USC EC Student Worker Toolkit by

What is a student worker?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 17:50:40 UTC

In my experience, a student worker is typically a part-time employment opportunity for students at an institution. The intent of the student worker position is to learn and gain experience in the field. While this is an employment opportunity, your role as a student should be prioritized, especially since the opportunity may be correlated with your enrollment as a student.

Why does this matter?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 17:55:38 UTC

The purpose of a student worker position should be to learn and gain experience in the field. You can use these purposes to identify positions that may support you in developing in these two areas. You can also use the purposes to reflect on whether a current position is satisfying these purposes, and if it is not, it may be an indicator to consider seeking different opportunities.

Identification: Looking for Positions

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 22:08:20 UTC

Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 22:15:44 UTC

Selection: Identifying a Quality Position

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 22:41:26 UTC

It can be tempting to apply to any position. However, you also want to optimize the chance that the positions you apply (and hopefully receive an offer to) are positions that will provide you with the learning experience and skills you seek.

Should I stick with one position, or should I take on more?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 23:20:22 UTC

It's really up to you and your personal circumstances! Some people will stick with one position that they really enjoy and have sufficient experience for a future job they are interested in. Others will take on multiple positions for a plethora of reasons: gaining experience at community colleges & four-year institutions, exploration, time-permitting, financial reasons, and more. Reflect on your needs and goals, not those of others.

How long should I stay in my position?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-06 23:23:09 UTC

Some positions will ask that you stay in the position for a specified duration (e.g. one academic year) while others will leave it open. If you are in a position that is open and feel ready to move on, do not feel like you are constrained to that position for the entire academic year. That being said, you will want to have a conversation with your supervisor; aside from professional courtesy, they may be willing to modify your position to reflect what you are looking for.

Saying No

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-07 22:54:48 UTC

As a student worker, it can be difficult to say no to our supervisors when our plates our full. We feel like we have a lot to prove, and work tasks/opportunities are often framed as privileges to learn. However, we also want to ensure we are taking care of ourselves and not taking on more than we can handle. If you are in a position where you need to say no, remember that kindness and politeness can you get quite far. Here are some tips for how to say no OR hold on in a productive manner.

Capitalizing on Student Positionality

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-07 22:55:39 UTC

A student worker position is a unique role in which your identity as a student is centered, and work experience is learning experience.

Exploitation of Student Workers

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-08 04:19:04 UTC

Exploitation of student workers happen, and it can be so subtle or common that we may not even realize it's happening to us. Here are some examples of what exploitation of student workers might look like.

Is my supervisor automatically my mentor?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-08 04:37:22 UTC

A supervisor is different from a mentor, and we can't assume that anyone wants to be a mentor. If you are interested in having your supervisor as a mentor, you may want to consider having an open conversation with them about mentorship and whether they are okay with being a mentor.

Common Higher Education Student Worker Roles

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-08 16:45:43 UTC

Advocating for a Title

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-09 00:24:38 UTC

You may find yourself doing many tasks beyond your title or classification, or even feel that your title doesn't accurately reflect your work. This can especially be the case in more vague titles like UPIs or GAs, which don't give much insight into job duties.

Is it weird to ask my professors or other professionals if they are hiring?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-16 02:09:45 UTC

No, not at all! In fact, asking if there are opportunities available highlights both your interest and your professional drive. Additionally, even if they aren't hiring, you will be surprised how many professors remember when students ask about positions, and they may recommend you to other professionals who are hiring.

Can I negotiate my pay?

siddyamber26 — 2023-11-20 21:10:43 UTC

It depends; offices will typically generate an offer letter that includes the pay, foregoing the pay negotiation that typically accompanies full-time positions. However, you can still ask for a pay increase, or, you can ask for one after you have done some work to utilize your accomplishments to rationalize a pay increase. If your office does not approve your request, don't be discouraged! You can also consider asking for professional development funding if you don't get a pay increase as an alternative.