On-Campus Jobs at UC Berkeley
From dining halls to libraries and campus tours, there are plenty of opportunities to work on campus as a student at UC Berkeley. With the many benefits to having a campus job, our Golden Bears are hard at work while also staying on top of their academics.
Working as a First-Generation Low-Income Student
Rachel (middle), Rico (second from right), and Gave (right) working on a holiday video with Oski!
For first-generation low-income (FGLI) students, the Work-Study program offers many benefits and opportunities to work while completing your coursework.
“I always recommend to other first-generation college students to pursue work-study opportunities, as I know my employer recognized and prioritized my identity as a student. As someone who’s the first in my immediate family to go to college, it can be difficult navigating college by yourself, so allow yourself to make mistakes from time to time. Nobody is perfect, and be kind to yourself as you go on this journey.”
Gavriel C., Class of 2025, Media Studies, Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies
Campus positions: Student Affairs Communications Lead TikTok Student & Office of Undergraduate Admissions Communications Assistant
“My work-study jobs provided me a lot of avenues to network, build connections, and create lifelong friendships that extend beyond academics. As someone who identifies as first-generation and a low-income student, I would have had a hard time figuring out how financial aid works if it weren’t for my job at Cal Student Central, which trained me to help and advise other students with such matters. I quickly found the intersection of my passion for helping out students and working in social media, and now, I’m creating a lot of engaging content tailored to giving out tips and advice to my fellow students as well as those who want to apply to Berkeley!”
Rico B., Class of 2026, Neuroscience & Computer Science
Campus positions: Student Affairs Communications Social Media Team Member & Financial Aid Student Peer Advisor
Jessica (left) & Jolie (right) at work on Cal Day!
“Having a work-study job was crucial in managing any extra spending I was doing to enrich my college experience. What was key in maintaining a good work and study balance was finding an effective way to organize my time so that my stress levels remained manageable, as well as practicing gratitude every day. My work-study job completely revolutionized my experience here at Berkeley and I am so grateful for it!”
Jolie A., Class of 2025, Political Science & Music
Campus position: Student Affairs Communications Social Media Team Member
Making Friends
Rachel (center) with her fellow team members Vicki & Jessica
Working on campus can also be a lot of fun!
“An unexpected benefit from my on-campus job was all of the incredible friendships I’ve made! My job has connected me with so many incredible peers who share many of my passions and interests. Through fun shared experiences like attending Cal Night at the A’s game, silly photoshoots, and attempting the climbing wall, I’ve grown really close with my team and I can now say they are some of my favorite people at Berkeley.”
Rachel H., Class of 2026, Media Studies
Campus position: Student Affairs Communications Social/Writing Team Liaison
International Student Experience
Eugene & her fellow Campus Ambassadors on Cal Day
There are also opportunities for international students!
“As an international student, securing an on-campus job was an accessible way to gain professional experience in my field of interest. I advise other international students seeking on-campus employment to always refer to the Berkeley International Office website. Understanding visa regulations before pursuing employment is crucial, and the website provides resources to find on-campus opportunities. Under my F-1 visa status, I did not need a separate work permit!”
Eugene L., Class of 2027, Media Studies & Sociology
Campus positions: Student Affairs Communications Social Media Team Member & Campus Ambassador
Starting Your Career
Enrique (left) working at a basketball game
On-campus jobs can help you develop valuable skills and professional connections…
“Working within Cal Athletics in both the Marketing and Event Management teams has allowed me to learn more about the sports industry as well as make valuable connections with industry professionals! As an entry-level intern in the Marketing team, I started with social media coverage of sports events, such as women’s basketball and baseball. My role and responsibilities quickly grew as I started to become more involved in game-day presentation and managing events through both my drive and eagerness to learn more! ”
…and prepare you for success in your future career.
“Since joining both teams, I have been able to take lead of social media coverage for our women’s basketball postseason games in the inaugural Women’s Invitation Basketball Tournament (WIBT). I also helped run two NCAA competitions for women’s gymnastics and water polo where I managed multiple student-athletes and coaches during the events.”
Enrique O., Class of 2024, Applied Mathematics & Cal Teach
Campus positions: Student Affairs Communications Video Production Assistant & Cal Athletics Marketing and Event Management Assistant
Work-Study & On-Campus Jobs
If you’re looking for an on-campus job, there are many places where you can find the perfect role for you. Search for grad and undergrad student positions on campus with the links below. For additional tips, watch our Berkeley Life Reel by Gave, Enrique, and Rachel for advice on getting a work-study job.
🎓💼 Ready to work and learn at UC Berkeley? Discover how the Work Study program can help you work on campus and contribute to your tuition🌟 Work Study is a federally-subsidized hourly wage job program that may be part of your financial aid package. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, earn some extra cash, or build your resume, we’ve got you covered. 👩💻🔍
For more info visit, https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/types-of-aid-at-berkeley/work-study/ and follow the @berkeleycareerengagement for job hunting tips!
For questions about financial aid reach out to @ucb.financialwellness !
#GoBears #WorkStudy #CollegeLife #College #UCBerkeley #StudentJobs #CareerGoals #ucberkeleylife
For those that qualify for the Work-Study program, look for jobs listed in the Student Work-Study Management System (WSMS) portal. Work-study status is designated as part of your financial aid. To check your financial aid package and if you qualify for work-study, visit the Financial Aid section of your CalCentral. To learn more about the program, check out Work Study: How to Apply and Work Study Benefits.
For those that don’t qualify for work-study, there are still plenty of on-campus jobs available. You can check Handshake (Career Engagement’s recruiting platform) for all campus positions and Berkeley’s Discovery Opportunities Database for research and internship opportunities.
Rachel Holmes is a third year at UC Berkeley majoring in Media Studies with a minor in Theater & Performance Studies.
Want More?
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