Thank you to whoever responded to the question that we posted on the @sunygcc instagram page and gave the idea to write an article on finding on- campus jobs. I understand how difficult it can be to find a job on campus, especially for students who don’t want to ask their parents for money every now and then. I’ll try to provide as much information as I can. On campuses like GCC, job opportunities are often limited, so you should  be assertive, attentive and a bit strategic. 

Finding an on-campus job was a tough journey for me, like some of you are having right now. I belong to the group of students who are trying to manage a few things on their own without asking their parents for money every single time. These challenges aren’t unique to you alone. I believe every student faces them. This article is for all those students. I hope it can provide you with some useful insights on how to find a job on campus, not just at GCC.

Finding an on-campus job at GCC as an International student 

• First, let’s begin with the where to find on-campus jobs at GCC website. 
• Go to your MyGCC account, and you’ll see the “Career and Employment” option. Click on that, and it will take you to a different tab that looks like this. 

Next, click the 2nd link under the “On Campus Student Employment” if you are a student at GCC seeking employment but do not have federal employment permission This typically applies to international students on F-1 status. This will take you to a page that appears as shown below. From here simply select the job you wish to apply for and submit the required documents according to the job’s specifications. You probably do not see many job openings available now since we are already in mid-semester.

• Tip: If you’re truly committed to finding a job, I would recommend visiting and speaking with the department you are interested in working with, even after submitting your resume. Because the department receives several applications, meeting with them in person could significantly increase your chances of securing a job.

• Tip: Make sure to inquire directly within the department you aspire to work for to see if any openings are available or they are looking for hiring somebody to do some specific work. Don’t restrict yourself solely to the listings on the website. For instance, if you’re interested in working in the arts department, approach them, express your intentions and capabilities, even if you don’t find job openings specifically related to their department on the GCC employment website. This applies universally, not just at GCC.

Social Security Number ( SSN ):

Now let’s assume you’ve applied for a job, aced an interview and received an offer letter. Now you need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). This is a confidential and personal number required to work in the United States. 

• Tip: Expect your SSN card to arrive in 2-3 weeks after you apply. if you plan to start an on-campus job right after your semester begins, it’s better to start the process of finding an on-campus jobs and apply for SSN early 

You can also apply for an on-campus job before arriving in the United States if you have already registered for classes. This can streamline your job- finding process, although it doesn’t guarantee a job. It’s just another tip. 

Networking: 

Networking and meeting people can also make your job search process easier. Just talk to people who are already working in your desired field. This may not not always give you immediate benefits, but it can expose you to different options and approaches for finding a job.

Applying for the work-study: Domestic Student 

Domestic Students seeking part-time employment on campus should fill out the work-study application. After submitting the form, the financial aid department will review your eligibility for work-study. Domestic Students can also explore other job opportunities without applying for work-study by visiting the second link under the work-study form link. At some point you should go through this process, sooner or later, to secure an on-campus job. 

 Questions? email: financialaid@genesee.edu 

I hope this article provided you with some new information that you didn’t know before reading it. In the end, it all depends on stepping out of your comfort zone and networking with people. 

If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends whom you think might benefit from it. Feel free to comment your questions below, I’ll try to answer them.

-Priya