Exploring Student Employment Opportunities at The George Washington University

The George Washington University (GW) offers a diverse array of student employment opportunities designed to provide valuable experiences, foster skill development, and support students' academic and professional growth. These positions are temporary, part-time roles where students earn an hourly wage while contributing to the university community. This article provides a comprehensive overview of student employment at GW, covering eligibility, types of positions, benefits, and important considerations for both domestic and international students.

Eligibility for Student Employment

To be eligible for student positions at GW, an individual must be an actively enrolled student at the university. Student Employment at GW refers to on-campus jobs (and approved off-campus organizations for Federal Work-Study (FWS) positions). It does not include full-time or part-time jobs through GW Human Resources, Graduate Student Assistantships or Fellowships, internships, or employment with external organizations.

Limitations to Student Employment Positions

Individuals may not hold a student employment position if they are hired into a full or part-time benefited staff position, or a non-student temporary staff position. They may also face limitations while holding a student employment position if hired into a Graduate Assistant (GA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position.

GW is unable to directly employ students into positions who receive compensation through the GW Payroll Office if they are physically located outside of the United States due to international tax and compliance issues. An exception exists for students working remotely from Puerto Rico (PR) who remain on the US payroll; these students may be eligible to telework depending on their job duties, with clearance from Payroll Services required.

Types of Student Employment Positions Available

GW students have access to a wide variety of positions across various departments and programs. These opportunities provide practical experience and allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Examples of available positions include, but are not limited to:

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Administrative Office Work: Providing support to various university departments through administrative tasks.
Research Opportunities with Professors: Assisting faculty members with research projects, data collection, and analysis. For example, Research Assistants support Institute faculty across a wide range of research initiatives. Responsibilities may include qualitative and quantitative research, substantial work in Excel, and introductory use of statistical or coding tools, depending on project needs.
Events Staffing: Supporting the planning, execution, and evaluation of university events. University Events is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating events at the university ranging in attendance from 50 to 25,000 guests.
Technology Support: Providing technical assistance to students, faculty, and staff.
Tutoring: Offering academic support to fellow students in various subjects.
Marketing and Communications: Assisting with marketing campaigns, social media management, and communication efforts. The Graduate School of Political Management invites applications for an assistant to support the school’s communications program. The successful candidate will assist with managing the program’s digital presence across multiple platforms, promote events and student achievements, and also support communications initiatives that advance the school’s mission and visibility.
Acting as Ambassadors: Representing university departments and programs to prospective students and visitors.
Artisans Gallery Sales Assistant: Under the direction of the Director of Retail Operations, the Artisans Gallery Sales Assistant is an active participant in providing visitors information about artisans, textiles, and merchandise and performing the daily operations of the shop. Adhere to all museum and gallery policies and procedures.
Peer Advisor: Come help mentor and instruct the incoming class of Elliott School students as a Peer Advisor! During the fall semester, Peer Advisors will be assigned to help facilitate two sections of IAFF 1001 First Year Experience. Peer Advisors will be responsible for communicating and meeting with the course instructor and assist in the running of the course.
Student Program Coordinator III: The Student Program Coordinator III will assist with project management, instructor communication, multimedia production, Blackboard course maintenance, and quality assurance reviews to support the ongoing success of online graduate courses in the Elliott School of International Affairs.
Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA): The Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) will provide course and/or section-specific support to students enrolled in select classes. Departments may require slightly different tasks, based on subject. ULAs will host weekly review sessions/drop-in sessions to actively engage students in learning course material.
Community Assistants (CAs): Community Assistants (CAs) support the residential experience for upper-class students.
Group Fitness Instructors: Group Fitness Instructors lead group-based instruction for a variety of formats as part of Campus Recreation programming on both Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses. Instructors lead at least one class/week on a regular weekly schedule.
Community Facilitators (CFs): The Office of Summer & Non-Degree Programs is seeking dedicated student leaders to serve as Community Facilitators (CFs) for its GW Pre-College Program. CFs will reside on campus and maintain active engagement throughout the summer, playing a crucial role in fostering an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and educational excellence.
Nutrition Intern: GW Dining is looking for a Nutrition Intern who will support the Campus Dietitian by promoting nutrition education, wellness initiatives, and food allergy advocacy on campus.
FABLAB worker: While working in the FABLAB, you are expected to troubleshoot, operate, and maintain three Laser Cutters, twelve 3D Printers, and other digital fabrication equipment.
Equipment Checkout Technician: Student workers in checkout are responsible for the organization, upkeep, and checking in/out of equipment to other students, staff, and faculty in the Flagg building. Technicians should be organized, neat, detail-oriented, and have excellent people skills. Checkout includes equipment and technology from various departments including photography, graphic design, new media, and foundations.

