8/10/25

The Ultimate Guide to Part-Time Jobs for Emory University Students: On-Campus, Off-Campus & Everything in Between

Hey everyone! If you’re an Emory student, you know that life in Atlanta is amazing, but it can also be… well, expensive. Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash for weekend trips to Ponce City Market, trying to offset tuition costs, or wanting to get some real-world experience on your resume, a part-time job is pretty much a rite of passage.
But where do you even start? The whole process can feel a little overwhelming. Honestly, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. Emory doesn't have one single, central office for every single student job. It’s a bit decentralized, which means you need to know where to look.
That's what this guide is for. I've been there, done that, & I’ve dug through all the resources to create the ultimate game plan for finding a part-time gig that works for you. We’ll cover everything from the cushy on-campus jobs to the adventurous off-campus opportunities & even how to score those coveted research positions.
So grab a coffee from Kaldi’s, get comfortable, & let's dive into the world of part-time jobs at Emory.

The On-Campus Hustle: Working Where You Learn

Working on campus is the go-to for a reason. The commute is unbeatable (just a walk across the Quad!), your bosses understand that you’re a student first, & the hours are usually pretty flexible around your class schedule. Here’s the breakdown of how to land one.

The Holy Grail of Job Searching: Handshake

First things first: if you haven’t logged into Handshake, you need to do that, like, yesterday. This is Emory’s official job board, & it’s where you’ll find the vast majority of on-campus listings. The Career Center & Pathways Center manage it, & it’s your portal to both Federal Work-Study & non-work-study jobs.
To find on-campus roles, just log in, hit the "Jobs" tab, click "Filters," & check the box for "On Campus Student Employment." It's pretty simple, but you'd be surprised how many people don't know that little filter exists.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) vs. Non-FWS: What’s the Deal?

You’ll see these two terms thrown around a lot. Here’s what they actually mean.
Federal Work-Study (FWS): This is a form of financial aid you have to qualify for. When you fill out your FAFSA, the government determines if you’re eligible for FWS based on financial need. If you are, you’ll see it in your financial aid package. It’s not free money, though—it’s an opportunity to earn that money through a qualifying job.
  • The Pay: Hourly wages for FWS jobs are actually pretty competitive. Undergrads can expect to make between $15.00 to $18.00 per hour, & graduate students can earn up to $20.00 per hour, depending on the job's complexity.
  • The Hours: You'll typically work 10-20 hours per week. They cap it at 20 hours during the semester to make sure you’re not overwhelming yourself.
  • The Jobs: FWS positions can be on-campus or even off-campus with approved community service organizations.
  • The Fair: Every August, the FWS team hosts a big Federal Work-Study Job Fair. This is a MUST-attend if you’re eligible. You can meet supervisors from different departments & get a real feel for the opportunities available.
Non-Federal Work-Study (Non-FWS): These jobs are open to EVERYONE, regardless of your financial aid status. They're posted on Handshake as a courtesy by various Emory departments. The number of these jobs can vary throughout the year, so it pays to check Handshake regularly.

Where the Jobs Are: Top Departments to Check Out

While Handshake is your main tool, some departments are known for hiring students & might even have their own job pages or application processes. Here are some of the biggest student employers on campus:
  • Emory Libraries: This is a classic. Working at the library—whether it’s Woodruff, the Pitts Theology Library, or another branch—can be a fantastic gig. You might be checking books in & out, reshelving, or working at the front desk. The best part? When it’s slow, you can often squeeze in some studying.
  • Recreation & Wellness: If you’re a gym person, why not get paid for it? The WoodPEC & Clairmont’s SAAC hire students to work the front desk, manage equipment, & act as referees for intramural sports.
  • Residence Life & Housing Operations: From being a Resident Advisor (RA) to working the front desk at one of the dorms, Res Life has a ton of student positions. These are great for building community & leadership skills.
  • Academic Departments: Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to your academic department or professors you have a good relationship with. They often need help with administrative tasks, grading, or setting up for labs. It’s a great way to network within your field of study.
  • Other Hot Spots: Keep an eye out for postings from places like the Emory Student Center, Emory Mail Services, Emory TechLab, & the Emory Telefund.

The Golden Ticket: Becoming a Research Assistant

If you want to take your academic game to the next level, becoming a research assistant is the way to go. This is more than just a job; it’s a hands-on learning experience that looks AMAZING on a resume, especially if you’re planning on grad school.
Emory is a top-tier research university, & undergrads are highly encouraged to get involved.
  • How to Find Opportunities: The Undergraduate Research Programs (URP) office is your best friend here. They have a ton of resources, including workshops & advising. They also manage ForagerOne, a platform specifically designed to connect students with faculty mentors who are looking for research help.
  • Don't Be Shy: Seriously, the best way to get a position is often by reaching out to professors whose work you find interesting. Read their publications, come up with some thoughtful questions, & send a professional email expressing your interest in their lab or project.
  • The SURE Program: The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is a fantastic program where you can spend 10 weeks in the summer working full-time on a research project. You get a stipend & housing, & it’s an incredibly immersive experience.
  • The Pay: Pay for research positions is often in the $14.00 to $18.00 per hour range, similar to other on-campus jobs.

Venturing Off-Campus: Atlanta Is Your Oyster

Working on campus is convenient, but Atlanta has SO much more to offer. Getting an off-campus job can give you a much-needed break from the "Emory bubble," help you explore the city, & connect you with a whole new network of people.

