As the 2017-18 school year gets rolling and you get settled back into Athens, there are some things you should consider that will be important regarding your career development and how employable you will be by the time you graduate. Working at the Career Center gives our staff the chance to interact with employers from a wide variety of industries from non-profits, to government, and the corporate world. Our staff consistently asks the question to employers who actively recruit at UGA, “What do you want to see on a student resume?”
Almost all employers say, “Part-time work experience.”
There are several reasons employers would like to see you hold a part-time job, internship or ideally, both, during your college years. Employers want to see a solid work ethic from the student. A student who can balance school and a part-time job makes a great impression on an employer. A job that refines team work skills, communication (written and verbal), and problem solving are some of the biggest attributes employers are looking for. Attending classes and getting solid grades are important. The employer wants to see success in your academics and your part-time work.
Important Note: Please attend our annual Part-time Job and Internship Fair.
Fortunately, part-time work and internships are plentiful in Athens. UGA employs approximately 5000 student employees. These jobs tend to be the most competitive in Athens, based upon the convenience factor for many students who live on or near campus. Also, UGA departments understand a student’s schedule and are more willing to work with you on finding the best hours to work around your academic responsibilities. Looking for on-campus work should start with Handshake and the largest hiring departments on campus. Dining Services, Recreational Sports at Ramsey, Housing and the Library offer close to half of all on-campus jobs. The first three mentioned have their own employment pages to apply. You will not find these positions listed on Handshake. Please see our tips page for on-campus employment. We also have one for off-campus jobs.
Securing a part-time job or internship involves a special set of skills noted below.
- Network with friends, family, and UGA faculty and let them know you are looking for a part-time job. This is the most common and easiest way to find employment. Ask friends where they work and even ask your friends to recommend you to the hiring manager.
- Make sure your resume looks great! A great resume leads to a call back from the hiring manager for an interview. Check out our resume samples to get started. Make sure to get your resume critiqued at the Career Center during our walk-in hours, M-F, 12pm - 2pm in Clark Howell Hall.
- Follow up with the hiring manager appropriately a few days after you apply. Make a personal connection either in person or over the phone. This allows you to show off good communication skills and confidence. You may need to develop an elevator pitch or short introduction of your name, major, year in school and a brief point about previous work experience. The Career Guide is a great resource to assist you in developing job search skills, such as an elevator pitch and nailing the interview. BTW, you can pick up a hard copy of the Career Guide in Clark Howell Hall during our business hours, Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.
- Practice common interview questions so that you don’t bomb the interview. Remember, the resume gets you the interview, but the interview gets you the job.
- Once you land the job, work like a DAWG and make the hiring manager look good. Showing up on time, taking initiative, picking up extra shifts from co-workers are all great ways to make an impression.
Congratulations! You are on your way to securing a part-time job or internship in Athens and beyond. Remember, the more responsibility and challenge you face during your college years, the more Arch Ready you will be by the time you graduate! Go DAWGS!