study position or are planning on applying, here are some things I wish I knew before I began my Work Study positions.
Apply early in the posting cycle
Work Study job postings usually go live before the term starts, but not all positions are active for the entire application period. Some positions (like research assistant roles) can be very competitive and tend to fill up quickly, so applying early gives you the best shot of securing one of those roles.
Cap of 15 hours per week
Another thing I wish I knew before starting a Work Study role is that most positions (if not all) have a cap of 15 hours per week that you can work. At first, I thought this was limiting, but it actually makes a lot of sense because it can help ensure that students are able to balance their academics and extracurriculars plus their job without feeling overwhelmed. For me, knowing this helped me plan my weekly schedule better as I had set times to devote to my work.
A wide range of opportunities
A great thing about the Work Study opportunities is just how diverse the types of Work Study roles are. When I first heard about the program, for some reason I assumed it was mostly admin or office work. But in reality, there are so many different opportunities depending on your interests and skills. You can get involved in research positions, help with social media and communications, work in athletics and recreation, or even take on mentorship and peer support roles like becoming a Mentor Navigator. This means there’s something for everyone, whether you're looking for experience related to your future career or just want to try something new.
Resources to help your application
I think one of the best things about U of T is the plethora of resources available. On the other hand, one of the things I’ve also struggled with is knowing that these resources exist and where to find them! The U of T Career Centre, Career & Learning Network (CLNx), and even some college-specific offices provide guides, workshops, and one-on-on support for things like resume writing, cover letters, and interview prep. These resources are free, but many students don’t take advantage of them. Taking the time to use these supports can make a big difference in landing the position you want! For now, the Student Life Career Exploration & Education page is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Work Study positions are a great way to connect with different people, gain valuable experience, and ease some of the financial pressures of being a student. If you’re considering applying this semester, don't wait—Fall/Winter Work Study applications are open until Sept. 22 at 9am, so check out the Work Study Job Board today! With the right preparation, Work Study can honestly be one of the most rewarding parts of your university journey.
-Bolu 🫶🏾