Working a part-time job is a reality for most college students. It adds a little money to your bank account, introduces you to new people, and if it’s done right, it’s a great complement to your class schedule and routine.
Finding a part-time job at the University of Montana or within the Missoula community is easier than you think. Whether it’s on-campus or within our Missoula community, opportunities abound to gain some experience and get on a payroll.
Scroll below to learn more about the types of employment available, the UM resources you should use, and tips from a student employee on how to land a job that fits your schedule.
The Different Types of Work Available
While a lot of jobs as a college student share similarities (i.e. clocking in, recording hours and getting a paycheck), there’s distinctions between the different types of employment available. Here’s a quick guide for you:
Student Employment
You can work for the University of Montana while attending the University of Montana. Student employees play a vital role in filling employment needs with jobs across campus, including popular departments like housing, dining, campus recreation and the University Center
Work-Study
Work-study is a form of financial aid that is earned through employment, often awarded through filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Work-study can either be federally funded (based on need) or state-funded (must be an in-state student), and both are paid through paychecks directly to your account.
Work-study positions are available on-campus and at pre-approved non-profits within the community, and a student awarded work-study will only receive funding if they secure a position and work the hours. Though work-study is taxable income, it is excluded from student wages on the next year’s FAFSA.
Read More: Work-Study FAQ'S
Internships
Paid and non-paid internships typically involve employment within an industry you’re interested in pursuing after graduation. Typically, internships involve intentional learning objectives set by the intern and employer, aimed toward providing valuable career experience and a foot in the door.
Read More: Find an Internship – UM Career Center
Part-Time Jobs in the Community
There’s a plethora of part-time jobs in Missoula. These include jobs at restaurants, retail establishments and non-profits. Jobs within our community is a great way to meet new people and become a deeper part of the Missoula community.
Experiential Learning and Career Success is Here to Help
Experiential Learning and Career Success (ELCS) is UM’s Career Hub, offering resources for all types of employment no matter where you’re at in the job search. From students jobs and internships to volunteer work and careers after graduation, ELCS is here to help every step of the way. ELCS is the first place to consult when looking for any type of student employment on campus.
One-on-One Job Counseling: Experiential Learning and Career Success offers one-on-one job and career appointments with their faculty of professional career coaches. This is a great first step in exploring everything ELCS has to offer, as well as get personalized advice based on your needs and situation.
Other Resources from ELCS: From practice interviews to resume guides and samples, utilize all the resources from ELCS to sharpen your job search. The department also provides tests and questionnaires to evaluate your interests and dial down what type of job would be best for you.
Handshake – UM’s Job and Internship Database
Handshake is a premier career platform specifically designed for college students and recent graduates. The University of Montana uses handshake to post student and staff jobs and internships, and also encourages students to peruse the thousands of other institutions also posting work availability. Find part-time jobs, full-time employment, internships and more.
Pro Tip: Handshake used to be exclusively for college students, but has since opened its virtual doors for any job seekers. If you are currently enrolled or have been accepted to UM, you can connect your school account for a more connected search. If you’re just curious about the platform, selecting “continue without a school” when signing up.
Places on Campus Frequently Hiring
Nearly every department across campus hires student works, although some hire a lot more than others. If you want to discover some of the most prevalent jobs on campus, click on the links below:
Campus Dining – Student Employment – LEARN MORE
Campus dining is the largest student employer on campus, welcoming over 350 student employees each year. Some bonus perks of working with campus dining include a welcoming community, a free meal with every shift and relaxed uniforms.
Campus Recreation – Student Employment – LEARN MORE
Campus recreation employs 125+ students for a variety of positions ranging from front desk attendants to lifeguards, maintenance, fitness instructors, golf course ground crews and camp counselors.
University Housing – Student Employment – LEARN MORE
University of Housing oversees all the residence halls and villages on campus, and student positions include resident assistants (RA’s), community development coordinators, desk assistances and operations coordinators. Some positions, including RA’s, come with housing.
Tips from Madison – A Student Worker
Madison Knapp is an out-of-state student from Bellingham, Washington, who has successfully obtained jobs across campus. She is currently a student blog writer, and soon will be starting a new job working for a bicycle program for the city. She was kind enough to give some advice for any other students seeking employment:
Craft Your Resume for the Position
My tip is to make sure your most relevant job experience is listed at the top of your resume. If you’re applying for a student blogger job, you don’t need to tell your employer about those two months where you worked as a swim instructor, for example.
Prepare For Every Interview
I always prepare for interviews by studying the job posting to know what skills I have that apply to the position, and I make sure to come prepared with at least one clarifying question about the job. A great question to ask may even be as simple as “What would a typical shift look like?”.
Find Jobs You’ll Enjoy
It can be easy to get sucked into the career focused mindset when looking for a job in college. Being a student is your first priority in college, and that’s already hard work! Either finding a fun job that’s totally outside your major or finding one semi-related that’s still enjoyable for you, will help you build skills and have a good time in college.
Student-Employee Balance
Most campus jobs and campus employers understand that you’re a student first. It’s important to be honest with yourself and your employer if you need to do less hours or pick up less projects if you’re struggling. Your mental health is important, so don’t be afraid to communicate your needs with your employer.
Try New Things
A lot of times, especially in college and with campus jobs, students have the unique opportunity to try something they’ve never even considered before. Campus employers usually train everyone from the beginning, so why not try something new and grow certain skills you may not have even known you had? Now is the time to take advantage of the college environment and mix things up!
