HELP! My Student Needs a Part-time J-O-B

By Ken Barnes 

If your student needs a part-time job, this article is for you! Whether they’re just starting or have been at UC Davis for a while, we can help. Below are common questions you may have about part-time jobs. If you still have questions, email sec@ucdavis.edu. 

Will a part-time job affect academic performance? Studies show that working up to 10 hours per week has a positive effect on academic performance and college satisfaction. Your student’s grades may actually improve! They’ll connect with supportive supervisors and colleagues and enjoy college more. Working 11-15 hours per week has either no effect or a very small negative effect on academic performance and college satisfaction. Working more than 15 hours per week may have a negative effect that increases with hours. So, proper balance is the key. 

How flexible are the hours? On-campus jobs are incredibly flexible. Supervisors recognize academics as the priority and are willing to work with student schedules. Shifts are as short as two hours, and some jobs offer evenings and weekend work. 

How does my student find a job? The Internship & Career Center (ICC) makes finding jobs easy through Handshake, an online database. It offers both on- and off-campus jobs. Your student already has access, and can search for on-campus jobs by entering “STDT” into the search field. STDT is the on-campus classification series for three types of jobs: 

• STDT 2 positions require commonly available skills and abilities or don’t require extensive training. They pay $14.00/hr.  

• STDT 3 positions require specialized knowledge and independent judgment in performing duties. Many require upper division coursework, and pay $14.25/hr. 

• STDT 4 positions require extensive, advanced-level training and coursework or highly specialized skills (computer programming, lab, supervisory/management skills, etc.). They start at $14.50/hr and often pay more depending on experience or skills. 

Some jobs offer shift differentials, and all in the STDT series increase $1.00/hr on January 1, 2022 to align with the state minimum wage increase. Others have perks! Those in the dining commons and Coffee House (CoHo) offer free food. That can save a lot! 

Off-campus part-time jobs can also be found in Handshake, making it a one-stop resource for jobs, internships, and career positions. 

Will these jobs look good on a resume? Yes! UC Davis is making a concerted effort through Aggie Launch to support students’ career exploration through their on-campus jobs with greater focus on making connections to transferable skills they develop. The ICC assists students in listing and discussing their experiences properly, and coaches students on interviewing and the search process to enhance their competitiveness. 

What about Federal Work-Study (FWS)? Work-Study is a type of financial aid provided by the federal government. They pay up to 75% of a student’s wages at most universities, select non-profit and government organizations. If your student has FWS, they are more marketable to employers stretching their budgets. Students can download their FWS certificate from MyAwards and include it when applying for jobs designated work-study eligible. It is safe to presume jobs at UC Davis are FWS eligible even if not stated on the listing. More info on FWS can be found in the Financial Aid and Scholarships FAQ. 

There you have it – student employment made easy! If you have questions, email sec@ucdavis.edu.