So You're a Harvard Student & You Need a Job: A Guide to Part-Time Gigs
Hey there, future world-changer. Welcome to Harvard! You're in for an incredible ride, full of late-night study sessions in Widener, fascinating lectures, & maybe, just maybe, a part-time job to keep your wallet from crying. If you're wondering how to navigate the world of student employment while juggling your classes, you've come to the right place. I've been there, done that, & I'm here to spill the tea on everything you need to know about part-time jobs for Harvard students.
Honestly, getting a job while you're at Harvard is more than just about the money, though that's a pretty big plus. It's about gaining real-world experience, meeting new people outside your dorm, & learning skills you just can't get in a classroom. Turns out, a whopping 78% of Harvard students work part-time during their studies, so you'll be in good company. It's practically a part of the Harvard experience.
The Epicenter of Student Employment: The SEO
First things first, you need to get acquainted with the Harvard Student Employment Office, or the SEO as it's affectionately known. This is your ground zero for all things job-related. The SEO has an online database that is a treasure trove of part-time job listings, both on & off-campus. You'll need your Harvard login to access it, & it's updated regularly with new opportunities. They even host job fairs at the beginning of the fall & spring semesters, which are a great way to meet potential employers face-to-face.
The SEO is more than just a job board, though. They have resources on everything from writing a resume to acing an interview. They're there to help you, so don't be shy about reaching out to them.
On-Campus Gigs: More Than Just Grading Papers
Working on campus is a SUPER popular choice for Harvard students, & for good reason. The commute is unbeatable (just a walk across the Yard!), & your employers are usually pretty understanding about your academic commitments. Here's a look at some of the most common on-campus jobs:
The Classic Library Job
Ah, the library gig. It's a quintessential student job, & for good reason. Working at one of Harvard's many libraries, like Widener or Lamont, can be a pretty sweet deal. Some positions, like working the reference desk, might even give you some downtime to get your own studying done. Be warned, though, a job re-shelving books might not be as conducive to hitting the books yourself. These jobs are often in high demand, so keep an eye out for openings on the SEO database.
Becoming a Research Assistant
This is a fantastic way to get a taste of academic research & work closely with a professor. The Faculty Aide Program, for instance, can help subsidize your salary if you're interested in assisting a faculty member with their research. It's a great way to get your foot in the door of the research world, especially if you're thinking about grad school. You can find these opportunities on the SEO website or sometimes by directly reaching out to professors whose work you find interesting.
The Food & Fun Scene: Cafes & Pubs
If you're a people person, working at one of the student-run cafes or grilles could be right up your alley. One student shared their experience bartending at the Cambridge Queen's Head Pub, a student-run bar right under Annenberg Hall. They talked about the fun of serving up mozzarella sticks & singing along to the music, all while being part of a welcoming team. Another student loved working at Lowell Tea, a long-standing tradition where they got to interact with students & faculty while serving treats. These jobs are a great way to feel more connected to your House community.
Sharing Your Harvard Experience: Admissions & Tours
The Admissions Office hires students for various roles, like being a tour guide or working for programs like the Harvard First Generation Program (HFGP). One student who worked for HFGP talked about how rewarding it was to answer emails from prospective students & share their story. If you're passionate about Harvard & want to help prospective students see themselves here, this could be a perfect fit.
For the Love of Learning: Tutoring & Course Assistance
If you've aced a particular class, why not get paid to help others do the same? You can become a tutor through the Bureau of Study Council (BSC), where you can earn around $18 an hour for helping your peers. Another option is to become a Course Assistant (CA) or a Teaching Fellow (TF) for a class. While the grading part might not be the most glamorous, friends of one student who did this said the pay was significantly better than most other on-campus jobs.
Other On-Campus Opportunities
The list doesn't stop there. You could work for Harvard Student Agencies (HSA), a student-run company that manages everything from The Harvard Shop to Trademark Tours. Or you could work for one of the cultural centers on campus, like the Harvard Foundation. There's also the infamous "Dorm Crew," which involves cleaning bathrooms. It might not sound glamorous, but one student who did it mentioned the flexible hours & decent pay.
Venturing Off-Campus: The World Beyond the Yard
While on-campus jobs are convenient, there's a whole world of opportunities waiting for you in Cambridge & the greater Boston area.
