Columbia connects students to meaningful opportunities to develop and enhance professional and academic goals through a wide range of on-campus jobs, on-campus internships, and graduate teaching assistantships. Federal Work Study (FWS) and Student Work Aid (non-FWS) positions are available. Student workers are a vital part of the college, supporting everything from event production, to design and creative work, to administrative support and operations, and more. 

While working on campus, students gain valuable skills, learn professionalism, make connections, and earn extra income. On-campus employment also offers opportunities to build stronger connections with the Columbia community. All students are paid Cook County minimum wage. All on-campus student positions are posted on our job board, Handshake.

On-campus jobs are open during the fall, spring, and summer semesters to all students who are enrolled at least part-time in a degree program. To be eligible for on-campus employment, domestic undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours in a degree program. International students with a F-1 visa status must be enrolled full-time. Graduate students must be enrolled for at least 5 credit hours in a degree program.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

Under federal law, all new employees must complete Form I-9 and provide documentation to confirm both identity and eligibility to work. The documents you need to submit vary by citizenship status and place of residence. For more information on forms of documentation, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to determine which acceptable forms of identification to have ready before starting your on-campus job. Remember, original documents must be presented in person. No photocopies or digital copies accepted.

Your Form I-9 and documentation must be submitted on or before your first day of work. Students who do not complete this process on time will not be able to continue in their student employment role. 

  • FEDERAL WORK STUDY PROGRAM

    The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides students with an opportunity to work on campus while being paid by both the college and the federal government, who subsidizes students' wages. FWS is offered to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need based on their FAFSA. International students are not eligible for FWS funding.

    FWS is administered by Columbia Central, which awards eligible students and works to make funds available to as many eligible students as possible. Once you have been hired and begin working, you will receive semi-monthly paychecks, which will be deducted from your FWS award. All FWS positions are posted on Handshake along with non-FWS on-campus jobs called Student Work Aid positions.

    Participants must meet Columbia criteria, and must meet federal, state, or employer-specific employment conditions before beginning work in an FWS position. For more details on the FWS program, eligibility, and deadlines, visit Columbia Central.

    Important: FWS enrollment does not guarantee a job; it is the student’s responsibility to obtain employment. The Career Center is here to help students search, prepare resumes and cover letters, practice interviewing, and navigate the online job board. Students who do not secure a job by the designated deadline will have their award cancelled. 

  • SUPERVISOR INFORMATION

    If you are employing or planning to employ a student in an on-campus position, please review the Student Employment Intranet pages for policies, procedures, and important forms. Contact studentemployment@colum.edu with any questions. 

  • SUMMER ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

    Supervisors may request student employees to continue their on-campus job through the summer if department budgets allow, as long as the student maintains their eligibility. Work with your supervisor to determine whether this is possible for you and what your schedule will be. Be sure to carefully consider other obligations you may have, such as a summer internship, before committing to a summer job on campus.

    IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT SUMMER: 

    • Students must be either be enrolled for the summer or registered for the upcoming fall for at least part-time.
    • Students can work up to 25 hours per week, depending on department needs.
    • Social Security tax (FICA) will be deducted from your earnings if you are not enrolled in summer courses.
    • Students in FWS positions may continue to use up their award for the previous academic year as long as funding remains and they have not yet used up their award.
  • ON-CAMPUS INTERNSHIPS

    Columbia offers a number of on-campus internships for qualified students to obtain robust industry experience through student employment. Interns are employed by the College as student workers and are paid hourly. Past positions included the Museum of Contemporary Photography, WCRX Radio Station, the Strategic Communication and External Relations department and more. Students must enroll in an internship course and receive credit to participate. These opportunities are dependent upon departmental needs and budget and vary year to year.

    On-campus internships are posted in Handshake when available, typically at the start of each semester. Applicants should follow instructions to apply online and will need to adhere to internship registration deadlines. Learn more here. 

  • OFF-CAMPUS FWS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

    The Off-Campus Community Partnerships FWS Program engages Federal Work Study-eligible students and local Chicago community partners in meaningful work experiences that not only help community organizations achieve their goals, but also helps students learn and develop through community-based, real-world experiences. These jobs are available only to students eligible for Federal Work-Study. Jobs are posted in Handshake when available.

    If you are interested in becoming an approved community partner, or if you have questions about the program, please email studentemployment@colum.edu.