UCLA On-Campus Jobs for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a multitude of on-campus job opportunities for students, providing valuable experience, financial assistance, and a chance to integrate more deeply into the Bruin community. This article explores the diverse range of positions available, eligibility requirements, and resources to help students find and secure employment at UCLA.

Benefits of On-Campus Employment

Working on campus offers numerous advantages for UCLA students:

Financial Aid: On-campus jobs provide a source of income to help students cover educational and living expenses, reducing reliance on loans.
Convenience: On-campus jobs eliminate commute time and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments.
Skill Development: Students gain valuable work experience, develop interpersonal and customer service skills, and build their resumes for future career opportunities.
Campus Integration: On-campus employment fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the UCLA community.
Career Exploration: Various positions allow students to explore different fields and discover their interests.

Eligibility and Requirements

Visa Status

F-1 Visa Holders: International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time (more than 21 hours per week) during winter and summer vacations.
J-1 Visa Holders: Students and non-degree students on J-1 status may work on campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks and summer vacation. They must be in good academic standing and obtain on-campus work authorization from the Dashew Center, valid for a maximum of one year.

Work-Study

Work-Study Eligibility: Work-Study is a need-based form of financial aid earned through on-campus or off-campus employment, paid via paycheck. It encourages part-time employment to reduce loan debt.
International Students: International students are generally ineligible for federal work-study appointments.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for Work-Study, students must:
- Submit a FAFSA or Dream Application on time (deadline is March 2).
- Demonstrate financial need with a Parent Contribution (if Dependent) or Student Contribution (if Independent) of \$12,000 or less if a California resident.
- Be enrolled at least half-time (Undergraduates: 6 units, Graduates: 4 units).

Work-Study Programs

Federal Work-Study: This is the main program awarded and used during the academic year, encompassing almost all positions on campus, with awards ranging from \$1000-\$3000.
University Work-Study: Offered to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligible DREAM Act students during the summer and academic year, with awards varying from \$500 to \$5000.
JUMPSTART: A UCLA Center for Community Learning AmeriCorps program promoting literacy for local preschoolers. UCLA undergraduates from any major can apply for this one-year program to work with local kids. Participation in this program allows you to petition for an increase in work-study up to $5500.
AMERICA READS: UCLA BruinCorps is a community service learning program of UCLA Student Affairs that consists of two programs: Tutoring and the VISTA Project. Each has the goal of providing equal access to educational opportunities for under-resourced communities in LA County. Students hired under this program are eligible to petition for an increase in work study up to $5000.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: These are all positions on campus or at approved off-campus locations that benefit the community at large. Students who are hired in these positions are eligible to petition for an increase in work-study up to $5500.

Finding On-Campus Jobs

UCLA Resources

Handshake: This is a primary platform for finding on-campus jobs. Students can search for positions specifically designated as "on-campus."
MyUCLA: The UCLA Work-Study Job Bulletin is posted on MyUCLA.
- Login to MyUCLA
- Select Finances and Jobs
- Select Work-Study Job Search
UCLA Career Center: Offers services and event sign-ups exclusively for UCLA students to find non-work-study positions.
Departmental Websites: Many departments across campus post job openings on their websites.
Ackerman Union - Level A Job Bulletin Wall: A physical bulletin board listing job opportunities.

Suggested On-Campus Employers

Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA): Offers numerous positions in Administration, UCLA Restaurants, and UCLA Stores.
Transportation & Parking Services: Provides experience in customer service, traffic mitigation, and event preparation.
UCLA Library: Positions available in various libraries across campus, involving public service and technical processing.
UCLA Recreation: A wide variety of jobs at the John Wooden Center, Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, and Kinross Recreation Center.
UCLA Dining Services: Opportunities to work in food preparation and service, gaining knowledge of nutrition and cooking standards.
Residential Life: Positions that build leadership and communication skills, with potential benefits like monetary compensation or room and board.
UCLA Athletics Department: A range of employment opportunities.
UCLA Daily Bruin Student Newspaper/Student Media: Hands-on experience in journalism and media business.

