Finding Your Footing: The Ultimate Guide to Part-Time Jobs for UC Davis Students
Hey there, fellow Aggie! So, you're at UC Davis, one of the best universities out there, surrounded by brilliant people & a GORGEOUS campus. But let's be real for a second. College is expensive, & that beautiful Davis life—weekend trips to Tahoe, late-night study sessions fueled by endless coffee, & maybe even just affording rent—costs money.
That's where a part-time job comes in. It's not just about the extra cash, though that's a HUGE plus. It's about gaining real-world experience, building your resume, & meeting new people. But where do you even start? It can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it's totally doable.
I've been there, & I've navigated the world of part-time work as a UC Davis student. So, I'm here to spill all the secrets & give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about finding a part-time gig that works for you.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus: The Great Debate
First things first, you've got a big decision to make: do you want to work on campus or off? Both have their pros & cons, so let's break it down.
The Perks & Quirks of On-Campus Jobs
Working on campus is, in a word, convenient. Your commute is basically a walk or a bike ride from your dorm or apartment. Plus, on-campus employers are SUPER flexible with student schedules. They get it – you have classes, midterms, & finals. They're used to working around a student's academic life.
The Upside of On-Campus Gigs:
- Flexibility: This is the big one. On-campus jobs are designed for students, so they're usually very understanding about your academic commitments.
- Convenience: No need to battle traffic or worry about parking. You're already on campus!
- Networking: You'll meet other students, professors, & staff. These connections can be invaluable down the road.
- Work-Study: If you have a work-study award, on-campus jobs are a great way to use it.
The Downside (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- Competition: Lots of students want on-campus jobs, so you'll have some competition.
- Limited Hours: During the school year, you're typically limited to working a maximum of 19.5 hours per week.
- The "Bubble" Effect: Working on campus can sometimes feel like you're in a bit of a bubble. It's nice to get away sometimes!
Venturing Off-Campus: The World is Your Oyster
Working off-campus can open up a whole new world of opportunities. You'll get a taste of life outside the university & interact with a wider range of people.
The Awesome Things About Off-Campus Jobs:
- Variety: From cute downtown boutiques to bustling restaurants, there's a huge variety of jobs to choose from.
- Higher Pay: Off-campus jobs sometimes pay more than on-campus gigs, though this isn't always the case.
- Real-World Experience: You'll get a real sense of what it's like to work in a professional environment outside of the university setting.
The Not-So-Awesome Things:
- Commuting: You'll have to factor in travel time & transportation costs. This is where having a car can be a game-changer. If you do have a car, finding parking can be a hassle, but there are some cool solutions for that these days. For instance, you could use an app like Prked to find a homeowner who's renting out their driveway for parking. It can be a super convenient & affordable way to snag a spot near your job.
- Less Flexibility: Off-campus employers might not be as understanding about your student schedule, though many in Davis are used to hiring students.
Where to Find These Magical Job Openings
Okay, so you've weighed your options & you're ready to start the hunt. But where do you look? Here are the best resources for UC Davis students:
Handshake: Your New Best Friend
If you're a UC Davis student, you NEED to be on Handshake. It's the university's official online job board, & it's packed with listings for both on-campus & off-campus jobs, as well as internships. The UC Davis Career Center keeps it updated, so you know the listings are legit.
Pro-Tip: When searching for on-campus jobs on Handshake, use the keyword "STDT" to filter for student positions.
The UC Davis Internship & Career Center (ICC)
The ICC is an INCREDIBLE resource that a lot of students don't take full advantage of. They can help you with everything from polishing your resume to practicing your interview skills. They also host career fairs where you can meet with potential employers. Seriously, go visit them. They're there to help you!
Old-Fashioned Networking
Don't underestimate the power of talking to people! Let your friends, professors, & even your family know that you're looking for a job. You never know who might have a lead for you.
Online Job Boards
Besides Handshake, you can also check out popular job boards like:
These sites have a ton of listings for part-time jobs in the Davis area.
What Kinds of Jobs Are Out There?
Now for the fun part: what kind of work can you actually do? Here's a look at some of the most common part-time jobs for UC Davis students.
