Arriving at New York University (NYU) as an international student can be both exciting and apprehensive. Especially with the high cost of living and tuition, finding an on-campus job can not only ease financial pressure but also help you integrate into campus life more quickly. Don't worry, this guide will help you take the first step with ease!

Understand the "rules of the game" for international students

In the United States, international students holding F-1 visas have a "golden rule": you must work on campus during the week, and no more than 20 hours per week during the semester. The good news is that you can work full-time during the summer and winter vacations, which can help you earn extra pocket money or gain experience for future off-campus internships and work.

Full-time student status: You must be enrolled full-time in a degree or certificate program and hold an NYU-issued Form I-20.

Valid I-20: You must hold an unexpired NYU-issued Form I-20.

Valid passport: Your passport must be valid and unexpired.

I-94 record: Your I-94 record must show your current F-1 visa status.

Master the "treasure map" of job opportunities

There are actually more job opportunities on NYU's campus than you think. You just need to know where to look:

1. Handshake

Handshake is NYU's official student employment platform, offering a wide variety of jobs, from library assistants to research assistants. Tip: Once logged in, filter by the keyword "on-campus" to instantly reduce your search confusion by 80%.

Tip: Don't be put off by positions requiring "relevant experience." Some requirements may sound impressive, but they actually value your commitment to learning and your commitment to your work.

2. Wayup

WayUp is another database you can search for short-term, temporary, and part-time student positions at NYU.

3. NYU Department and College Official Websites

Many departments, such as the Library, Residence Hall Administration (RA), and Dining Services, post job postings directly on their websites.

4. Gossip among classmates

On-campus job competition is fierce, but well-informed classmates can always save you a lot of time searching! Attend campus events and get to know seniors or classmates; their advice can be more valuable than 100 Handshakes.

Build your own "job profile"

Job applications require some basic materials, but don't be intimidated. You only need to prepare the following three items:

Resume: The NYU Career Center provides a sample resume; just follow it. International students with limited work experience shouldn't panic; include your previous experience organizing events or volunteering. If you truly lack experience, you can also include experiences like caring for a neighbor's cat for three weeks. This will demonstrate your commitment and compassion!

Cover letter: Keep your cover letter concise and informative, ideally discussing your interests and skills in conjunction with the job description. NYU ID & visa documents: Prove your legal work status; some departments may require these documents before hiring.

Popular Positions and Application Guides

Here are some of the most popular on-campus positions for international students, along with tips for successfully landing them:

Library Assistants are popular around the start of the semester. Responsibilities: Organizing books, assisting with borrowing and returning books, and maintaining order (perfect for introverts). You'll be surprised by the tastes of NYU students, with some even borrowing the entire Harry Potter series to stay up all night writing their papers.

Food Servers are popular at the beginning of the semester or before vacations. Responsibilities: Taking orders, serving food, and cleaning. Advantages: Fast-paced work and immediate pay.

Research Assistants (RAs) are popular year-round (especially when professors are starting new projects). Responsibilities: Data organization, literature research, and experimental support. Skill Development: Depending on your future major, you'll develop different job-seeking skills. These skills can also help with graduate program applications. Finding opportunities: Proactively email professors you teach or are interested in, expressing your interest in their research and the help you can offer.

Other Jobs: Admissions Ambassadors are responsible for university admissions-related activities, including leading weekly campus tours (both online and in-person) for global visitors, answering calls and answering urgent questions in the Admissions Office, and engaging with students through the MeetNYU social platform. Additionally, they welcome guests at the Bonomi Family Admissions Center and Wunsch Building in Brooklyn.

Use your connections and wit to seize opportunities

While there are many on-campus jobs, the competition is not to be underestimated, so don't be shy and use your connections to gain access to key opportunities:

Join student clubs: Many clubs offer resources that can help you connect with more on-campus job postings.

Proactive Emailing: Contact professors or department heads boldly and demonstrate your enthusiasm. A concise and engaging email could land you the office you've always dreamed of.

Application Steps

1. Read the job description carefully to identify the required skills and responsibilities. If you meet the requirements and are interested in applying, prepare the necessary materials (resume and a 2-3 page writing sample).

2. Craft a strong resume: Highlight relevant skills (such as digital marketing, data analysis), language proficiency, cultural fit, and academic achievements. You can use the Wasserman resume evaluation service at your college or university's career services center to optimize content and formatting. Cover letter: Keep it concise and clear, highlighting your interests, sense of responsibility, and organizational skills, and explain why you are a good fit for the position, drawing on your personal experience.

3. Submit your application: Submit your materials online, contact the job posting, and send your prepared resume, cover letter, and writing sample, ensuring you convey both enthusiasm and professionalism.

4. Prepare for the interview: Practice common interview questions, including "Why are you applying for this position?" and "How does your experience prepare you for this position?" Research the department: Understand the department's key responsibilities and goals so you can more effectively answer them. Mock interview: Schedule a mock interview with the career services center to improve your English and interview skills.

5. Onboarding: Complete the Wasserman portion of your initial employment application form at Albert, followed by the I-9, W-4, Social Security Number (SSN) application, and tax filing procedures.

The Little Joys of Working on Campus

Working on campus not only provides extra income but also offers many wonderful surprises, such as:

Interacting with different people every day and discovering hidden gems on campus. The skills you gain on the job often contribute to your future career development. In between shifts, you secretly feel a sense of accomplishment: "I've truly made it in New York!"

Working on campus isn't intimidating. While finding your first job may require some patience, once you start, you'll discover that it's more than just a job; it's a fresh start to understanding NYU, New York, and yourself. I hope this guide helps you take the first step. Good luck!

References:

https://engineering.nyu.edu/life-tandon/tandon-career-hub/resources-students

https://wagner.nyu.edu/portal/students/engagement/international-students/current/career-resources