<p>Hey,</p>
<p>I got a work-study from University of Pittsburgh for $2500 ($1250 per semester). However, I know the limitations of the work-study, specifically that that is all that I can earn per year. On the other hand, I know that work-study won't count towards calculating my aid next year like a job would. Do you think it would be better for me to try to find a "real" job, or to take the work-study?</p>
<p>At my son’s school he can accept the work study and decide when the year starts to use it or not use it. One year jobs were plentiful in his college town so he worked off-campus and didn’t use the work study. This year with the economy the jobs are scarce and he will use the work study. Check with you school what their requirements are.</p>
<p>1) Can you earn what you need doing work-study?</p>
<p>2) Will your work-study prepare you better for the career you want to pursue?</p>
<p>D didn’t earn much doing work-study but spent a lot of hours at it freshman year (didn’t even do second semester because it was a lot of labor for little pay.) She worked for one of her teachers however, and it really helped her build a valuable relationship with that professor.</p>
<p>Next year she is doing work-study in the area she wants to do graduate studies in, so it’s a great way to experience the field and earn a little money.</p>
<p>I agree that it’s good to check out the rules for your school & also the offerings to see what jobs appeal that are W/S–their hours, skills required, terms & conditions. Some of the best jobs are only W/S on campus. If it helps you get a job in your field with profs you want to know better, it’s worth lower wages than other jobs, if need be.</p>
<p>Different Us have different offerings available, depending on funding. My S got a non-W/S job in his field (EE) on campus that he’s happy with. It was a merit award from his department.</p>
<p>Yes and I could have elaborated more regarding “fit” of job. As my son advances the work/study jobs are also more appealing than what he found as a freshman. At that time most of the available jobs were with the food service while the upper classmen scooped the department and library jobs. Finally, it is his experience that the work/study jobs are a tad more forgiving with regard to exam and mid-term time and the student’s “time” needs so something to consider.</p>
<p>By the way, generally the sooner you look into jobs, the better the selection. The better your resume the more jobs you are seen as qualified for as well.</p>
<p>
Do you mean this for all jobs, including the work-study? My school has the options for summer jobs up, but I don’t see anything about this fall’s jobs yet. I’ve seen some things that interest me - should I start exploring jobs around the area? Unfortunately, I live in Georgia rather than anywhere near Pitt… :(</p>
<p>There’s no hard & fast rule, but back in the day when I applied for W/S jobs the best ones were scooped up 1st (especially ones in interesting departments and ones that allowed you lots of worktime to study–e.g. manning the desk at the library, etc.) If you have a good relationship with any profs in your dept, let them know you’re looking for a W/S job & they may be able to create one for you or let you know when a good one is available. Don’t be shy–let folks know what you’re interested in/looking for so they have an opportunity to see what they can do provided you really ARE interested.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t have W/S, you can let profs who like you and/or are in your dept know that you’re interested & looking for work. You never know what may develop.</p>