How the Process Works

The web-based jobs database and the Federal Work-Study Program(FWSP) make finding jobs at Harvard quite easy, even over the summer. On-campus employers and many prospective local employers post their positions throughout the year. In addition, alumni/ae around the country list summer job notices in their local areas.

There is no need to worry about finding work as there are always more jobs available than students to fill them.

Here is some information about specific jobs and programs we offer to help all students, but especially freshmen, get started.

Dorm crew and fall clean up

As a first year student, you are assured of a position in Dining Services or on the Dorm Crew. Dorm Crew is a student-supervised group of 110 workers who clean dormitory hallways and bathrooms. You work any 5 to 10 hours a week between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Fall Clean-Up takes place the 5 days before Freshman Week. Housing in the Yard is provided. A modest charge for meals is added to your term bill.

Dorm Crew is one of the best sources of high earnings. The 2006-2007 payrate is $11.10 an hour. There is opportunity for extra work during breaks, weekends and vacations. Coming to college early for Fall Clean-Up allows you to get acquainted with classmates and the Cambridge area, and earn extra money for fall expenses.

Complete information is included in your packet from the Freshman Dean's Office. You may also contact the Crew directly: (617) 495-5569 or at Dorm Crew

Dining services

Students employed by Dining Services work in specific dining halls for designated 2 1/2-3 hour shifts, depending on their schedules. The work involves dishwashing, bussing, and serving. To learn more about working with Dining Services and to sign up for specific shifts, come to the Dining Hall booth at the Activities Fair on Monday morning of Freshman Week. You will have a chance to meet dining hall managers and find out about this high paying job.

The payrate is one of the highest: $9.15-9.70/hr.

Weekend and early morning shifts are available, as well as lunch and dinner shifts. Call 617-384-9333 for more information.

Work-Study

Also known as FWSP or "Work-Study," this option is not a specific job, but a benefit to help you find a job from unlimited opportunities both on and off- campus. Work-Study eligibility is awarded first to students with the greatest financial need and is noted in your financial aid award letter as "Federal Work-Study Program." Since it is a federal financial aid program, it is not an option for foreign students or students not receiving financial aid. Work-Study eligibility can be a real help especially if you would like to be involved with research or public service as a job. If you are unsure of your FWS status, please contact the SEO or the Financial Aid Office.

Research opportunities

Harvard University offers undergraduates extraordinary research opportunities. Students participate in research through coursework, in their term-time and summer jobs, and independently with the support of several research programs offered through the Student Employment Office. The SEO holds a Research Opportunities meeting

during the second week of classes and again in the spring to introduce students to the many funding programs available. For more information about the research opportunities meeting, see the features on our home page.

Havard student agencies

Harvard Student Agencies (HSA), the largest student-run corporation in the country, provides both on and off-campus jobs in publishing, advertising, sales, clerical services, custodial services, catering and many others. It also publishes the Let's Go series of budget travel guides and the Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Yearly wages range from $50 to $19,000. Working hours are flexible, and switching from job to job within HSA is possible. HSA managerial positions provide excellent business-related experience.

Interested students may write to:
HSA at 53A Church St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
call the office, (617) 495-3030, or visit the web site http://hsa.net/

Wages

Wages earned in research, on-campus and Work-Study jobs are not credited to your termbill. They are deposited weekly into your free checking account at the Fleet Bank in Harvard Square. Off-campus non- Work-Study employers pay students directly. All wages are taxable.

All students, including foreign students, need Social Security numbers in order to work. You must also show proof of employment eligibility with either a passport or a combination of documents which can include a picture ID, an original Social Security card or a birth certificate. More information will be available when you arrive on campus.