Student Employment Program

Supervisor Student Worker Request forms for Spring 2012 available online for download here.

Federal Work Student (FWS) & Student Employment Program (SEP) applications for Spring 2012 available online for download here.

Complete and submit to the student employment coordinator via:

• Financial Aid office Bldg.39 Room 101
• Fax:202-274-6060
• FwsSep@udc.edu

*Keep Checking Your UDC-E-mail for more updates about Student Employment*

Additional required documentation for student employment include:

• A Recent Resume
• Spring 2012 Class Schedule

For more information please contact Sharita Porterfield at FwsSep@udc.edu

SEP Student Worker Manual

Federal Work-Study

Welcome to the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) at the University of the District of Columbia! FWS is a federally funded employment program available to both undergraduate and graduate students who exhibit financial need. The FWS Program is designed to assist students with meeting their educational and living expenses through part-time employment. New participants in the FWS program are strongly encouraged to attend an orientation session. These orientations enhance student knowledge of FWS student expectations, how to contact employers, and how to earn your award. To find listings of orientation dates and locations, please see our Important Dates section.

FWS Student Worker Manual

Benefits of Participating

Benefits of participating in the FWS Program include:

• Valuable professional development opportunities at convenient on-campus locations

• Flexible work scheduling around your class times

• Opportunity to find employment that corresponds with your educational interests.

• FWS earnings are not counted against your financial need for the next year's FAFSA

Eligibility

To be considered for FWS, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. Funds are limited and not all students who apply and are eligible will receive a FWS award. In addition, you must:

• Indicate interest in FWS on the FAFSA

• Submit the FAFSA and a FWS Employment Application by the UDC priority deadline – June 1

• Enroll in a minimum of 6 undergraduate credits at the University of the District of Columbia

About FWS Jobs

It is your responsibility to find a job and work toward earning your FWS award. Students awarded with Federal Work-Study can begin searching for and securing a job accordingly:

To start working:	Start job searching:
Fall	Early August
Spring	Early January
*Summer (*if offered)	*Early May

Average work schedules range from 10 to 15 hours a week, with a maximum of 20 hours.

Follow these 10 easy steps to begin your employment and participation in the FWS Program:

See our helpful tips on Cover Letter/Resume writing!

1. Submit a FAFSA and FWS Application by the UDC priority deadline of June 1.

2. If awarded with FWS funds, accept your award on MyUDC.

3. Attend an orientation presentation (Optional but strongly recommended).

4. Search for job openings that interest you by visiting the Student Employment Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid located at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Bldg 39 – Room 101.

5. Contact FWS employers by sending them your cover letter and your resume. In the job listing descriptions, employers indicate how they prefer to be contacted (phone e-mail or in-person). Be professional in your email. Inquire about setting up an interview in both your email and your cover letter.

6. Attend an interview! It is highly encouraged that you prepare ahead of time for your interview and you get to your interview early.
   

   For more helpful interview tips, see information on Interview and Professional Etiquette!

7. Secure a position.

8. Submit a FWS Work Authorization to your employer and to the Office of Financial Aid.

9. Set up your Payroll and Work Schedule with your employer.

10. Begin working and earning your FWS Award!

How to Receive Earnings

A FWS award is not credited toward your tuition bill or received up front.  The amount you earn depends on your hourly rate and how many hours you work. Students are paid directly through bi-weekly paychecks.

Other On-Campus Part-time Employment (Student

Employment Program)

You do not have to apply for financial aid or be awarded with FWS to secure a job on-campus. For non-FWS part-time job listings (Student Employment Program), please contact the Student Employment Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid located at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Bldg 39 – Room 101.

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Resume Tips

Resume Overview

Your resume is an important aspect of the job search process. It is the first impression you make with an employer and a well-structured resume can open the door to an interview. Your resume should be one page in length and include your contact information, career objective, education, experience, honors & awards, skills, and extracurricular activities.

Resume Tips

When writing your resume, you should ensure that your objectives are aligned with those of the employer. Be sure to emphasize what skills you have learned, in addition to jobs performed, in both paid and unpaid positions. Use action verbs and specific examples to explain your accomplishments to the employer. Finally, remember to proofread!
Use Action Verbs such as Accomplished, Administered, Advised, Analyzed, Assisted, Built, Collaborated, Completed, Conducted, Coordinated, Created, Developed, Devised, Directed, Examined, Facilitated, Formulated, Generated, Implemented, Improved, Initiated, Investigated, Managed, Marketed, Monitored, Motivated, Negotiated, Proposed, Researched, Specified, Supervised, Taught, Used, Wrote.

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Interview Tips and Professional Etiquette

Interview Tips

What to do before the Interview

Be prepared! Know yourself and the job description and practice interview questions. Be sure to dress professionally and to arrive early to the interview.

What to do during the Interview

Demonstrate self-confidence! Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Listen attentively, ask pertinent questions, and use good communication skills. As the interview concludes, make sure you know the next steps in the hiring process and express interest in being hired.

What to do after the Interview

Send a thank you letter/email to the interviewer thanking them for their time and consideration, and expressing your continued interest in the position after learning more about it. Be sure to make note of who interviewed you, when your interview was, and what follow-up actions you have taken. You should also reflect on your interview experience. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in order to continually improve your interviewing proficiency.

General Etiquette for the Workplace

• Always be on time for work. Notify your employer in advance if you expect changes in your work schedule. In the event of any unplanned changes in your schedule, contact your employer.

• Be sure to switch your cell phones to vibrate or silent while at work.

• Follow the dress code of the office.

• Never use office resources for personal use.

• Never use foul or offensive language while working.

• Make an effort to establish positive and professional relationships with your co-workers.

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