Part-Time & Summer Jobs

You can view available part-time and summer jobs using the Career Development Center's Online Resource for Career Advancement (ORCA). Jobs are updated on a regular basis. Enter ORCA, the Online Resource for Career Advancement.

Quick Links:

Part-Time & Summer Business Directory Part-Time Job Luau Employers Visiting Campus Job Fair Links

We all want to make money, but a part-time or summer job can also be a great way to learn more about careers, gain valuable work experience and make professional contacts. It is easy to just take any part-time or summer job that comes along, however you may want to think about finding a part-time or summer job related to your major or career choice. This way you are building the necessary skills and your resume, and making money to meet financial obligations. Whether your part-time or summer employment is related to your career objective or not, employers like to see work experience on your resume because it demonstrates responsibility, dependability and initiative.

How Do You Find a Part-Time or Summer Job?

• On-Campus Jobs - There are two types of jobs in most departments on campus. A Student Assistant is hired directly by the department, usually to perform specialized duties for a department such as website design, data input or clerical work. Students should go to the departments they are interested in working for. Some student assistant positions can also be found through the Career Development Center's Online Resource for Career Advancement (ORCA). Work-study positions are also available within departments and off campus within the community, but these positions are funded by a federal grant given to students who meet certain financial requirements. To apply for work-study positions, students should go to the Financial Aid Office, Moot Hall 230, to determine their eligibility. If work-study is approved, students can search for both on campus and community work-study jobs at www.buffalostate.edu/financialaid/x457.xml. For additional information on community work-study contact the Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC) located in the CDC. In addition to these two types of positions, some on-campus vendors hire students, such as dining services and the bookstore. To apply for these positions, students can approach the managers of these service areas.

• Advertised Openings - The CDC lists part-time and summer jobs on the web through ORCA. There are many additional sites on the web that advertise for part-time or summer jobs linked off the CDC website.

• Unadvertised Openings - Many part-time and summer jobs available across the country never get advertised in newspapers or other sources. Therefore, you must search the "hidden job market" by contacting or sending a cover letter and resume to each employer. The CDC has a directory of part-time employers around and near Buffalo State. It can be used to connect with off-campus employers in the area. You can pick up a copy or view it here.

• Networking - People often find jobs through friends, family and acquaintances who know of part-time and summer openings. This is called networking. To help you with this search you may want to pick up a copy of the CDC handout on "Networking" or view it here.

• Recruitment/Job Fairs - Every Fall the CDC sponsors the Part-Time Job Luau where employers from various organizations will interview students for part time employment. This year the CDC will host a Spring Job Fair which will include part-time and summer job opportunities. Also, throughout the year organizations come to campus to interview students for part-time and summer positions. Information about the fairs and recruiters coming to campus are posted on the CDC website.

• Preparation - Decide what is important to you in a job. What kind of work do you want to do and for what type of organization? What town or neighborhood would you like to work in? Do you need to work certain hours? After deciding some of these things, research and learn about these organizations and industries. You can do this by looking for information on the web and/or talking to friends and other people you know who might have information. The CDC may also have information that would be helpful.

• Resume, Cover Letters and Applications - Next, you may need to prepare a cover letter and resume that reflects your education and experience in the most positive manner possible. (See sample resumes, sample cover letters, and attend a CDC Cover Letter or Resume Writing Workshop.) You'll need to write a separate cover letter for each organization to which you apply. Also, be sure to have your resume and cover letter critiqued or reviewed by a CDC Counselor.

  Other positions may require you to complete an application (sometimes in place of a resume). Fill out all application materials completely! Employers will be looking at your ability to follow directions. Remember to follow-up all applications, resumes and possible leads. This can be done by contacting them by telephone, writing another letter, or perhaps visiting the organization.

• The Interview - The purpose of an interview is to sell yourself to the employer. An interview can be conducted over the telephone or in person. Either way, you want to explain to the interviewer in a calm, polite and confident manner how you can make a difference at their organization. Attend an interviewing workshop sponsored by the CDC, pick up an interview handout or view it on our website. It has examples of frequently asked interview questions and tips to help you become comfortable with talking about yourself. In addition, you can practice your interviewing skills in a mock interview one on one with a career counselor at the CDC. Call or stop by the CDC to sign-up for a mock interview.

• Appearance - Although, this is only a part-time or summer job it is very important to dress appropriately for an in-person interview. Remember this is your first time meeting with the employer. You want to make a good impression. Again be sure to pick up an interview handout. It gives suggestions on what to wear to an interview.

• Follow-Up - Don't forget to say thank you! Within 24 hours of the interview write a brief thank you letter even if the interview was short or over the telephone. A model thank you letter is available here.

• Volunteer Work - This is a good option if you are looking to gain experience during the summer that is related to your career objective or to allow you the opportunity to test possible career choices. A listing of volunteer openings can be found by logging on to ORCA. This information can help you find an appropriate organization for your career needs. The VSLC will also help you locate volunteer opportunities.

• Internships - An internship is usually non-paid work experience for which you may or may not receive college credit. Some organizations do offer paid internships, sometimes referred to as "co-op" experiences. The CDC and your academic department have resources to help you locate internships.

• Resources - Check out resources that the Career Development Center has available to aid you in your search for a part-time or summer job.

  The CDC acts only as a referral service and makes no particular recommendations regarding employers. We make no representations or guarantees about the positions posted by our office. The CDC is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions or other aspects of employment.

  Last Updated 02/2007