Retail & Service Gigs in Harvard Square & Beyond
Harvard Square is always buzzing with activity, & the shops & restaurants are often looking for part-time help. You could find yourself working at a bookstore, a clothing store, or one of the many cafes. These jobs are great for developing customer service skills & getting to know the local community.
Getting to an off-campus job can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you have a car. Parking in Cambridge is notoriously tricky & expensive. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Prked connects people who have unused driveway or garage space with drivers who need a place to park. So, if you're commuting to a job off-campus, you could find a convenient & affordable parking spot right near your workplace. It's a pretty cool way to avoid the stress of circling the block looking for parking.
Paid Internships: A Taste of Your Future Career
Boston is a hub for a ton of industries, from tech & biotech to finance & marketing. This means there are a lot of opportunities for paid internships, which are a fantastic way to gain professional experience & build your network. You can find listings for internships on sites like LinkedIn & Indeed, as well as on Harvard's own Mignone Center for Career Success database.
Internships can be a bit more demanding than a regular part-time job, but the experience you'll gain is invaluable. Plus, many companies in the Boston area offer paid internships, so you won't have to choose between getting experience & paying your bills.
For the Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Gig Economy
Don't forget about the gig economy! You could become a freelance writer, a graphic designer, or a tutor for high school students. The flexibility of freelance work can be a huge plus when you're trying to balance a job with a demanding course load.
And here's another thought: if you're living off-campus & have some extra space, like an empty closet, a basement, or even a garage, you could turn that into a source of income. With Prked, you can list your unused space for storage & connect with people in your community who need a place to stash their stuff. It's a super easy way to make some extra cash on the side without a lot of effort.
The Federal Work-Study Program: What You Need to Know
If you're receiving financial aid, you might have a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award. It's important to understand that FWS isn't a grant that's handed to you. It's an opportunity to earn money through a subsidized job. The government pays a portion of your wages, which makes you a more attractive candidate for employers, especially on-campus departments & non-profits.
You'll need to find a work-study job just like any other job, & you'll be paid for the hours you work. The amount of your FWS award is the maximum you can earn through a work-study job during the academic year. You can find FWS jobs listed on the SEO database.
Let's Talk Money: Pay Rates & Getting Paid
So, how much can you expect to make? The Massachusetts minimum wage is currently $15 per hour. For on-campus jobs at Harvard College, the starting base pay is also $15 per hour. However, many jobs pay more than that. The average wage for on-campus jobs is around $17 per hour. Graduate student positions & more specialized roles, like being a CA, will likely pay more.
All on-campus student employees are paid through Harvard's PeopleSoft system. You'll use it to report your hours, set up direct deposit, & access your paystubs. It's a pretty straightforward system, but your supervisor will walk you through it when you're hired.
The Balancing Act: Juggling Work, School, & Life
Okay, let's be real. Working a part-time job while taking Harvard classes is not always going to be a walk in the park. It requires some serious time management skills. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of everything:
- Create a Schedule: This is non-negotiable. Use Google Calendar or a planner to map out your classes, study time, work hours, & social activities. Seeing it all laid out will help you stay organized.
- Don't Overdo It: While it might be tempting to work a ton of hours to make extra money, be realistic about what you can handle. Most students work between 6-10 hours a week, with the recommendation to not exceed 20 hours a week in total.
- Communicate: If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to your supervisor. Most on-campus employers are understanding & might be able to offer some flexibility.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Don't let your job get in the way of your health & well-being. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, & taking time to relax & have fun. Remember why you came to Harvard in the first place!
- Take Advantage of Resources: Harvard has a ton of academic resources to help you succeed, like the Academic Resource Center (ARC). Don't be afraid to use them if you're struggling to keep up with your classes.
A Note for International Students
If you're an international student, there are some additional things you need to keep in mind. There may be restrictions on where you can work, so it's a good idea to limit your job search to on-campus positions. You'll also need to make sure you have the proper work authorization. The Harvard International Office is your go-to resource for any questions you have about your employment eligibility.
I know this is a LOT of information, but I hope it gives you a good starting point for your job search. Finding a part-time job at Harvard can be a really rewarding experience, both financially & personally. It's a chance to learn new skills, meet new people, & become more a part of the incredible community here. So go ahead, start exploring your options. You've got this.
Let me know what you think in the comments! I'd love to hear about your own experiences with part-time jobs at Harvard.
