Finding an On-Campus Job: A Student Guide

College marks a transitional phase where undergraduate students begin shaping their personal and professional paths. Many students use their undergraduate years to gain the experience needed to prepare for their future careers. Often, they do this by finding a job, ideally an on-campus position. On-campus jobs allow students to balance work with their busy—and sometimes messy—schedules, while also providing a source of financial stability to help offset the endless expenses of college life.

This guide will help you navigate a list of resources that students commonly use to obtain a job on the UC Davis campus.

1. Career Center

The Career Center should be your first destination when considering finding a job. The center not only helps you find a job, but will help you prepare for it. The resume and cover letter support they offer ensures that you present your experience in a way that matches job requirements. They also offer sessions throughout the year covering topics ranging from resume formatting to job readiness.

If you’re considering a job, it’s worth checking their website resources as well as talking to their advisors for a more personalized experience.

Pro Tip: If you find a job that you’re interested in, schedule an appointment with an advisor from the career center and ask how to tailor a specific resume for the job. 

 

2. Handshake

Handshake is a platform designed to connect students with employers. All UC Davis students automatically have an account on Handshake. Utilizing this platform will expose you to a variety of opportunities tailored for students. You can use the search bar to look up jobs and internships of your interest.

On-campus opportunities will usually include the code “STDT” to indicate a student job. Navigating the listings, reading the descriptions, and choosing the best fit will give you an idea of what employers are looking for, and hopefully connect you with your ideal campus job.

Check out Handshake and find your next job!

Pro Tip: Apply to the jobs you’re interested in as early as possible, but first make sure that your application is complete and thoroughly reviewed. 

3. Newsletters / Email Lists

Signing up for email lists from departments and centers that interest you will expose you to a range of opportunities that align with your goals. Most lists send weekly or monthly newsletters with recent and relevant opportunities, helping students to stay updated on what’s available.

In addition to the GDB email list you’re already assigned to, consider signing up for your faculty’s email lists and those of other departments or centers you want to stay connected with.

No matter what your interests are, there’s likely an email list that will put you a step closer to your next on-campus job.

Some useful email lists/ newsletters to sign up for: 

• Career Center Newsletter
• Undergraduate Research Center Listserv
• Transfer and Reentry Center Newsletter
• Health Profession Advising Newsletter 

4. Career Fairs

Career Fairs are specialized events where recruiters meet with students who are eager to find their opportunities.UC Davis holds career fairs year-round through different departments. The Career Center offers multiple in-person and virtual fairs throughout the year, giving students the chance to meet potential employers, explore career paths, and possibly find their match.

In addition to general fairs, specific colleges (like the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) host specialized fairs that may better match your interests.

You can find out about upcoming fairs by visiting your faculty website, reading newsletters, or even noticing flyers around campus.

Here are some links that keep you updated on upcoming career fairs:

• Career Center Fairs
• College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Events 

5. ASUCD Vacancy

If you’re looking for leadership opportunities and want to be part of the crew that helps run UC Davis, ASUCD Vacancy is the place for you. Through their website, you can explore a wide variety of job openings that bring you closer to making decisions and contributing to UC Davis improvement.

Pro Tip: New positions are listed year-round, so check regularly and apply early!

6. Connections

You’d be surprised by the number of opportunities you might find just by talking to people around you. By checking in with your professors, TAs, or classmates, you can learn about job openings you’ve never heard of. Some of these positions might never be posted publicly.

Your professor might be looking for a student to assist with research. A TA would recommend you for a tutoring position. A classmate might refer you to an opening at their on-campus job. Making connections is often the secret door to your next opportunity.

Finding a job that matches your interests and fits your schedule might be daunting, but don’t give up. There’s definitely a job out there for you. Use all the resources available to you, stay proactive, and keep applying until you find something that feels right.

🌟 Stay positive, and never stop looking, your next on-campus job might be closer than you think.