Employment

Some students may find that financial aid does not cover all costs related to their education such as rent, food, clothing, and personal needs. The alternative may be to find full or part time employment while working toward your degree. There are other advantages to seeking employment during your college career, such as gaining experience in your career field and building a resume. Many potential employers hire those who have shown positive work experience during college more often than those who can produce only a degree.

Working while taking classes, however, may not be advantageous to everyone. You might consider alternatives before seeking a position, such as the amount of time you will be away from home, family, and homework; the additional amount needed for childcare; and the additional transportation costs. If you do not see enough advantages and there are other alternatives available to you, you might consider not seeking employment

MSU Student Employment
110 Nisbet Building
113 Student Services Building
(517) 355-9520
http://careernetwork.msu.edu
www.hr.msu.edu

Jobs can be found on individual department websites and at Student Employment websites. There are over 400 departments on campus that hire students.

MSU Student Employment develops student employment policies and procedures, resolves work-related concerns, and maintains student employee work records.

College Work-Study
252 Student Services, MSU
150 Administration Building, MSU
(517) 353-5940
www.finaid.msu.edu

The College Work-Study (CWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduates and graduate students who qualify for financial aid. CWS lets you earn money to help pay your educational costs. Depending on your financial need, you are awarded a certain amount which you can earn during the year with on and off-campus employment. Since the government subsidizes the wages of work-study students, employers are usually eager to hire and are flexible about arranging working hours to meet the needs of the students.

If you work on campus, you will work for the University. If you work off campus, your employer will be a private non-profit organization or a local, State, or Federal public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest.

Again, a variety of things must be taken into consideration when you accept a work-study award such as: the extra childcare you will be paying while working, the time away from your family and your studies, the cost of transportation to and from your job, etc. If you want a work-study job and have not been awarded College Work Study, inquire with the Office of Financial Aid.

Career Services & Placement
113 Student Services, MSU
(517) 355-9510

290 Spartan Way, MSU Stadium
(517) 884-1300

Career Services & Placement provides assistance to students and alumni planning careers in all employment areas. Services include individual career advising and workshops in areas such as resume writing, interviewing, and conducting job campaigns.

CSP at the MSU Stadium is the site for on-campus interviewing where employers from across the country interview students for potential positions. Students may also speak with employers during career fairs such as the Diversity Career Fair, the Government Career Fair, and the Summer Employment and Internship Fair.

CSP in the Student Services Building offers an extensive collection of information on: the MSU curriculum, occupations, graduate schools, planning a career or job campaign, job market prospects, and employers in many fields. Vocational interest inventories and the computerized System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI) are also available for student use.

Teaching / Graduate Assistantships
Teaching and Research Assistantships are available only to the Master & Doctoral level. If you wish to obtain an assistantship you must apply within your college. At present, graduate assistants are given a 9-credit tuition waiver at registration and receive a monthly stipend. They also receive in-state tuition status. They are available in quarter time (10 hours/week), half-time (20 hours), and three-quarter time (30 hours) levels and can be awarded for teaching and/or research. Most assistantships are assigned for the academic year although some colleges assign assistants each semester. The receipt of an assistantship will affect your eligibility for other financial aid.