If you enjoy the environment that college presents, consider pursuing employment at a university. While you can become a college professor, you can also pursue positions where you can work with students one-on-one or in a non-educational context. Knowing the benefits of working at a university and your various career options can help you make a more strategic career decision. In this article, we examine the benefits of working at a university, list steps for getting a job working there and describe some positions available, including salary and responsibilities.
What are the benefits of working at a university?
University employees receive many of the same benefits as students. Here some perks of working at a university:
Transportation
Colleges usually have a free shuttle bus or other form of transportation that brings students from the campus to more metropolitan areas. As a university employee, you can often take advantage of this perk. Bus routes typically stop at either a major transportation hub like a train station or at off-campus housing. Because they have a fixed route, a university shuttle may provide you with the most reliable way to commute to work.
Time off
Besides the traditional paid time off (PTO) that comes with most jobs, employees at educational institutions take time off at the same as students for vacations and holidays. This includes long breaks during summer, winter and spring. As with most workplaces, holidays count as paid days off. However, universities are often far more inclusive regarding the observance of federal and religious holidays. Because of this, you can benefit from extra PTO that some traditional workplaces don’t receive.
Education benefits
Working at a university often comes with tuition reimbursement and other similar benefits for both full-time students and university employees. Employees can often take classes as a non-matriculated student for free. State schools usually work as a network of institutions, which means you have even more options available for free classes.
Networking opportunities
A university provides you with a great way to develop professional relationships. Besides the sponsored networking events and lectures, college campuses act as an informal meeting place for experts with valuable connections and insight.
Child care, housing and other convenient facilities
On-campus facilities at universities can include child care, an athletic center and restaurants. You can also take advantage of college housing, which can include off-campus apartments. Many universities also offer to help employees with a down payment on their house if they’re trying to live near campus.
How to get a job working at a university
Depending on the role, you may or may not need to graduate from an accredited college prior to employment. Here are the steps for getting a job at a university:
1. Earn a high school diploma
Before you can start working at a university, you need to attend one. Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent to gain acceptance to a four-year college. If you have a specific major in mind, take classes in related subjects and take additional relevant SAT II tests. If your school offers A dvanced Placement courses, make sure you enroll in those, too.
2. Get your bachelor’s degree
Pursue any type of bachelor’s degree. Some universities may require additional specializations, such as teaching for professors or counseling for academic and career advisors, but you can typically start working as soon as you graduate. If you have a good relationship with any of the administrators, you can talk to them about professional opportunities at your school.
There are also many jobs available to students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Students enrolled in a work-study program can apply for positions such as resident assistant and campus tour guide. They typically reserve these jobs for sophomores or higher and occasionally, freshmen in their second semester.
3. Apply for relevant positions
Consider applying for university jobs while you’re still in school. Even if there are no openings at your institution, get in contact with another college in the area that’s looking for candidates. You can also contact the career development center at your school for more information about internal jobs.
If you’re looking for a job in your discipline, talk to your professors about how to find employment. They can connect you with other scholars in your field and can write letters of recommendation for your applications. Most entry-level positions involve working with students directly, so your classmates can serve as another resource for learning about job openings.
4. Enroll in graduate school
Consider enrolling in graduate school. Many professors and other university professionals begin their careers while working on their master’s degrees. Some job opportunities are only available to graduate students, such as teaching assistant roles. Jobs like that of a residence director may come with fully subsidized or reduced tuition for a master’s program as an incentive.
If your long-term goal is to become a tenured professor, get your master’s degree early. Not only is it an important qualification, but it’s also a chance to develop expertise in your field. Enrolling in graduate school gives you access to a network of other academics through your teachers and helps you learn about the latest research.
5. Obtain additional degrees and certifications
Seek additional qualifications to help you apply for higher positions. Most senior-level administrative positions require a master’s in administration or another relevant graduate degree. Having these additional qualifications can help you stand out to hiring managers.
6. Seek additional career opportunities
Look for additional work at another school to see what other job opportunities are available. If you’ve published your thesis or other significant research, schools may reach out to you about your work. Stay open to various employment opportunities to ensure you secure a job at a university.
7 university jobs
Universities offer a wide range of employment options, ensuring you find a position that suits your interests. Here are seven jobs at a university to consider pursuing:
1. Campus representative
National average salary: $32,317 per year
Primary duties: A campus representative promotes a company’s product to their fellow students. They act as a brand ambassador and create marketing campaigns that target their university’s community. Campus representatives also work with their school to organize on-campus events for the company they’re working for.
2. Graduate assistant
National average salary: $36,646 per year
Primary duties: A graduate assistant performs either academic or administrative tasks at their university. They’re typically assigned to one professor who they help with tasks like teaching classes, grading papers and other faculty responsibilities. Graduate assistants may also take part in research projects in their field of study.
3. Academic advisor
National average salary: $38,738 per year
Primary duties: An academic advisor guides students in their academic career by helping them choose their major, tracking their progress and providing mentorship. Advisors meet with students regularly to learn about their goals and interests so they can guide them better. They help students register for classes and make sure they’re meeting all academic requirements to graduate on time.
4. Guidance counselor
National average salary: $51,588 per year
Primary duties: A guidance counselor aids students in meeting their academic goals and facing challenges students encounter. They may help teach students skills like time management and resume building. Guidance counselors also refer students to additional support services like therapy or vocational testing.
5. Residence hall director
National average salary: $54,721 per year
Primary duties: A residence hall director manages the daily operations for all on-campus housing and acts as a liaison between the residence halls and university police. They oversee resident assistants and custodial staff. The residence hall director helps students by referring them to campus services, mediating conflict between roommates and approving room changes.
6. Librarian
National average salary: $57,870 per year
Primary duties: A librarian manages the university’s library and assists students using the library. They may help students with research by teaching them research methods and guiding them toward resources. Librarians also maintain the school archives of printed, digital, audio and visual resources.
7. Adjunct professor
National average salary: $122,449 per year
Primary duties: An adjunct professor teaches college classes part-time in a specialized field. They often teach at more than one school, though, they rarely have formal education training. Adjunct professors rarely keep office hours, but they remain in contact with students via their email address or phone number.