Types of On-Campus Jobs

UCLA offers a wide array of on-campus jobs to cater to diverse student interests and skill sets. Here are some examples:

Recreation and Athletics

Aquatics - Lifeguard: UCLA Recreation seeks skilled lifeguards to enforce pool rules, prevent accidents, and respond to emergencies. Training includes American Red Cross Lifeguard, Blood Borne Pathogen, and Emergency Oxygen certificates.
Competitive Sports - General Manager: This role involves checking in participants, providing customer service, keeping score, and setting up/tearing down events.
Competitive Sports - Intramural Sports Official: Referees intramural games, enforces rules, and connects with participants.
JWC/KREC/BFIT - FITWELL Consultant: Supervises and ensures safety in cardio and strength areas, assisting members with equipment use.
Martial Arts - Lead and Assistant Instructor: Develops and leads martial arts classes, responsible for curriculum and lesson planning.
Swim Instructor: Instructs swim lessons; certification required or opportunity to obtain through UCLA.
Marina Aquatic Center Instructor Positions: Instructors needed for kayaking, rowing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing, with sport-specific knowledge and experience.
Marina Aquatic Center - Dockmaster: Supervises equipment rentals, facility programs, and assists patrons.
Marina Aquatic Center - Maintenance Assistant: Assists with facility upkeep, routine maintenance, and equipment repair.
Outdoor Adventures - Bike Shop & Rental Center: Maintain a welcoming environment for Bike Shop patrons and ourselves.
Outdoor Adventures - Challenge Course Team Building Program Assistant & Facilitator: Lead groups through memorable team building experiences.

Customer Service and Administration

Member Services & Support - Customer Relations Specialist: Provides information and support to campus affiliates, members, and Recreation staff.
Student Activities Center Operations Assistant: Provides customer service to patrons using the facility.
Sports Venues & Event Operations - Operations and Events Assistant: Provides maintenance and operational support for Pauley Pavilion, Drake Track Stadium, and Los Angeles Tennis Center.

Marketing and Media

Marketing - Graphic Designer: Designs materials for print, web, and social media to promote UCLA Recreation programs and events.
Marketing - Marketing Assistant: Creates engaging social media content to promote UCLA Recreation programs and facilities.
Marketing - Photographer: Photographs programs and events for marketing materials and social media.
Marketing - Videographer: Films and edits videos of programs and events for marketing materials and social media.
Esports Team - Broadcast Coordinator: Manages the Bruin Broadcasting club and oversees broadcasting efforts at events.
Esports Team - Design Coordinator: Responsible for graphic and media design for all Esports & Gaming properties.
Esports Team - Marketing Coordinator: Supports the creation and execution of marketing campaigns for UCLA Esports & Gaming.
Esports Team - Marketing Lead: Responsible for creating and executing marketing campaigns for esport and gaming events.
Esports Team - Photo/Videographer Coordinator: Responsible for capturing and producing high-quality visual media at key UCLA Esports & Gaming events.
Esports Team - Arena Staff Member: Responsible for maintaining daily operations at the Bruin Esports & Gaming Lounge (BEGL) and the Esports Training Center (ETC)

Other Positions

Rec Tech (Recreational Mechanical Technician): Performs maintenance, alteration, and repair of Recreation facilities and equipment.
Teaching Assistant: Many graduate students work as Teaching Assistants as a way to get valuable classroom teaching experience.
DEFINITION: Assists in conducting various enrichment and recreation activities in out-of-school programs on a part-time basis.
TYPICAL DUTIES: Assists in organizing and conducting a variety of enrichment and recreation activities, such as arts and crafts, athletics, games, roller skating, and dramatics, during out-of-school program time.
Assists: in maintaining safety and order at out-of-school program sites.
Checks: a variety of equipment in and out to adults and students and assists with equipment repair and maintenance.

Application Process

Search for Open Positions: Use Handshake, MyUCLA, and departmental websites to find available positions.
Review Job Descriptions: Carefully read the job descriptions to understand the responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements.
Prepare Application Materials: Create a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant skills and experience.
Apply Online: Submit applications through the designated platform, typically Handshake.
Interview: If selected, participate in an interview, either in person or via Zoom.
Hiring Paperwork: If hired, complete the necessary hiring paperwork, including providing I-9 documents.

Tips for Success

Tailor your resume and cover letter: Highlight skills and experiences relevant to each specific position.
Practice your interview skills: Utilize resources like InterviewStream to prepare for common interview questions.
Network: Attend career events and job fairs to connect with UCLA staff and learn about opportunities.
Be proactive: Regularly check for new job postings and apply promptly.
Follow up: After submitting an application, follow up with the hiring manager to express your continued interest.

Compensation and Work Hours

Pay Rate: Varies depending on the position and experience level. Some positions, like Lifeguard, have specific pay rates (\$20.00 - \$21.87 for UCLA students). Swim Instructors start at \$21/hr, while Marina Aquatic Center positions start at \$17-\$18/hour.
Work Hours: Typically part-time during the academic year (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during breaks and summer vacation. Many positions offer flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Resources

UCLA Career Center: Offers resume and interview assistance, career counseling, and job search resources.
Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars: Provides work authorization for international students.
UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships Office: Information on Work-Study eligibility and awards.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

tags: #UCLA #on-campus #jobs #for #students