When I first got to Amherst, I knew I wanted to find an on-campus job—not just to help cover small expenses, but also to build experience, meet new people, and feel more connected to the campus. Now, I can proudly say that I work multiple jobs here, and each one has added something unique to my college journey.
I currently work as a Rural Student Ambassador for the Office of Admissions, where I connect with prospective students from rural communities (like mine!) and help them feel seen and supported through the college process. I’m also a Social Media Intern for the Office of Communications, where I get to channel my creativity into content creation and storytelling for Amherst’s official Instagram account. Massachusetts has one of the highest minimum wages in the country—$15. 25 an hour as of 2025—and Amherst pays its student workers fairly according to this baseline. While you won’t get rich off a campus job, it’s more than enough to help pay for personal items, fund a coffee run, or save for off-campus adventures.
What I love most about working at Amherst is the range of jobs available. Students can find positions that align with their interests, whether they’re academic, creative, or social. For example:
- You can work as a research assistant in a professor’s lab, like Professor Ta’s, helping with data collection or literature reviews.
- Want something quieter? A job at Frost might suit you—organizing books, staffing the circulation desk, or supporting special collections.
- The Book & Plow Farm even hires students seasonally to help harvest food for Val. It’s hands-on, outdoor work with a focus on sustainability.
- If you’re interested in community or food services, you can join Dining Services and help serve meals at Val and keep it clean.
- Even our Academic Departments and Resource Centers hire student staff, from office assistants to peer tutors.
Each role comes with its own learning curve, community, and rhythm. But whether you’re scrubbing vegetables on the farm or coordinating campus tours, working on campus gives you more than just a paycheck—it gives you purpose, people, and perspective.
If you’re considering working while at Amherst, I’d say: go for it. The positions are flexible with class schedules, and most supervisors understand that academics come first. Plus, it’s empowering to contribute to the college ecosystem while gaining skills that will serve you long after graduation.