How I Used Work-Study to Build My Career

When I first started college, I didn’t have a clear picture of how I would afford tuition, books, and everything in between—let alone how I’d launch a career. Like many students, I applied for financial aid and was offered a Federal Work-Study opportunity. I almost didn’t take it. Balancing work and school sounded overwhelming.

But accepting that work-study position turned out to be one of the most important decisions of my college journey—and the launchpad for my career.

Starting Small: My First Work-Study Job

My first work-study job was in the campus career services office. At the time, I thought I’d just be answering phones and filing paperwork. And yes, I did a fair amount of that. But being in that environment exposed me to so much more.

I learned how to build a résumé, prep for interviews, and even how to speak to employers with confidence. I sat in on employer info sessions and helped coordinate career fairs. Before I knew it, I was networking with professionals and gaining insight into fields I’d never considered.

Skills That Paid Off

The best part of work-study? You’re gaining paid experience while you’re in school. That means:

• Time management becomes second nature.

• Professional communication gets stronger.

• You learn to navigate office systems and etiquette—skills employers expect from day one.

By the time I graduated, I had two years of solid experience on my résumé, along with references from campus staff who had mentored me. That experience helped me stand out when I applied for my first full-time job in student advising.

Making Connections

Work-study isn’t just about the job—it’s about the people. One of my supervisors introduced me to someone at a local nonprofit, which led to a summer internship. That internship later turned into a full-time role after graduation. Without that first connection from work-study, I might never have found my path in education services.

Advice for Students Considering Work-Study

If you’ve been offered work-study as part of your financial aid package, take advantage of it. Look for a role that aligns with your interests, even if it’s not a perfect fit. Every work-study position is an opportunity to grow, earn money, and build your future.

Here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• Apply early. Good campus jobs fill up fast.

• Treat it like a real job. Be on time, stay professional, and ask for feedback.

• Use it to explore careers. Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor how your tasks connect to real-world careers.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t know it then, but work-study helped me do more than just pay for books and groceries—it helped me discover a career I love. It gave me the confidence, experience, and connections to move forward after graduation. And it can do the same for you.

💡 Ready to Get Started?

If you're applying for financial aid, don't forget to fill out your FAFSA early and accurately. Need help? Our FAFSA Tutorial walks you through it step-by-step. And once you're eligible, be sure to look into work-study positions on your campus job board or through your financial aid office.

👉 Pro Tip: Sign up for free SMS reminders so you never miss a FAFSA deadline, work-study update, or scholarship opportunity.