On-Campus Gigs
- Unitrans: Ever dreamed of driving one of those iconic red double-decker buses? Unitrans is one of the best-paying on-campus jobs & they're often hiring.
- Campus Dining & the CoHo: If you're a foodie, working in one of the dining commons or the Coffee House (CoHo) is a great option. Plus, you might get free food!
- The ARC: If you're a gym rat, working at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) is a no-brainer. You can work at the front desk, in the equipment room, or as a weight room attendant.
- Peer Advisor: If you're a super-organized person who loves helping others, being a peer advisor for your department can be a chill & rewarding job.
- Library Assistant: The library is always looking for students to help with shelving books & other tasks. It's a quiet environment, which is great for getting some studying done during your downtime.
- Research Assistant: If you're thinking about grad school, working as a research assistant for a professor in your field is an AMAZING opportunity. You'll get hands-on experience & a great letter of recommendation.
Off-Campus Hustles
- Food Service: Davis has a ton of restaurants, cafes, & boba shops that are always looking for servers, baristas, & hosts.
- Retail: Downtown Davis is full of cute shops & boutiques that hire students for part-time work.
- Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, you can make good money tutoring other students.
- Freelancing: Got a creative skill like writing, graphic design, or photography? You can offer your services on a freelance basis.
- Rideshare & Food Delivery: If you have a car, you can make your own schedule by driving for a rideshare service or delivering food.
The Balancing Act: How to Juggle Work & School Without Losing Your Mind
Okay, let's get real. Working a part-time job while you're a full-time student is a LOT. It's easy to get overwhelmed, so you need to have a game plan. Here are some tips that helped me stay sane:
- Don't Overdo It: Studies have shown that working up to 10-15 hours a week can actually have a POSITIVE effect on your grades. But working more than 20 hours a week can be detrimental. Know your limits & don't take on more than you can handle.
- Time Management is Key: Get yourself a planner or use a digital calendar like Google Calendar to schedule EVERYTHING – classes, work shifts, study time, & even social events.
- Be Strategic With Your Schedule: Try to schedule your classes in the mornings so you have your afternoons & evenings free for work & studying.
- Communicate With Your Manager: Be upfront with your boss about your student schedule & let them know when you have big exams or projects coming up. A good manager will be understanding & flexible.
- Find a Job That Works for YOU: If you're not a morning person, don't take a job with an early morning shift! Find a gig that fits your natural rhythms & preferences.
Beyond the Paycheck: Internships & Building Your Career
While a part-time job is great for your wallet, an internship can be a game-changer for your career. Internships are a fantastic way to get your foot in the door of a company or industry you're interested in.
Why Internships are SO Important
- Real-World Experience: Internships give you a chance to apply what you're learning in the classroom to a real-world setting.
- Networking: You'll meet professionals in your field who can offer advice, mentorship, & maybe even a job offer down the line.
- Resume Booster: An internship on your resume is a HUGE plus when you're applying for jobs after graduation.
- Test Drive a Career: Not sure if a particular career path is right for you? An internship is a great way to test the waters before you commit.
Where to Find Internships
The UC Davis Internship & Career Center is, once again, your go-to resource. They have listings for internships in a wide range of fields, & they can help you with your application materials. You can also find internship opportunities on Handshake, LinkedIn, & other job boards.
UC Davis also has some pretty cool internship programs, like the UC Washington Program (where you can intern in D.C. for a quarter) & the UC Center Sacramento program.
A Quick Word on Storage
As a college student, you know the struggle of not having enough space. Whether you're moving into a tiny dorm room, or you're trying to figure out where to put your stuff during the summer, storage can be a real headache.
This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Instead of renting a traditional storage unit, you can use Prked to find someone in your community who's renting out their extra space – like a garage, attic, or even a closet. It's often cheaper & more convenient than a regular storage unit, which is a big win for a student on a budget.
The Takeaway
Finding a part-time job as a UC Davis student is totally achievable. It might take some time & effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Whether you choose to work on-campus or off, a part-time job can help you pay the bills, gain valuable experience, & make new friends.
So, get on Handshake, polish up your resume, & start putting yourself out there. You've got this!
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
