Exploring Job Opportunities at Widener University: A Comprehensive Guide

Widener University provides diverse job opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Widener fosters a vibrant campus community, emphasizing professional growth, work-life balance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Whether you're a student seeking hands-on experience or a professional looking for a rewarding career, Widener offers a range of options to explore.

Opportunities for Students

Widener University offers various avenues for students to gain professional experience and earn income while pursuing their studies. These opportunities include co-op programs, internships, federal work-study, and direct university employment. Through these experiences, students develop real-world skills, build their resumes, and prepare for their future careers.

Co-Op Program

Widener's co-op program provides business, engineering, and computer science students with full-time, paid work experience with top-notch employers in Widener's expansive Philadelphia network and beyond. Many employers even offer full-time positions to co-op students post-graduation! This program allows students to gain practical experience, build their professional networks, and earn money to help finance their education.

Key Features of the Co-Op Program:

Full-time, paid experience in your field of interest
No tuition expenses during co-op
Participate and still graduate in 4 years
Live on campus, at home, or travel

Eligibility Requirements:

To be considered for a co-op placement, students must meet the following academic requirements:

Enrollment Status: Full-time, undergraduate day student
Majors: Engineering, business, and computer science are eligible to participate
GPA: Minimum of 2.50 GPA or above by the spring semester immediately preceding the chosen co-op term
Class Level/Academic Credits: within 9 credits
- 4-Month Co-Op: Business students - 44 credits
- 8-Month Co-Op: Engineering students - 104 credits, Business & Computer Science students - 89 credits

Program Requirements:

Before Co-Op Begins:

Attend a Co-Op Orientation, unless you are a returning co-op student
Sign Co-Op Student Agreement and FERPA release
Complete the commitment survey by the designated deadline
Complete a mock interview during the designated timeframe
Work with co-op advisor for final resume approval
Complete online professional development content as directed by your co-op advisor
Review on-campus responsibilities in advance, including leadership and RA requirements and responsibilities, and plan accordingly
Meet with the residence life team early on to discuss living arrangements

After Co-Op Has Ended:

Submit co-op reflection paper and attend reflection session
Complete the Co-Op Final Evaluation Form

Co-Op Schedule Flexibility:

Students have the flexibility to create their own co-op schedule. Depending on their program, they can choose to participate in 4- or 8-month co-op cycles. Business majors can choose a combination of both and gain up to 12 months of work experience. Computer science majors complete an 8-month co-op. Engineering majors complete an 8-month co-op.

Co-Op Search Process:

The Career Design & Development team partners with students in their co-op search. They provide guidance and resources to help students polish their professional branding, build their networks, perform job searches, submit applications, and sharpen their resumes and cover letters.

Resume Approval: Your resume must be reviewed and approved prior to interviewing for positions. Start this process early as it may take several revisions before it is approved. Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis, and if your resume is not approved in time you may miss out on being able to participate in the co-op program. We recommend attending a resume clinic.
Resume Distribution: Once approved, we'll share your resume with interested employers, unless you already have a position arranged through your personal network.
Additional Co-Op Leads: In addition to resume distribution, you are expected to proactively search for a placement in partnership with Career Design & Development, including contacting your network, searching job boards, and connecting with professors and other resources within your field.

Co-Op Interviews:

The co-op interview process may vary slightly between employers. If scheduled with the employer, let Career Design & Development know ASAP (within 24 hours) so we can record the official date and time. Interviews may take place on-campus or at the employer's site. Arriving late for or missing an interview is not acceptable and could lead to dismissal from the co-op program. If a true emergency should occur that hinders your ability to be on time or participate in the interview, it is mandatory that you call both the interviewer and your career counselor before the scheduled interview.

