For many USC students, the decision to get an on-campus job comes quietly: It happens between classes, when rent reminders hit or when friends mention shifts they picked up that afternoon. But once the decision is made, the next question is often harder: Where do I start?

The process of finding and securing an on-campus job can seem unclear, especially for students navigating it for the first time. On-campus jobs are spread across nearly every department at USC, from research institutes to front desks to social media teams. 

According to Lori Shreve Blake, senior director for career engagement at the USC Career Center, the on-campus job search typically begins in three places: Handshake, career fairs and through direct outreach to school departments with desired positions. The Career Center serves as a centralized resource for student employment, internships and career preparation across the University.

Many — but not all — on-campus jobs require work-study awards, a federal financial aid program available to eligible domestic students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, and qualify based on financial need. 

I want to apply for on-campus jobs. How can I get started?

For most students, the first step is USC’s official job platform, Handshake. It is an online platform that offers job listings from a wide scope of industries and expertise. Students are able to look for different types of jobs: part time, full time and internships. 

Clarissa Franco, a sophomore majoring in communication and a social media intern at the Career Center, said job positions on Handshake are released regularly, with her co-workers approving what jobs to post from companies every day.

Handshake allows students to filter specifically for on-campus employment, as well as for work-study positions, if they are eligible. 

According to Olivia Lei, a senior majoring in international relations and the global economy, students can use Handshake’s filters to narrow down their job selection. As an international student from China, Lei said she was able to find a job that suited her interests. She is currently working as a student worker at the USC U.S.-China Institute and the Center of Public Diplomacy at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

However, Handshake is not the only opportunity to get an on-campus job, as some students can secure positions through their coursework. Franco said she was able to get her second on-campus job as a researcher at the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative through the “Research Practicum” course in the communication department, rather than a Handshake job posting.

I feel like Handshake is not enough. What else can I do?

Students can also directly engage with employers, according to Shreve Blake. She said students can attend the Career Center’s on-campus job fairs, which happen three times during the academic year in the spring, summer and fall. The next one is happening on Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., taking place at Trousdale Parkway.

Shreve Blake said another way to reach out directly to employers is by visiting department websites and reaching out to a faculty member. Even if a job opening is not posted on the department’s website, she said students can utilize the USC faculty and staff directory to search for the contact information of members of the department and ask if there is an opening, which she called “the hidden job market.”

How can I use advising services for guidance?

Students can schedule one-on-one appointments with career advisers and graduate interns under the Career Center through Handshake to receive resume, cover letter, application reviews and a walk-through on how to find on-campus jobs. 

Drop-in advising is generally available in-person in Wilson Student Union room 110.

What is the on-campus job interview process like?

Once the students get an interview opportunity, preparing for it may feel intimidating. However, according to Lei, the interview process is “conversational and smooth.”

Shreve Blake said hiring recruiters are looking for students who are “motivated” and want to learn from their supervisor. She said the job position is not predicated on a student’s major, but hiring managers look for interest and experience in the field of the position that students are applying for.

For students who apply and do not hear back, Shreve Blake said following up is an important step rather than an afterthought. She said students should reach out via email and ask for an informational interview after they complete their application. 

What are the benefits of an on-campus job?

Students with on-campus jobs gain access to career resources and professional relationships through on-campus jobs because staff members are often open to helping student workers learn how to better their careers, Shreve Blake said.

In addition to the professional and experiential benefits, on-campus jobs also provide tangible financial support. According to USC’s Financial Aid Office, Federal Work-Study awards typically range from about $500 to $4,750 per year. USC student workers are generally limited to 20 hours per week and gain an hourly income of around $17.87, according to USC Employee Gateway. 

In some on-campus roles, such as resident assistants, students receive additional benefits. Many RAs have housing and dining fees covered as part of their compensation, which can significantly offset living costs.