Getting an on-campus job is a great way to gain work experience while receiving financial support. However, as an international student, your #1 priority should always be your studies and successfully graduating. In many cases, supervisors require you to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
That said, I want to share my experience in securing an on-campus job and provide some tips that may help you if you're looking for a similar opportunity.
Getting the Hiring Letter
The first and perhaps most challenging step is securing a job offer. There aren’t many job openings on campus, but with effort and dedication, it is completely possible to get one.
Most of these jobs don’t require paid professional experience, but they do value leadership skills, previous projects, and participation in events. It's crucial that your resume highlights how you developed the skills required for the job. You can even include relevant coursework and projects you’ve worked on.
💡 Tip: If you don’t have prior experience, consider volunteering in university departments. This will not only help you develop relevant skills but also allow you to build connections. If the department you’ve volunteered for opens a job position, they will already have an idea of your potential, making it easier for them to trust you.
Don’t give up—keep your resume updated and apply consistently for on-campus jobs.
"Once you get the hiring letter, it's time to fill out forms and wait for answers. It’s just a matter of patience."
— Louis Sandries
Filling Out Forms and the Hiring Process
This is one of the longest steps, so patience will be your best ally.
📌 Talk to Your Advisor
Once you receive your Hiring Letter, your first step is to inform your international student advisor that you’ve secured a job offer. All F1 visa students are allowed to work on campus, but there are specific steps to follow.
Your advisor will guide you through the process of obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN). This number is extremely important and confidential. Never share it unless you are 100% sure it’s necessary.
📌 Applying for an SSN
To apply for your SSN, you need to visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Depending on your location, you may need to book an appointment, or you may be able to go as a walk-in. In my case, I went as a walk-in and waited for about two hours.
After filling out the required forms, all that’s left is to wait for your SSN card to arrive in the mail, which can take a few weeks.
📌 Completing Forms with Human Resources
Once you receive your SSN, you’ll need to contact your employer to complete the necessary paperwork for Human Resources (HR) to process your employment. This step can also take some time since HR handles multiple processes at once.
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on your email and phone in case they need additional information. Also, the university’s IT department will need to set up your employee credentials for system access.
In my case, the entire process—from getting my Hiring Letter to officially starting work—took about two months. However, I know students who have waited four months or longer.
Starting Your New Journey as a Student Employee!
Congratulations! You’ve completed the process and are now a Student Employee. Here are some tips to make the most of this opportunity:
✅ Use your first few months to learn and fully understand your role.
✅ Ask questions when you have doubts, but with the intention of learning and improving.
✅ Work as a team—your coworkers are your support system, not your competition.
✅ Socialize and maintain clear communication with your supervisor and coworkers.
✅ If English is not your first language, don’t be afraid to speak. Most people will make an effort to understand you.
✨ Remember: This is a big step in your professional journey. Enjoy the experience and keep learning. Good luck in your new job! 🚀
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