Kaylie Wray, On-campus Employment Specialist
Safia Abulaila, Career Advisor
On-campus jobs
The majority of Mason departments post their part-time, federal work-study, research assistant, teaching assistant, and professional assistant jobs for students on Handshake. Opportunities become available throughout the year. To begin your on-campus job search:
- Log into Handshake with your Mason NetID
- Select the 'Jobs' tab
- Select ‘On-campus' from the filter options
- Follow the instructions to apply; you may need to provide
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Work Availability Form (DOCx)
- If an employer likes your application, they will invite you for an interview through your George Mason email address. Interviews can take place either in-person or virtually. For tips to help you on prepare, reference our interviewing page.
- Get tips for how to create resumes and cover letters customized for each position you apply to.
Note: on-campus employment is not a guarantee for all students. If you have questions about applying for jobs, creating application materials, or following up with employers, please make an appointment through Patriot Connect.
Types of on-campus jobs
Who qualifies
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Non-degree students
- F-1 students*
- J-1 students*
- INTO students*
Who qualifies
- Undergraduate and graduate students awarded Federal Work-Study funds in their financial aid
Where to find opportunities
Who qualifies
- Graduate students
- F-1 students*
- J-1 students*
Where to find opportunities
- Handshake
- George Mason Career Opportunities
- Graduate Education
- Academic department websites/listservs
- Conversations with faculty advisors
*NOTE: International students should review the International Student page for eligibility information.
FAQS
How many hours can I work in my on-campus job?
Student employees are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week. During semester breaks (winter, summer, and spring), students may work up to 40 hours per week. The exact amount of hours you will work are determined between the student and their supervisor and are often based off of availability and your specific employer needs.
How long does the hiring process take?
The duration of the hiring process varies for each student. Generally, securing a position can take between 2-4 months on average, as it is not a quick process. On-campus employment is not guaranteed for any student.
Am I allowed to begin applying to on-campus opportunities before I start classes?
Yes! Once you officially enrolled at George Mason University, you will get access to your Handshake account. You can begin applying for on-campus positions as soon as your account is active.
What should I do if I'm not getting interviews?
Make an appointment with University Career Services! You can do this through Patriot Connect or by calling our front desk at 703-993-2370 for assistance. In this appointment, you’ll be able to talk about your job search strategy and review your application documents with an advisor.
Is it possible to work only on weekends?
On-campus employment offers the flexibility to work a variety of hours. Most offices at George Mason operate between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.. If you prefer to work exclusively on weekends or in the evenings, we recommend seeking out employers who have hours that accommodate your availability.
How do I follow up with an employer about my application?
If they would like to, we encourage students to follow up once after submitting an application to express their continued interest in the position and politely ask about the status of their application. Students may email the hiring contact listed on the job posting or the department/office directly if a specific contact is not provided.
Please remember that hiring timelines vary by department, and employers may be reviewing many applications. After sending a follow-up message, students should be patient and allow the employer time to respond.
Students should not visit offices in person to ask if they are hiring or to check on the status of an application. Professional communication through email is the best way to demonstrate interest and follow up appropriately.