Navigating Student Employment at Oregon State University: Opportunities for Growth and Development
Oregon State University (OSU) offers a multitude of student employment opportunities designed to support students financially while providing valuable experience and skill development. These positions are available across OSU's diverse campuses and extension centers, offering flexible schedules to accommodate academic commitments. OSU is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where students can thrive both professionally and personally.
OSU's Commitment to Students and Employees
Oregon State University prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. As a Total Worker Health® affiliate, OSU integrates well-designed practices to enhance safety and well-being. This commitment extends to supporting working parents through family-friendly policies and practices, which has earned OSU the 2025 Best Place for Working Parents business designation.
The university's core values of excellence, knowledge generation, environmental stewardship, and equity are reflected in its mission to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on society through research, education, and outreach efforts. OSU acknowledges its land grant history and its impact on Indigenous communities in Oregon, honoring them as the original stewards of the land. The university is committed to ensuring that it benefits not only the state of Oregon but also the people on whose ancestral lands it is located.
Diverse Employment Opportunities
OSU offers a wide array of student employment opportunities across various departments and units. These positions provide hands-on experience, skill development, and networking opportunities. Here are a few examples of student positions available at OSU:
OSU Policy Analysis Lab (OPAL) Student Research Assistants: These positions involve supporting applied research projects with campus and community partners, focusing on data collection and analysis.
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School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Student Technical Assistants: These roles support the quality of education in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department through a variety of tasks.
Extension Communications Student Intern: This internship with the Division of Extension and Engagement's communications and marketing team offers experience in communications and marketing.
Office of Sustainability Solar Energy Intern: This internship supports upgrades to and deployment of the OSU Solar Trailer and assists with other energy-related projects.
Horticulture Department Student Technical Assistants: These positions are part of the Entomology laboratory at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Research unit in Corvallis.
Memorial Union (MU) Information Desk Assistants: These positions assist with the daily operations of the MU by staffing the information desk during building hours.
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Memorial Union Teaching Kitchen (MUTK) Kitchen Assistants: These roles support the culinary operations, educational programming, and event logistics of the MUTK.
School of Physics Research Assistants: These undergraduate research assistant positions are available in the Physics Department.
Office of Development Student Legislative Advocacy Positions: These positions support the Legislative Advocacy team at the OSU Foundation.
College of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science (CEOAS) Keck Laboratory Assistant: These positions provide support to research faculty working in the W.M. Keck Collaboratory for Plasma Spectrometry.
School of VPDA Festival Program Coordinators: These roles assist with the coordination of festival programs.
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Office of Operations Senior Residential Conference Assistants (RCA): These positions assist with the operational aspects of the summer conference program.
Office of Operations Residential Conference Assistants: These positions assist the Residential Conferences Management team with all operational aspects of the summer conference program.
School of Finance, Accounting, and Business Information Systems VITA Student Workers: These positions support OSU VITA site operations.
School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME) Research Assistants: Located in Scappoose, Oregon, these positions involve performing routine to complex technical tasks in support of research.
School of Finance/Accounting/Business Information System Teaching Assistants: These teaching assistants support courses such as FIN 342 (Advanced Financial Management) by reviewing and revising course materials for accessibility.
Benefits of Student Employment
Student employment at OSU offers numerous benefits beyond financial compensation. These include:
Skill Development: Students acquire industry-relevant skills through hands-on experience in their respective roles.
Networking: Student employees have the opportunity to network with established professionals in their fields.
Real-World Experience: Working in a professional setting provides students with valuable real-world experience that enhances their resumes and prepares them for future careers.
Flexible Schedules: OSU recognizes the importance of academic success and offers flexible schedules tailored to accommodate students' academic commitments.
Personal and Professional Growth: Student employment fosters personal and professional growth by developing skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
As highlighted by current student employees, working at OSU can lead to:
- Improved facilitation and public speaking skills.
- Enhanced self-awareness and identification of strengths and areas for improvement.
- A broader vocabulary for self-expression and understanding of life.
- Increased awareness in equity and social justice.
- The opportunity to redefine leadership in a more inclusive way.
- A deeper understanding of the value of community engagement.
Applying for Student Positions
To apply for student positions at OSU, students can follow these steps:
- Create an Account: Click the "Log In/Create Account" link on the OSU jobs website. Select the "CURRENT OSU…" login link and enter your ONID credentials.
- Prepare a Resume: Create an up-to-date resume highlighting your skills, experience, and qualifications. Use Oregon State’s online resume reviewer, Vmock, to get instant, personalized feedback before submitting your application.
- Search for Positions: Browse the available student positions on the OSU jobs website and identify opportunities that align with your interests and skills.
- Submit Applications: Carefully review the job descriptions and application requirements for each position. Submit your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents.
- Seek Assistance: The Career Development Center offers consultations with career assistants who can answer questions about resumes, cover letters, Handshake, and finding a job on campus.
Resources and Support
Oregon State University provides various resources and support services to assist students in their employment journey:
- Student Employment Guide: This guide provides comprehensive information regarding the employment of students on OSU campuses.
- FAQ's: Review common FAQ's regarding student employment for both Hourly Student Employees and Graduate Assistants.
- New Employee Information: Access important student employment information for new student employees regarding timesheets, pay scheduling, sick leave, etc.
- Recruitment and Selection Guidelines: Access recruitment selection process guidelines and BennyHire information.
- Career Development Center: Offers consultations with career assistants who can answer questions about resumes, cover letters, Handshake, and finding a job on campus.
- Office of Equal Opportunity and Access: Provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities in the application, interviewing, and selection process.
Commitment to Accessibility and Non-Discrimination
Oregon State University is committed to providing equal opportunities to all individuals. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including Title IX, OSU does not unlawfully discriminate and prohibits discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including in academic admissions and employment.
The university prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin (including ancestry and ethnicity), citizenship, marital or family status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status / service in the uniformed service, or any other status protected by law or OSU policy.
OSU also partners with Aira to provide 24-hour-a-day on-demand remote visual interpretation services for the blind and low-vision community, free for all OSU community members and visitors.
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