Work-Study

Federal work study is a Title IV federal financial aid program. It is awarded to students based on their demonstrated financial need using information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Through this program, students may earn up to the amount listed on their financial aid award and their wages will be subsidized by the federal government. Because of this subsidy, some employers prefer students with FWS awards. Their job postings will state this. FWS positions can be found in nearly every academic and administrative office on campus, as well as in Marquette recreational facilities, the libraries and residence halls.

See other information and frequently asked questions on student employment and Federal Work Study.

On-campus Opportunities

A large number of Marquette students work part time during the academic year. There are many on-campus job opportunities available during the fall and spring semesters, as well as the summer. One of the perks of working on-campus is that employers are well aware of the student experience and are more likely to offer flexible hours or time off during those periods requiring extra work, such as midterms and finals.

Most departments on campus have job opportunities for students, so make sure to pay attention to different opportunities that may pop up. To find these opportunities for student employment, log into JobX via CheckMarq, a free service for admitted and currently enrolled Marquette students seeking part-time job opportunities. For instructions on how to access and navigate JobX, visit Marquette Central's website.

The following are campus departments that have a good number of student employment opportunities:

• AMU
• Office of Residence Life (ORL)
• Student Safety
• Library
• Tutoring
• Recreational Sports
• Office of Inclusion and Belonging

Resident Assistant (RA)

RAs are upper-class students who live in the resident halls with you, attend and help with various day-to-day activities, and are there to support you. Each RA is extremely knowledgeable about what it takes to succeed at Marquette. We mention them in this section about employment because once you become an upper-class student, you could apply to become a RA. Being a RA comes with many responsibilities, but you should know that RAs are compensated with room and board and a meal plan, so if you want to cut back on your costs for a year, consider becoming an RA. Find out more about becoming a RA.

Off-campus Jobs

There are many opportunities for employment off campus. The best places to search for these jobs are:

• Online services
  • JobX — Marrquette's Student Employment Portal
• Newspapers

Keep in mind that some of these jobs may not be as flexible with your schedule as on-campus jobs, so we recommend that you clarify scheduling with your employers.

Paid and Unpaid Internships

Most internships become accessible for students with sophomore standing or higher. While internships are great for building your resume, not all internships are alike. Below you will find descriptions of some of the types of internships available and what to consider when applying to them.  

Paid internships are excellent opportunities for earning both money and experience in the professional world, which makes them more competitive than unpaid ones. Typically, paid internships pay 40-80 percent of what a full-time entry-level hire with a bachelor’s degree would earn. Some companies that hire interns offer full benefits, while others won’t. We encourage you to attend career fairs on campus to become more familiar with the various internship opportunities that are available to Marquette students. These career fairs are also great ways to network with and ask questions of the professionals in the companies you may one day work for.

Another thing to consider when applying for an internship is housing. If you decide to apply for a summer internship, pay attention to where the internship will be and where you will be living. What kind of transportation will you need? Will you need to rent an apartment?

Tips for improving your chances of getting internships

If you are interested in getting an internship, we recommend that you:

• Perform academically well your freshman year.
• Consult faculty and staff for strong letters of recommendation.
• Practice those interview skills.
• Visit the Career Center.
• Start off with internships in smaller companies, and then move toward larger companies.

Balancing Work and School

When seeking employment, be cognizant of your time management. It is extremely important you find a balance between work and school that works for you. Here are some tips for finding that balance:

• Are the hours flexible?
  • Some departments offer very flexible hours.
  • Some jobs allow you to increase/decrease your hours each week depending on your availability.
• Which hours are available?
  • Some departments are only open during certain hours Monday through Friday. If you need to work during the weekend or outside of the hours of operation, consider jobs that allow for those options.
• How much will you be paid?
  • Will you be paid by the hour? If so, how much will you be paid?
  • If you can earn more per hour, that may mean you can work less hours each week, which will open more time for different things.
• Can you study while working?
  • Some supervisors will occasionally let you study at work.
  • Clarify this question with your supervisors before you decide to study on the job.
• Stay organized.
  • Stay on top of due dates and exam dates.
    • Keep a calendar or planner.
  • If you know you have a busy week coming up in which you have several exams and assignments due, try working fewer hours to dedicate more time to school.
  • Organizational skills are very important for any student, and if you would like some help with them, set up a one-on-one session at: marquette.edu/academic-services/one-on-one.
  • Work during the summer.

Building your resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your resume/CV is a document that sums up your qualifications for the jobs you’re interested in. Think about your resume/CV as a marketing tool that will communicate your value to employers. These are among the most important documents for any job seeker, and, as such, you will want to spend the necessary time to polish them and make them as professional as possible. Creating a good resume/CV is not an easy task for many, but as a student at Marquette, the Career Center will help write the best resume/CV possible. If you need help with your resume/CV, stop by the Career Center, or visit their online resources on resumes.