Though Oregon has had a high 10 percent unemployment rate for the past year, University students may not be included in that percentage of unemployed Oregonians after they graduate if they search for jobs while in school and build up their resumes.
There are still on-campus jobs available, which are listed on the Career Center’s UO Job Link website.
The Student Job System lists both work-study and non work-study campus jobs available, but a majority of the jobs listed on the website are work-study.
There are currently 74 work-study campus job postings on the SJS and 49 non-work study campus jobs.
The federal work-study program allows students to earn money for college by working on-campus, in the government, or in nonprofit agencies that serve the community.
Students participating in the federal work-study program can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during a school term and get a monthly paycheck for
educational expenses.
The University’s work-study program provides only on-campus jobs for students who receive financial aid and are enrolled full time.
To be considered for the federal or University work-study program, students must complete a FAFSA application and demonstrate financial need.
Many of the jobs are closed to applicants by the end of September or early October, when fall term begins.
The University offers a wide variety of career and internship counseling, an easy-to-use job search website, and workshops on resume writing and interviewing skills.
The Career Center’s Job Fair will be held in the EMU Fir Room on Friday, Sept. 24. Safeway, Banana Republic, temp agencies, banks and home care facilities are some of the employers expected to attend.
“We’re thrilled local employers are coming to the job fair,” Pat Ferris, employment services coordinator at the Career Center, said.
Students who don’t have a job lined up for the school year should apply to all the jobs they are eligible for, Ferris said.
If they haven’t heard back from the employer after applying for a job, she said, it is reasonable to call the employer and ask if they have filled the position.
“This lets the employer know that the student is diligent about job-searching,” Ferris said.
To appeal to employers, students should keep their resumes as up-to-date as possible and print out their fall term matrix schedule for employers.
“Students should get their ducks in a row,” Senior Career Counselor Clarice Wilsey said, and stressed the importance of resume writing and interviewing skills.
Incoming freshmen who are adjusting to college life but also need to make some cash should make sure their schedules are manageable.
“Don’t stress out too much,” Wilsey said.
Juniors and seniors who are looking for work after college can post their resumes and cover letters onto the Job Link website.
Students are welcome to attend the Job Fair on Sept. 24 to speak to employers and career counselors about interview skills and resumes.