Many students work throughout their time at university, whether to fund their studies, gain relevant work experience or learn more about possible career paths. Though the job search can be challenging, knowing where to start is often the hardest part. Here are some places to look for work, no matter what type of job you are seeking!

UBC Work Learn program

Positions through UBC’s Work Learn program are available specifically for students, meaning that they often offer more flexibility than jobs that are available outside of the university. Students hired through Work Learn can work up to 10 hours per week during the winter session and up to 20 hours per week over the summer, leaving you plenty of time to focus on your studies and social life. Work Learn positions are available in an array of fields, with positions including Research Assistant, Communications Assistant and many more. Positions for the Winter Session open in August, and often fill up fast. While the application process can be daunting given the hundreds of available positions, many students gain relevant work experience through the program.

Notetaking

UBC’s Centre for Accessibility hires students for numerous positions throughout the year – the most common positions are for notetakers, who provide course notes for students with disabilities. In this position, it is your responsibility to upload your notes to a designated website within 48 hours of each class. Postings for these positions, as well as for Work Learn positions, are available through the CareersOnline job board, and you will also likely receive an email notification if one of your classes is hiring a notetaker.

Job boards

Additional postings are often posted to external job boards, such as LinkedIn and Indeed. UBC’s CareersOnline board also posts positions from both external bodies and from UBC organizations such as Athletics and Recreation and the Museum of Anthropology. For students who would like to work more (or less) than the 10 hours permitted through the Work Learn program, external postings offer a wide range of hours, from tutoring positions that require only a few hours a week to full-time positions.

Co-op programs

Though not available to first-year students, continuing students in arts, business, engineering, forestry, land & food systems and science can apply for their faculties’ co-op programs further into their degrees. Co-op allows students to work full time while being considered full-time students, meaning that students on co-op are still eligible to receive student loans and other funding. Co-op also offers work experience relevant to your specific field of study and allows students to experience working full-time in a field without having to make a commitment beyond four months. If you don’t know where your degree can take you, co-op is an ideal way to explore your options while earning a steady income.