Student Job Types
Working a part-time job on or off campus enables students to apply knowledge being learned in the classroom and strengthens their skills for future employment. Students who work while going to school have an opportunity to help pay educational costs and gain valuable experience and skills to enhance their career goals. The networking and contacts gained during this time will prove helpful when they need professional references upon graduation. FACT: 75% of all U.S. college undergraduate students work part-time.
On-campus jobs: There are four types of on-campus positions available to ECU students registered for classes; Federal Work Study, Self-Help, Graduate Assistantships, and Undergraduate Assistantships. The majority of hourly student worker positions are hired as Office Assistants, Computer Lab Assistants, or Library Assistants. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may vary with each type of position. Certain positions may require specific levels of experience, training, class standing and/or certification.
Off-campus jobs: We are fortunate to have the support of our local business community. Many local employers advertise their part-time and seasonal jobs with our office via Pirate Jobs. In addition, several non-profit agencies participate in our Federal Work Study Community Service program.
Description of Part-time Positions (click each name for specific job search procedures)
1. Federal Work Study (FWS) – A federally funded program based on student’s financial need. ONLY students qualified by the Office of Student Financial Aid are eligible to participate in the work study program. Qualified students are emailed a hiring authorization form from Financial Aid. Can not work more than 20 hrs/wk during the academic year (38 hrs/wk during summer). Positions are available with campus departments and with approved off-campus community service agencies (mostly non-profit organizations). Hourly pay rates are based on the students experience level and range from $8.00-$10.00/hr. FWS students are paid twice a month and must submit timesheets.
2. Self-Help – Any student currently registered at ECU in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA) is eligible to apply for Self-Help campus jobs. Self-Help positions are part-time positions that are paid directly out of the hiring department’s budget. Hourly pay rates vary depending on the department’s budget, students experience level, and the required duties and responsibilities of the position. Students may not work more than 30 hours/wk (international students may not exceed 20 hours/wk) during the academic year. Self-Help students are paid twice a month and must submit timesheets.
3. Graduate Assistantships (GA’s) – Are awarded through most, but not all, graduate programs at ECU. GA’s usually require the student be enrolled full-time (at least 9 s.h. of graduate level coursework) and that the student provides up to 30 hrs/wk (international students may not exceed 20 hours/wk) during the academic year. Some graduate programs offer 5, 10, 15, and 20 hour assistantships). However, the terms and requirements of GA’s vary by the program and therefore the interested student should contact their respective graduate program director for more information. Salary amounts vary with each program but the minimum is $3750 (for 20 hours) per semester and is provided through the department’s budget. GA’s are paid twice a month and do not submit timesheets.
4. Undergraduate Assistantships (UGA’s) – Are awarded by some departments typically to upperclassman who have a strong academic background to aid faculty with research, teaching, and community engagement. An undergraduate assistant must be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA) and be enrolled in an on-campus ECU undergraduate degree program (minimum 12 credit hours). These positions are typically paid through stipends or a semester salary (amounts will vary). The number of hours worked each week may vary by department, but can not exceed 30 hrs/wk (international students may not exceed 20 hours/wk) during the academic year. UGA’s are paid twice a month and do not submit timesheets.
5. Part-time Jobs (Off-campus) – There are numerous off-campus part-time job opportunities available. Many local employers post their job opportunities via Pirate Jobs. Some may not. Utilize all of your resources when searching for a part-time job. Pirate Jobs is a great place to start, but you will also want to speak with your friends, parents, and professors to see if they have any job leads as well. Be sure to check out the local classified section in The Daily Reflector and The East Carolinian newspapers.
