Expand your resume while in school

Employers consider all kinds of relevant experiences, not just paid employment. Volunteering, student group participation, leadership positions, and many more experiences give you skills relevant to positions on- and off-campus.

One of the benefits of working for IU Indianapolis is the minimum wage of $10.15/hour. If you make more than that now, consider that student hourly employees do not have a federal payroll tax taken out of their earnings, which means you keep more of your paycheck. Our earnings calculator can calculate the difference of income for off- or on-campus work based on taxes, weekly hours, and hourly wage.

Also, continuing to challenge yourself in new positions and building skills are key to preparing you for internships and full-time opportunities. Think about the skills you are missing, and search for opportunities that will help you build those! If you need help identifying such skills, make an appointment or drop in to the Office of Student Employment. 

Most part-time positions at IU Indianapolis work around your class schedule. Do you have a two-or three-hour break between classes? Why not earn some money while you wait? Working at IU Indianapolis can enhance your time management and save you some gas money. Remember that unless the job description states otherwise, the position will work with your class schedule. 

If you’re worried an off-campus employer won’t accommodate, be sure to discuss your concerns during the interview. Letting them know that you have a responsibility as a student can help them work with you on your work schedule. It’s important to be honest about how many hours you feel comfortable working while keeping up with your studies. 

Be careful not to make assumptions about a job before you read the description. The description outlines all the responsibilities you will have and what qualifications the employer is looking for.

Future employers will be looking for skills like oral and written communication, problem solving, professionalism, and more. At any job, you generally have to expand and apply these skills. This means these positions are relevant to your major. Trust the experts. Every job gives you more transferable skills than you might initially realize. Making assumptions can mean missing out on excellent opportunities for growth! 

The uncertainty attached to starting a new job is normal. However, as you continue on your undergraduate journey, it’s important to remember that the experiences you gain now will benefit you in the future. Trying new things and being open to exploring your work preferences will make choosing your career after graduation much easier. 

You're in luck! The Office of Student Employment works with students to develop the best resumes. Make an appointment or come during drop-in hours, and we’ll help you create your first resume or edit a current one. 

Get resume help

Additionally, your school's career services office can give you advice specific to jobs and internships in your field of study.

Find your school's career office

While you work part-time, remember that you are also taking courses. Finding a balance between the time you need to study and work is not always easy. Consider determining how much time you need for your classes before deciding how many hours a week you would like to work. Don't forget to consider the other activities and commitments you might have. Try to visualize how much time you are spending on various activities throughout the week to help you better manage your time. 

 Use this worksheet to balance your commitments

A great way to maximize your work experience is to set developmental goals that you can accomplish through your work. Expanding your skillset and taking active steps to expand your skill proficiency will help you be successful in your position now and in your future career.

Explore skills needed for your career path  

It is considered a common courtesy to provide at least two weeks’ notice when leaving your position. This provides some time for your employer to plan how to move forward when you leave, cover your normal shifts, and hire a replacement. It is also recommended that you wait to resign until you have received and signed a written offer letter from your new employer. 

It is best to arrange time to tell your supervisor in person. This is also an appropriate time to provide your resignation letter. During this meeting, you should inform your supervisor of your last day, (if applicable) where you stand with projects, and how you will support the team in wrapping up or reassigning those projects. You may also choose to thank your supervisor and share some of the highlights of your time there. It is important to make every effort to leave on good terms in the event that you need a recommendation or reference in the future. 

In both your resignation letter and your conversation with your employer, you should include: 

• An explanation of why you’re leaving 
• An offer to help with the transition (optional) 
• A thank you for the opportunity 
• Your last day of work 

Even if you didn’t have a good experience, make every effort to leave on a respectful and positive note. Employers are known to take the side of previous employers when contacting references. You can even write a separate thank you card or letter referencing the specific skills you learned or strengthened while working. 

To determine when your last day should be, consider: 

• When you expect to complete your projects 
• The date of your last paycheck with your current employer 
• The date you plan on starting with your new employer 

Yes, maintaining a relationship with your former employer can be beneficial. They may need to send you forms related to your resignation, ask you questions about projects you had been working on, or let you know of new opportunities in the future. 

Yes, if the relationship is one that is favorable and helpful for future opportunities. Some supervisors may even offer to provide a reference if you ever need it.