Office of the VP for Student Life

Benefits of student employment

There are many benefits to working on campus. We’ll tell you about just a few of them here.

Location

  • Work on campus can be very convenient to your classes and may eliminate extra commute time.

Flexible schedule

  • Many campus employers recognize your status as a student first and foremost. They will work with you to create schedules that fit with your classes and allow you time off when your academic load is most significant.

Connections

  • Students that choose to work on campus get the benefit of networking and forming meaningful relationships with other students, staff and faculty. You’ll have the chance to work with people who have a genuine interest in your success and who will likely serve as references when necessary.

Money

  • Let’s face it, college is not cheap and additional income can certainly relieve some of the financial stress that comes with pursuing a degree. The UW has recently increased the campus minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, to match the federal contractor minimum wage.

Academics

  • In addition to earning extra cash, an on-campus job has the potential of impacting your grades in a positive way. Studies show that students who become actively involved on campus tend to be better about managing their time and responsibilities. A recent study, Parental Transfers, Student Achievement and the Labor Supply of College Students, found that students working 20 hours or less each week had an average GPA of 3.13, versus nonworking students, who had an average GPA of 3.04.