Want to earn money, build experience, and stay close to your studies? Working on campus might be just the thing – but of course, it’s not always as easy as it sounds.
While Western Sydney University offers a variety of on-campus job opportunities, many students face challenges when trying to access these roles. Some struggle with a lack of relevant experience, while others find new opportunities connected to their field of study.
So, which areas of Western’s Jobs On Campus program need improvement? And when it works, what benefits can it truly bring?
Drawing from personal experience and insights as a student and university staff member, this article looks at how Western can build a more accessible and meaningful work experience for its student community.
Areas for Improvement
Some students found on-campus roles difficult to access either due to inexperience or because roles don’t align with their field of study. To address this, new opportunities should be tailored to actively target and support a wider demographic of students, offering pathways that help them build relevant skills within their school or discipline.
In addition to centralised Western opportunities, individual schools and disciplines should be encouraged to create targeted roles that reflect the specific learning and career needs of their students. Faculty-led roles, whether in research, peer mentoring, or creative production, can be an excellent bridge between academic learning and real-world practice.
While these positions are often short-term and affected by limited long-term planning, their casual nature may be beneficial. For some students, this flexibility allows them to take on other opportunities as they arise.
Let’s not forget, uni is expensive! Long-term roles spanning multiple semesters could offer a more reliable source of income, allowing students a better work study balance in an environment that understands and supports their needs.
Jobs on Campus students also raised concerns about inconsistent training and guidance when navigating Western’s payroll system, StaffOnline. Some described the onboarding process as slightly unorganised and confusing, expressing uncertainty about where to seek help. This inconsistency creates unnecessary confusion and stress for both students and administrative staff. A central SharePoint hub or standardised user guides could significantly ease the transition for all student staff, regardless of their role.
Benefits
Beyond the hurdles, working at a place like Western can be incredibly rewarding. Well designed and thoughtful student roles are more than just a job – they’re a springboard for future growth.
Despite some challenges, working with reputable institutions like Western offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your resume, build professional credibility, and showcase your enthusiasm and strong work ethic. It can also help you develop valuable skills that might be difficult to gain elsewhere, all whilst increasing your presence within the university community.
Senior School of Humanities and Communication Arts (SoHCA) lecturer Dr Alison Barnes worked closely with the SoHCA Student Voice Team in 2024. Dr Barnes reflected on student’s positive energy and creativity.
‘It was great to see how important university was to each student and the difficulties they’ve been going through,” she said. “When seeing the student voice team members present at a whole school staff meeting in a large lecture theatre, I learned that I should never put limitations on students’.
There’s still room for growth. With better planning, more school-specific roles, and improved support systems, the Jobs on Campus model has the potential to become a more inclusive and empowering experience for all students – across all disciplines.
Take that first step – give yourself a leg up by checking out Careerhub or WestSydUCareers Instagram for more handy tips and resources – your next opportunity might be just around the corner.
