Working While at UMD

Extra Working Cash Can Never Hurt

What is your opinion about working while at college? Some students have to work to pay for college or their living expenses while away. Some students consider their schoolwork and studying their only job and are fortunate enough not to have to find work outside their studies. Others choose to work while at school to supplement their spending. Whatever the reason, it is rarely a negative when a student gets a job. Whether it is to pay tuition or housing or plan for their spring break trip, or backpack through Europe after graduation, or even to just augment their wardrobe, working while in school is neither novel nor unusual.

The University of Maryland offers students many resources when it comes to finding a job on or around campus. The University Career Center is a great place to begin your job search. This career service website goes in-depth into all the work options that are available for students and recommends the best choice based on what you are looking for and the amount of time you are willing to commit to. Another great aspect of the career center is that they are there to help you work and review your resume. Having a resume that highlights all your academic successes and past work experience will better enable you to get a job.

Careers4Terps (C4T) is a UMD database that lists all available positions that have been listed and include both on and off-campus options. In addition to this resource, eTerps is UMD’s system for applications to full-time positions on campus. This website is run by University Human resources and allows students to both browse and post job positions.  Another recommendation made by The University Career Center is to reach out to your current or past professors or academic circles. Oftentimes academic advisors, professors, or other university employees will become aware of job openings for students. If you reach out to these people, they may recommend you for the job or let you know when new positions open up.

Common Student Jobs

• On-Campus Jobs- There are various on-campus jobs offered to UMD students. From working at the bookstore or library to being a teaching assistant, there are many options for students looking for a job on campus.
• Become a dog/cat walker or dog/cat sitting, apply to be a pet sitter at Rover. You will need to pass a basic background check.
• Bartending – apparently, this is a really coveted position, probably because the money is plentiful, but be prepared for very late hours, even on school nights. Of course, one good tip jar during a game day shift may possibly pay half the rent for the month.
• RA (Resident Assistant)- This is a great way to get housing and make some money. There are several steps to apply for the UMD RA position, upon meeting eligibility. Students first have to attend an information session. Students will then have to complete their application by early October.
• Lifeguard- UMD has both an indoor and outdoor pool. This means there are lifeguards and swim instructors needed.
• Fitness Facilities- Both the on-campus gyms and local off-campus gyms hire college students. They often have positions as a front desk attendant, personal trainer, or various instructor positions.
• Tutoring – If there is a subject that you have already mastered, share that knowledge for $20-25 an hour with a student that needs some guidance on that subject.
• UBER- Yes, some students with their own cars drive for UBER.
• Waiter/Waitress- There are so many places to eat near campus and they all need help at some point.
• Yoga, Pilates, fitness instructor – Many local area gyms need class instructors.
• Internships – This is a great way to get real-world experience. You may start a broader search through the Career Connections Center on the internship web page. For a narrower search, we recommend looking at your individual college or researching specific companies that you may be interested in working for.
• Chegg has an internship site or you can check out some of the job sites like Indeed.com. Don’t rule out Linked In as a resource either. And if you have contacts with friends, families, acquaintances, ask if they know of any internships. Even HaveUHeard has a paid internship program.
• Fiverr – Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelance services. It got its name from the original price of jobs being $5 per task. This is a great place for students to list the services they offer (or parents) or even find inexpensive tutors.

Remember, students that hold part-time jobs may not be able to leave for school breaks, which may mean spending Thanksgiving, spring break, or some of the winter break at school. Some dorms do not remain open during breaks so housing is an issue that should be considered.

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