Living Arrangements During Co-Op:

Living On Campus During Your Co-Op: Communicate your status as a co-op to the residence life office. They will work with you for your housing needs. Request approval from the residence life office to be housed during school breaks, if needed. You may opt out of a full meal plan and choose a smaller meal plan
Living Off-Campus During Your Co-Op: Complete the Resident to Off-Campus Housing Agreement Release Request with the residence life office. You will then need to reapply for housing while living at home. It is your responsibility to know the deadline to reapply for housing.
Leaving Campus - Spring Semester: When students leave for the spring, the residence life office needs to be notified and can remove you from your current housing assignment. If you intend to live on campus in the summer, you must complete the summer housing application by the university deadline.
Leaving Campus - Fall Semester: When students leave for the fall, the residence life office needs to be notified and can remove you from your current housing assignment. Between Thanksgiving and winter break, you will be able to apply for housing for the spring.

Co-Op Experience Closeout:

To close out your co-op experience, students must complete the Co-Op Final Evaluation Form and submit a co-op reflection paper and attend reflection session. If interested, students can work with Career Design & Development to explore possibilities to transition their co-op into a full-time job.

Read also: The Story of Widener Football

Internship Opportunities

Widener Internships are coordinated through academic departments. Professors within your major and advisors from the Office of Career Design & Development can connect you to an extensive network of local, regional, and national partners. These internships provide students with valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

Experience MORE! Program:

For Arts & Sciences students worried about landing a paid internship, Widener's Experience MORE! program helps bridge the gap for Arts & Sciences students in unpaid or underpaid internships, meaning awardees can get both the experience and the paycheck. You'll also receive support with your cover letter, interview prep, and finding an impactful internship.

Federal Work-Study

Some students are eligible to earn extra funds through the federal work-study program as part of their financial aid offer. Students may work up to 20 hours per week during any week in which classes are held. They'll be paid biweekly at a rate of at least the current minimum wage. Actual earnings will depend on the number of hours worked and the wage rate, but may not exceed the maximum eligibility amount determined by Student Financial Services as part of your financial aid offer.

Direct University Employment

University employment may also be available if you are not eligible for work-study employment. Students are paid biweekly at a rate of at least the current minimum wage.

Handshake: Widener University's Job Board

Through Handshake, students can view listings of available federal work-study and direct university employment opportunities.

Read also: Widener University Bookstore

Examples of On-Campus Job Opportunities:

Admissions Tour Guide: Meet with prospective students and their families to tour campus and share what you love about your Widener experience.
Student Engagement C.R.E.W. Member: C.R.E.W. members create memorable experiences for incoming students and are some of the most friendly and enthusiastic people on campus!
Fitness Instructor: Teach your own fitness classes at the Pride Recreation Center.
Library Assistant: The Wolfgram Library has various employment opportunities for students.
Pride Recreation Center Assistant: From the check-in desk to helping facilitate intramural sports, the rec center has many engaging ways for students to work.
IT & Computer Lab Assistant: Help the IT team or supervise a computer lab.
Widener Fund Ambassador: The Widener Fund team makes connections with alumni and other donors.
C.R.E.W. Leader: C.R.E.W. Leaders support the New Student Orientation Program and help create memorable experiences for incoming students and familiesâand are some of the most friendly and enthusiastic people on campus!
Campus Photographer & Videographer: University Relations and Student Engagement are always looking for students who are skilled behind the lens.
Graphic Designer: Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and want to strut your Photoshop stuff? University Relations loves working with students to develop their skills.

Tap into the New Careers by Design Canvas Course

The free, not-for-credit Careers by Design Canvas course has modules that cover topics from resume building and interviewing tips to salary negotiation and more. It also features the Career Impact Communities (CIC) module to help you broaden your thinking around career possibilities. CICs are broken down by major and industry and includes resume examples, videos, industry-specific job boards, and faculty experts you can contact for assistance.

Opportunities for Faculty and Staff

Widener University seeks talented and dedicated faculty and staff to join its community. The university offers a variety of benefits and resources to support its employees' professional and personal well-being.

Benefits Overview

Widener University provides a variety of benefits to support its employees and their eligible family members, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance as well as health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts. Benefits may vary depending on the type of position, with some benefits exclusively available to full-time employees.