Benefits of Student Employment

Participating in part-time employment during college years offers numerous benefits that extend beyond earning an hourly wage. These include:

Gaining Valuable Experience: Student employment provides opportunities to acquire practical skills and knowledge relevant to various fields.
Developing Workplace Skills: Students learn essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, which are transferable to future internships and professional opportunities.
Convenient Location: Student positions are typically located on or near campus, making it easier for students to balance work and academic commitments.
Flexible Schedules: GW employers understand that students are students first and are encouraged to accommodate academic schedules and related needs.
Networking Opportunities: Student employment positions can help students make connections with GW staff who can become valuable parts of their professional network and support system.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program: For eligible students, specified FWS positions through student employment are offered. For students seeking to earn their Federal Work Study offer, specified FWS positions through student employment are offered.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded program that allows eligible students to earn money while working at pre-approved organizations, including GW departments, local nonprofits, government agencies, and community service employers. The Office of Student Financial Assistance administers financial aid to graduate students, including Work-Study.

Funding for the FWS program is limited, and students are notified only if they receive an award. To be considered for FWS, interested students must complete the Graduate Federal Work Study Request Form. Students must demonstrate at least $5,000 of financial need, and their total loan eligibility will be reduced by the amount of the FWS award. FWS student employees are not authorized to earn more than their allotted FWS award amount during a given school year.

Student Employee Professional Expectations

GW Student Employees are expected to adhere to all policies and regulations outlined in the GW Student Employee Professional Expectations document, as well as any departmental expectations.

Important Considerations for International Students

International students on an F-1 visa may work on campus in non-FWS positions for a limited number of hours per week at the institution they attend. F-1 students with a valid I-20 issued by GW are eligible for on-campus employment without any additional work authorization while lawfully maintaining their visa status. On-campus employment includes work done as a teaching or research assistant as well as jobs in the school library, cafeteria, bookstore, and administrative offices, providing direct student services.

Students on a J-1 visa must obtain work authorization from the International Services Office (ISO) prior to engaging in any kind of employment. It is crucial for international students to contact the ISO with any questions regarding their visa and to fully understand how their visa status affects their employment options.

Regulations for On-Campus Employment for F-1 Students

Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, inclusive of any work undertaken under a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship.
Hours may not be averaged; working even 20.25 hours in one week is a violation of F-1 status.
Students are responsible for tracking their hours to ensure they do not exceed the limit and will be held accountable for any hours overworked.
All on-campus employment must cease the day after you complete all program requirements.
Commercial firms or offices located on campus that are not operated by GW and which do not directly provide services to students are not considered on-campus employers.
Full-time on-campus employment is permitted during summer breaks for students registered for the subsequent academic term.

Additional Information

Minors: Students under 18 will need a DC Work Permit before beginning work. Instructions and the work permit application form will be sent during the onboarding part of the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The George Washington University is an Equal Opportunity (EO) employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory, harassment-free, diverse work and educational environment.
Accommodations: If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable to access position openings or apply for a position on the Student Employment Talent Management System.
Biweekly Payments: Student Employees are paid on a biweekly schedule, and earnings are subject to state and federal taxes.
Referral Bonus: All eligible staff will receive a $1,000 bonus, subject to tax withholding, if they successfully refer a qualified candidate to fill a vacant staff or research position.

Navigating the Student Employment Process

The Student Employment team at GW does not assign students to specific jobs. Instead, they provide students with the resources necessary to locate a position and support them through the hiring process and during their time as GW student employees. The Student Employment team manages the student recruiting, onboarding, and hiring process by:

Posting all available positions in the Student Employment Talent Management System.
Training GW employers and off-campus FWS Partner Organizations to recruit and supervise student employees.
Providing assistance with pre-employment paperwork.
Managing the employment and payroll components of the Federal Work Study program.
Referring students to resources within the Center for Career Services.
Working with departments across GW to provide students with a positive and meaningful part-time employment experience.

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