BYU students search for on-campus jobs. BYU offers various student jobs that help students earn money while studying. (Student Employment Services)
Brigham Young University's Student Employment Services offers various employment opportunities for students.
Students have hundreds of on-campus jobs available throughout the school year. They can choose from a variety of positions to help improve their skill set and accommodate their busy school schedule.
Manager of student employment Brittany Goff said on-campus employment is mutually beneficial for students and the university.
'Student employment at BYU is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain real-life skills and experience that will prepare them for the workforce post-graduation,' Goff said. 'At the same time, their work on campus provides a great service to the university.'
Goff said BYU employs approximately 14,500 students that work in a variety of jobs on campus.
'There are 158 different job titles for student employees,' Goff said. 'These jobs vary in level of skill and responsibility. Job titles range anywhere from animal caretaker to student instructor.'
Rafael Pelaez, a student employee at the BYU Paintshop, said his campus job has taught him important skills he can use even after graduation.
'I've learned so many skills at the Paintshop,' Pelaez said. 'I have learned how to paint, patch walls, do light construction work. I will be able to use all these skills in my everyday life.'
Goff said many students think jobs are only available before and during the beginning of the semester, but that is not the case.
'We always have several hundred jobs open at any given time. This is a shock to many students who come in mid-semester wondering if there are still available employment opportunities,' Goff said. 'Departments generally start posting positions one month prior to the semester or term they need the jobs filled. However, since needs constantly arise throughout the semester, there are always jobs posted.'
Campus jobs can also appeal to students looking for something that will complement their busy school schedules.
'I enjoy my job and especially the people I work with. My supervisors are very understanding and know that doing well in school is the main priority for me,' Pelaez said. 'If I need extra time to study for a test or other academic reasons, my supervisors find ways to work with me.'
The availability and flexibility of campus jobs throughout the year are appealing benefits, but there is also a tax break some student workers can enjoy as well.
'I wish more students were aware of the fact that most students are eligible for an exception to FICA tax (7.65 percent of a student's paycheck) while working on campus,' Goff said. 'On average, this benefit equates to an extra $50 per month for a student who is working part-time and eligible for the exemption. Students working off campus are not eligible for this benefit.'
The process of getting employed on campus is also made easier for students due to the resources in the Student Employment Services Center in room 2024 of the WSC.
Whitley Smith, an employment services representative at BYU, said that Student Employment Services makes the employment process simple for students.
'Once students find a job that interests them on the BYU jobs website, we help them fill out their government employment documents, such as the I-9,' Smith said. 'The whole process only takes five to ten minutes.'
Students are also encouraged to sign up for a weekly email to see what jobs become available throughout the semester.
'Student Employment encourages students to sign up for our weekly email of available student jobs if they aren't already. This prevents students from having to log in repeatedly to check on posted jobs,' Goff said. 'Students can sign up for this email at: https://jobs.byu.edu.'