On this page, find information that undergraduate, graduate, and international students need to know about on-campus employment at Wake Forest University. For questions about student employment, email askhr@wfu.edu or call 336.758.4700.
Why You Should Work on Campus
Student employment offers financial independence and much more.
It’s a chance to build valuable career-readiness skills and prepare for your future. You’ll learn:
- Financial independence: Earning a paycheck allows you to manage your own money, create a budget, and pay for personal expenses.
- Professional skills: Student jobs provide real-world experience. You’ll develop key skills like communication, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Career readiness: The skills and experiences you gain on campus are aligned with the career-readiness competencies defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Where to Look for a Job
Any degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student at WFU can work on campus. Only students with federal work-study eligibility may apply for roles labeled FWS Required. You can also reach out to schools, departments, and offices to ask about additional opportunities.
Are you eligible for Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program offered through the U.S. Department of Education that provides eligible students the chance to earn college funds by working a part-time job on campus or in community service agencies.
All WFU students are eligible for on-campus employment.
Students who are awarded FWS should prioritize FWS-eligible job listings. To learn if you’re eligible and to understand the requirements, visit Student Financial Aid.
Market Your Skills to Campus Employers
If none of the positions on the job board are what you’re looking for, you can keep your options open by joining the Student Talent Pool. Joining the Talent Pool ensures that your skills and availability are front-and-center for campus managers actively scouting for new talent. Think of this as a powerful supplement to your active search.
Since the Learn and Earn Job Board updates regularly, we recommend checking back often to apply directly for the roles that excite you most.
How to Apply for a Job
- Applications and Interest: Once you find a job that interests you, follow the instructions on the posting. Some jobs link directly to an application, while others direct you to contact someone.
- Cover letters and Resumes: While most on-campus jobs won’t require a cover letter, having one makes a great first impression. Also, some jobs may require a resume, and it’s a best practice to keep yours updated. If you need help creating or perfecting these documents, your secret weapon is WFU’s Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD). It’s the best resource on campus to help you build a professional resume and cover letter.
- The Interview Process: You may be asked to interview, which could be in person or through a video conference. Be ready to talk about your skills and your interest in the position, and come prepared with questions for the hiring manager. Check out these interview tips from OPCD.
- After Your Interview: The manager will make a decision and notify you if you’re offered the position. Through emails and notifications you will then begin setting up your student position in Workday. Note that you cannot start working until all required onboarding processes are complete. Be sure to log in to Workday daily to check your notifications.
What to Expect as a Student Employee
- It’s a regular job: You should arrive on time, check in and out for every shift, and perform your best.
- You’re a student first: You can hold multiple student positions, but there is a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year and 30 hours per week during official University breaks.
- You have a manager: This is usually the person you interviewed with or talked to about the position. Be sure you understand their expectations.
- You’ll be paid by WFU Payroll: Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive pay. You can set up direct deposit through your Workday account. Note that you cannot start working or be paid until your student position is fully set up in Workday.
- You’re hired! Welcome to the WFU Student Employment team! Follow the steps in this New WFU Student Employee Checklist to ensure a smooth start to your new role.
International Student Employment
Wake Forest University international students are also eligible for campus jobs. Here’s what you need to know:
- Center for Immigration Services and Support (ISS): ISS is your primary resource for questions about student employment eligibility, work authorization requirements, and other immigration matters.
- Form I-9 and Social Security Card Guide: You’ll need to complete a Form I-9 and apply for a Social Security card if you don’t already have one.
- Foreign National Information System (FNIS): You’re required to complete an FNIS questionnaire and submit documentation for compliance with federal regulations. Watch for an email with detailed instructions from payroll@wfu.edu with the subject line Foreign National Employee Request for Information. It’s important to complete this information as soon as possible to ensure proper taxation.
If you have questions, haven’t received the FNIS email, or need assistance with FNIS or your payroll taxes, contact the Payroll Department.
Resigning or Offboarding from Student Employment
Per WFU’s Student Employment Policy, you may resign from your position at any time. It’s recommended that you provide at least two weeks’ written notice to your supervisor. Additionally, Wake Forest University is an at-will employer, which means the University may terminate an employment relationship at any time, with or without cause. In either a resignation or termination, you will receive all wages due for services you have already rendered.