Developing Personal & Professional Skills

Resources for Student Employment

Develop Your Resume and Cover Letter

Resumes and cover letters introduce you to employers, graduate programs, or scholarship committees. SuccessWorks' Canvas course helps you build and refine them, with Career Communities resume examples tailored to your area of interest.

Interview Preparation

Interviewing is a finely tuned skill built through research, preparation, and experience. To boost confidence, SuccessWorks offers a Canvas course with tips, tools, and an interview guide, while Big Interview offers hands-on practice with this skill!

Workplace Expectations

A successful student employment experience starts with a solid understanding of workplace policies, procedures, and expectations. While each department will have their own specific policies, the following general tips can help you make an impression and thrive in your role as a strong student employee!

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Attendance, Absences, & Punctuality

Attendance at your scheduled shifts is critical to your success as a student employee. Be sure to let your supervisor know about any situations that could cause you to be late or miss your shift entirely. Try to limit this as much as possible by asking for time off or schedule changes well in advance.

Take Initiative

Most jobs have established processes that all employees are expected to follow. Once learned, it is important to consistently make an effort to deliver high-quality work that goes beyond what’s required! This kind of initiative helps you stand out and build a strong reputation among your peers.

Read Everything!

Your employer will provide you with important information about departmental procedures and human resources policies. Make sure to thoroughly review all relevant documents, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. Staying informed helps you start off on the right foot and avoid misunderstandings down the line.

Honesty is the Best Policy

In any situation, student employees are always expected to maintain honesty with their supervisors and in all workplace situations. This includes accurately reporting time worked and reporting any issues that arise as soon as possible. Transparency and integrity are essential to building trust and maintaining a positive work environment.

Resignations

If you have decided to leave your current position, it is important to provide your supervisor with notice of your decision at least two weeks prior to your last day. If you decide you want to keep or return to your job, rehiring decisions are made at the discretion of your supervisor.

Cultivating Professional Skills

Maximizing Skill Development through Employment

One of the best things about having an on-campus job is the opportunity to learn real-world job skills while getting paid! Make the most of your time with Student Employment Peer Advising and other resources!

Wheel of Self Exploration: Student Employment, Managing Commitments, Academics, School Community, Future Career, Basic Needs, Health and Wellness, and Effective Finances

Leadership Development

One of the top qualities employers are looking for in recent college graduates is leadership skills. Develop yours with the Office for Student Organization, Leadership & Involvement.

Time Management

Developing time management skills is one of the top outcomes students report from their employment experience. Here are some ways to maximize your time with GUTS.

Personalized Professional Development

Tailor your professional growth with UW Linkedin Learning. Personalize training to match your current or past roles, sharpen new skills, and explore curated courses to support your professional goals.