A Guide to Student Jobs
By: Kelsey Cheng ‘25
Interested in finding a job on campus? Trojans work a variety of jobs that range in time commitment, responsibilities, and environments. Keep reading for an in-depth look at just some of the different ways students can earn cash!
1. Research Assistant
Being a research assistant is the #1 way to get insight into a field of study. I am a research assistant at MOLA Lab! The MOLA lab researches cognition using a mixture of computational, behavioral, and fMRI methods. I am currently working on a project about detecting moral language on social media.
Pay: $17/hour
Responsibilities: Complete research assignments, attend meetings, and read research literature.
Hours and flexibility: This work is completely virtual. I dedicate 1-2 hours a week for this lab, but most labs require 5-10 hours of work. I work independently, apart from occasional group Zoom meetings. On non-meeting days, I individually work on tasks and communicate via email.
How did you get this job: I found this position on a work/research opportunities email sent by the Psychology department. I sent my resume and was soon contacted by the lead of the research project.
Work-study: Available to both work-study and non-work-study students.
“At meetings, I confer with a Ph.D. candidate and other assistants about assignments. I get to apply what I learn in class into hands-on practice. Not only is the research interesting for my major, but the entire lab is welcoming! It’s a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is equally valued. Plus, it’s a great resume booster if you plan on going to graduate school or medical school.”
- Kelsey Cheng
2. Office Assistant
Desk jobs are a great way to learn office management skills and meet faculty. I talked to Berit Cummings, a clerical assistant for the Marine and Environmental Biology Department.
Pay: $15/hour
Responsibilities: Receive and sort shipments sent to the building; communicate to employees about deliveries.
Hours and flexibility: Berit works 10 hours per week. She has a set schedule based on her availability.
How did you get this job: At the beginning of fall semester, Berit received an email from the biology department about this work-study position and completed the general application.
Work-study: Available to work-study students.
“I could not ask for a better job as a college student. I have the liberty to do homework in between tasks. As an environmental studies major, It’s also nice to get to know the faculty and people who are doing research in the department.”
- Berit Cummings
3. Bookstore Team Member
The bookstore is a part of all quintessential USC experiences, from game days to graduation. I talked with Pauline Ng Chee about her time as an employee.
Pay: $15/hour
Responsibilities: Greet guests; organize merchandise; process transactions on the cash register; manage inventory; assist customers.
Hours and flexibility: Pauline works 19.5 hours per week. She has a set schedule based on her availability.
How did you get this job: Pauline saw a hiring advertisement in the store. She sent in her resume and application via Google Form. The final hiring stage was a group interview.
Work-study: Available to work-study students.
“From supervisors to general team members, most employees are students. Everyone is kind and easy to get along with. It’s fun to work because we cater our actions based on what’s going on that day…like if it’s game day or if Lincoln Riley is coming to the store. I get to interact with people who love USC because everyone who shops at the bookstore is there to support the school.”
- Pauline Ng Chee
Pic Credit: Lillian Zeng.
4. Deputy Chief Copy Editor at the Daily Trojan
Interested in writing, editing, photography, or media? All of the above? Try working at the Daily Trojan, USC’s student-run daily newspaper. I talked with Skyler Pak about her experience as a deputy copy editor.
Pay: Below minimum wage.
Responsibilities: Editing articles; fact-checking; working with other chief editors; answering questions about AP and D.T. (Daily Trojan) writing styles.
Hours and flexibility: As a deputy copy editor, Skyler works 8-10 hours/week. Deputy copy editors work in shifts and are on-call to edit breaking news stories. Skyler does most of her work remotely but has the option to work in-person at the student union building.
How did you get this job: Skyler wrote for her high school paper for four years, so D.T. sounded interesting. To apply as a copy editor, she sent in a resume, writing samples, and took a copy diagnostic test. Most Daily Trojan members must reapply to their positions every semester.
Work-study: Available to both work-study and non-work-study students.
“My high school paper didn’t have as much professionalism and camaraderie as D.T.. Members care about their job, and we have a wide breadth of experience. It takes a lot of time to put a paper together, and everyone gives their 100%. I’ve had great support from higher-ups, like the editor in chief. Overall, everyone is enthusiastic about the work that they do.”
- Skyler Pak
5. Trojans 360 Blogger
Here are some cool things you can do as a blogger!
Do you like writing and content creation? Get paid for your work as a Trojans 360 blogger! Maybe I’m biased, but I think being a blogger is one of the best campus jobs. I have gotten to know more about USC events and campus life, gaining marketable skills along the way.
Pay: $15/hour
Responsibilities: Write at least two posts (or one vlog) a month; attend monthly meetings; do a social media takeover once a semester.
Hours and flexibility: Most bloggers work around 3-5 hours per 2 weeks, but can choose to do more or less. This is a remote and flexible job.
How did you get this job: I saw Trojans 360’s job opening on their Instagram. I submitted my resume and answered a series of short questions. They asked me why I wanted to work for them and to brainstorm three blog ideas. I interviewed soon after, and then got the job offer! The process was straightforward and non-intimidating.
Work-study: Available to both work-study and non-work-study students.
“Trojans 360 has been such an amazing experience, offering plenty of flexibility in scheduling and in the kinds of content we can produce. I have been able to dive into topics I enjoy, particularly food, through collaborations with other bloggers and brainstorming sessions with the entire team. And the best part is, I get paid!”
- Kristen Adams, fellow Trojans 360 blogger
Trojans 360 is hiring THIS SPRING SEMESTER. Get your application in by January 30, 2022!
Whether you need to pay for educational expenses or develop your resume, USC offers student jobs that fit YOUR schedule and YOUR needs. They are generally easy to apply to and offer perks outside of financial compensation, such as skills training or exposure to your field of study. Keep an eye out for department-specific emails about work opportunities or go on ConnectSC. Don’t forget to check out USC’s Career Center for general job/internship fairs, career advising, and more.
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Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