The Atlanta Job Market: What to Expect

The part-time job market in Atlanta is pretty active for college students. Thanks to a ton of vibrant neighborhoods, businesses, & major corporations, there’s a wide variety of gigs available.
  • The Paycheck: According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a part-time college student in Atlanta is around $16.12 an hour. Of course, this can range from minimum wage to upwards of $20-$25/hour depending on the job, your skills, & your experience.
  • The Hotspots: Neighborhoods close to campus like Emory Village, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, & Poncey-Highland are packed with shops, restaurants, & cafes that are almost always hiring.

Popular Off-Campus Job Categories

Here are some of the most common types of off-campus jobs Emory students gravitate towards:
  • Retail & Food Service: This is the bread & butter of student employment. Think barista at a local coffee shop, a sales associate at a boutique in Virginia-Highland, or a server at one of the many restaurants in downtown Decatur. These jobs are great for developing customer service skills & often come with flexible hours.
  • Tutoring & Childcare: If you excel in a particular subject or are great with kids, this can be a lucrative & rewarding option. You can tutor high school students preparing for the SATs or become a regular babysitter or nanny for a local family. Pay is often higher than in retail or food service.
  • Brand Ambassador & Marketing Gigs: Companies are always looking for energetic college students to represent their brands on campus or at local events. You might see postings for companies like Red Bull or various tech startups looking for "student marketeers."
  • Internships: This is a big one. Atlanta is home to major companies like CNN, Coca-Cola, Delta, & Invesco. Many of these, along with countless smaller companies & startups, offer paid internships during the school year & summer. Emory’s Career Center is a key resource for finding these, & they can be an incredible launchpad for your career. Pay for undergrad interns is often around $17.50 an hour.
  • The Gig Economy: Don't forget about apps like DoorDash, Uber, or Instacart. These offer ultimate flexibility—you work whenever you want. This is perfect if your schedule is super unpredictable.

Getting Around: The Transportation Equation

This is a big consideration for any off-campus job. If you don't have a car, don't sweat it. You have options.
  • Emory Shuttles: The shuttle system is your best friend. It’s FREE & connects the campus to various key spots, including some commuter lots, shopping centers, & even a route to Midtown. Check the routes to see if one can get you close to your job.
  • MARTA: Atlanta’s public transit system can get you almost anywhere in the city. It’s a network of trains & buses. It might not be the fastest system in the world (some Reddit users complain the buses can be infrequent), but Emory students can get a discounted monthly pass for $68.50 (a nice savings from the usual $95).
  • Bringing a Car: Having a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Atlanta & get to a job anywhere in the metro area. However, it comes with its own headaches, namely PARKING. Finding a convenient & affordable spot can be a nightmare, both on campus & at your job. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. It’s a pretty cool platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways or garages. So you can rent a private spot by the month, which is often way cheaper & less stressful than fighting for street parking or paying for an expensive garage.

Beyond the Job: Internships & Building Your Career

While any job can provide valuable income, an internship is specifically designed to give you experience in your chosen field. Emory students land some seriously impressive internships. I've heard stories of people interning at Apple in supply chain management or working in finance at Invesco right here in Atlanta.
The key takeaway from these students? Emory's network is POWERFUL. The Goizueta Business School, for example, actively helps students connect with Fortune 500 companies. Attending career fairs, networking with alumni, & working with your career coach are all critical steps to landing a top-tier internship.

The Balancing Act: How to Work Without Wrecking Your GPA

Okay, let's get real for a second. Juggling a part-time job & a full course load at Emory is no joke. The academic rigor here is high, so you can’t just wing it. Here’s how to stay on top of everything:
  1. Your Studies Come FIRST: This is the golden rule. When you’re scheduling your work hours, do it after you’ve blocked out time for classes, labs, studying, & project work. No job is worth sacrificing your grades for.
  2. Be Realistic About Your Hours: The general consensus is to limit your work to 15-20 hours per week. It might be tempting to pick up extra shifts for more cash, but burnout is real. Know your limits.
  3. Become a Master of Time Management: You need a system. Seriously. Use Google Calendar, a planner, or an app like Trello or Asana to schedule your life. Block out everything—classes, work, study sessions, workouts, social time, & even sleep. Some people swear by techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused 25-minute bursts) to get through long study sessions.
  4. Find a "Study-Friendly" Job: This is a pro-level tip. Some jobs have built-in downtime. Think working the front desk at a quiet campus building, a library job, or a security monitoring position. I had a friend who got most of his reading done while working the overnight shift at a dorm front desk.
  5. Communicate with Your Boss: Be upfront with your supervisor about your academic commitments. Most employers who hire college students understand that school is the priority. Let them know about midterms & finals week well in advance so you can adjust your schedule.
  6. Don't Forget to Live a Little: It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of work-study-sleep-repeat. Make sure you schedule downtime to hang out with friends, go to a club meeting, or just chill on the Quad. Protecting your mental health is crucial.

A Quick Note on Storage

Between moving in & out of dorms, studying abroad, or just accumulating stuff, space can become a real issue. Traditional storage units are often expensive & located in inconvenient spots. Here’s another insider tip: check out Prked. Just like they do for parking, they also connect people who need storage with homeowners who have empty space in their garage, basement, or even a spare closet. It’s a super affordable & convenient way to store your stuff for the summer or a semester abroad without breaking the bank.

Tying It All Together

So there you have it—a deep dive into the world of part-time jobs for Emory students. The key is to be proactive. Update your resume, start browsing Handshake, talk to your professors & upperclassmen, & don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Whether you're serving coffee in Emory Village, coding for a tech startup downtown, or assisting with groundbreaking research right on campus, having a part-time job is an invaluable part of the college experience. It teaches you responsibility, time management, & gives you a taste of the real world—all while padding your bank account.
Hope this was helpful! Go get that bread, Eagles! Let me know what you think or if you have any other pro tips in the comments.
;