Ever thought about getting a job on campus but didn’t know where to begin?
I’ve been there too.
After working in two different roles at Western Sydney University, I’ve picked up some valuable insights into the perks and challenges of on-campus jobs. In this article, I’ll share practical tips for the application and interview process, so you – as a newcomer, can put your best foot forward and land that role!
My journey as a student working on campus
I have taken on two casual roles on campus, including a School of Humanities and Communication Arts (SoHCA) student representative and a Peer Assisted Study Facilitator (PASS).
The student representative role involved collaboration with HCA’s School Executive Team to pinpoint and improve areas of the SoHCA student experience by collecting student feedback. As a PASS facilitator, my role consists of collaboratively helping students master subject content through creating a participatory learning environment. Both roles involve flexibility, time management, organisation, and good communication with your peers and relevant contacts.
I learned of both roles through a mix of virtual and in-person channels. My tutors advertised the student representative role during class. I received an email invitation about working as a PASS facilitator after completing the subject. I found strong academic performance could lead to my tutors recommending me for such opportunities. However, always ask your tutors if they know of any opportunities for you even if you haven’t had the best semester!
It took me some time to find my rhythm: overcoming IT-related hurdles, while absorbing extensive training materials and gradually building confidence in communicating with a diverse range of people, both in-person and virtually.
Once I got into the swing of it, I worked alongside amazing students and staff whose passion and dedication are inspiring (and infectious)! A campus job can give you an extra morale boost during semester crunch times being enjoyable.
Working on campus is a refreshing change from retail or hospitality roles. It’s a great way to build transferable skills, try out new areas, and gain practical experience in an academic and community-focused setting.
More than anything, these roles helped me see the value of relationships built during university studies. Connections can shape not only your studies but future opportunities. A campus role can give you a boost of self-confidence, sharpen your multitasking and organisational skills-and yes, put a bit of extra money in your pocket. If you can earn and learn at the same time, why not?
How to land a role
Tip 1: Finding jobs
If you are interested but not sure where to start, keep an eye out on Western Careers Newsletter emails, Careerhub, or the WestSydUCareer Instagram, which can be a first point of contact on new opportunities. Consider joining the Jobs on Campus mailing list. Jobs on Campus often list a wide range of roles like Library Student Partner, Student Services Hub Officer, or Student Ambassador. Most of them are part-time or casual, ideal for balancing your studies.
Most importantly, maintain a good work ethic and a positive relationship with your peers and tutors; they are an invaluable resource for new opportunities and support.
(Available resources for students on Career Hub)
Tip 2: Writing an effective resume
Start building a strong application by researching the role you are applying for. Take note of their objectives, values, and goals to consider how you can align your unique skills and experiences to fit them and, if possible, extend their scope.
Add keywords from the job description into your resume and adjust accordingly to highlight exactly what they will look for. When responding to the selection criteria and interview preparation, it is highly recommended to answer using the STAR structure – ‘Situation, Task, Action, Response’. Western’s Careers and Employability team also host extensiove resume building workshops with accredited careers counsellors to provide expert advice on building your resume. See more details here.
Tip 3: Interview prep
Practice interview answers with various scenarios and keep it simple to fit various questions. It is always a good idea to have a few questions in mind about the role to ask the interviewer. You can also ask interview questions to be repeated or clarified. Don’t forget to take the time to formulate an appropriate response. Remember, deep breathing is your friend! The Careers and Employability team can once again assist with interview practice! See more here.
Tip 4: Work-life balance
To manage your schedule between work and study, block out time in the week to accommodate your circumstances and workload. Create boundaries in your work schedule to avoid burnout, such as not answering emails after certain times, blocking out hours in the evening to rest or enjoy an activity. Most importantly, ask for support when you need it! The Careers and Employability team tries to provide flexibility where necessary.
Now, it’s time you give yourself a leg up by checking out Careerhub or WestSydUCareers Instagram for more handy tips and resources – and I truly hope your journey, both as a student and perhaps as a future Western staff member will be just as memorable and empowering!