Health and Wellness:

Medical coverage is offered through Independence Blue Cross, allowing you to choose from options such as an HMO, PPO, and two high deductible plans.
Two dental plans are offered through MetLife PDP+ that cover routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, and major services.
Vision care coverage through Davis Vision. Beginning in 2025, you'll be able to select a new Vision Plan through EyeMed.
Supplemental medical coverage through MetLife which can cover situations such as critical illness, accident insurance, and hospital indemnity.
Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options to offset medical and dependent coverage.
Employee Assistance Program which assists with short-term counseling, referral services, work/life resources, and legal/financial resources
Telemedicine access through Teledoc
TouchCare supportâa healthcare concierge service that can assist with services such as selecting your benefits, finding a provider, bill advocacy, and cost comparisons
MindCare supportâaccess to tele-mental health therapy and psychiatry services
Achieve Wellbeing programâtools, resources, and activities for a healthy lifestyle
Pride Recreation Center facilities, equipment, and classes.
Commuter benefits for expenses such as transit passes and parking
Reimbursement programs for fitness, tobacco cessation, and weight management

Financial Well-being:

Life and disability insurance products at no cost to employees.
Salary Reduction Contribution option in partnership with TIAA.
Periodic, discretionary retirement contributions.
Opportunity to engage with TIAA for professional advice and guidance.

Work-Life Balance:

Tuition remission benefits to employees, their spouses/domestic partners, and dependent children for many of our academic programs.
Participation in a tuition scholarship program through which dependent children of eligible employees may be awarded scholarships at other participating higher education institutions.
Paid time off for all major national holidays as well as certain other holidays throughout the year as well as summer hours and an extended winter break.
Vacation time with pay for full-time and part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week for 12 months per year.
One or two personal days (dependent on full- or part-time exempt status) and a floating holiday per year at the university's discretion.
Hybrid or flexible work arrangements as determined by each individual department.

Additional Perks:

Partnership discount programs for:
- Nursery & kindergarten programs through the Widener Child Development Center
- BJs membership
- T-Mobile
- TD Bank
- Verizon
- YMCA
- Auto/home insurance
- Online discounted mall

Life as a Widener Employee

Widener University fosters a strong sense of belonging for all its members, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. The leadership is dedicated to transparency and actively keeps the campus informed and engaged through regular town hall meetings. The university fosters an environment that welcomes open, respectful, and inclusive conversation and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Campus Activities & Engagement:

The university achieves this through regular programming, such as kindness week, courage week, international education week, honors week, and more, where faculty, staff, and students can engage together. Additionally, faculty and staff have the opportunity to participate in various affinity groups, attend numerous campus events, and volunteer to support students from move-in to graduation, and take part in civic engagement supporting the local community through MLK Day of Givings, playground builds, food and school supply drives, and more.

Acknowledgement, Support & Opportunities for Growth:

Widener provides support for its employees' growth and development, and acknowledge their achievements. Through our annual review process, employees engage in open dialogues with their supervisors to set goals and chart their professional progress. Faculty members also have the opportunity to pursue tenure appointments. The university celebrates wins and share accomplishments campus-wide through regular internal communications, ensuring everyone can cheer for the achievements of our faculty and staff. Moreover, we recognize employees who go above and beyond through annual service awards and faculty awards.

Convenient & Connected Campus Location:

Widenerâs 108-acre Main Campus in Chester, PA is just 20 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia, situated near major highways such as I-95 and 476.

Spotlight on Faculty Culture

Widener University's faculty culture fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, providing numerous opportunities for professional development. Faculty members are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, global engagement, and community service that align with their academic interests. The university supports tenure appointments, offers funding for research and conference participation, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty also benefit from mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity, Harassment & Nondiscrimination

Widener University adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Widener University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy status, age, race, national origin or ethnicity, religion, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.

Getting Started

For Students

Explore the Career Design & Development website for information on co-op programs, internships, and job search resources.
Attend a Co-Op Orientation Session to learn more about the co-op program.
Create a profile on Handshake to view available job opportunities.
Contact the Career Design and Development team with any questions about Handshake.
Meet with professors and advisors in your academic department to discuss internship opportunities.

For Faculty and Staff

Visit the Widener University Human Resources website to view current job openings and learn more about benefits.
Contact the Human Resources office with any questions about job applications or benefits.
Attend campus events and participate in affinity groups to connect with colleagues and contribute to the university community.

tags: #widener #university #job #opportunities