Exterior of the Science Center, a modern building with solar panels

Hi everyone! I hope you are well! In today’s blog, I’m going to write about all the on-campus employment positions I’ve held during my years at Amherst, and the process of how to get jobs. If you have any questions, please email me at sgoldsmith24@amherst.edu!

How to get jobs

Student job listings at Amherst are listed on Workday, the platform we use to get grades, transcripts, make schedules, and receive tax forms. You apply to the jobs on Workday, and the hiring manager will reach out to you if they are interested. The second way to apply to jobs is if you see a poster hanging around campus advertising a job with an email to contact. Ultimately, even if you are hired directly, you have to “apply” through Workday in order to be paid. Everything goes through Workday.

My jobs

My first jobs was as a Healthy Herd Advocate during my first and second years of college – we sat in the Science Center and in the library and made sure people were wearing their masks and following healthy, COVID-safe practices. We also had some programming to educate about how to stay safe during COVID.

The summer between my first and second years of college, I participated in SURF, a summer research program at Amherst. I conducted research in a biology lab, which culminated in a poster session in the fall.

Since my sophomore year, I have acted as a blogger for the admissions office (which is what you are reading right now!). I write one blog a week, and respond to emails with questions from prospective students.

I also am a lab TA for an intro biology class – I set up and tear down the lab every week, and sometimes come in mid-week to restock lab supplies.

My favorite job that I’ve had on campus is that of a librarian. I’ve worked at the Science Center and Music branch libraries for two semesters, and I absolutely love it. A lot of the work is really just sitting and doing my own homework while making sure the library is manned, but I get to help people find resources, check out books, and generally contribute to the equitable access of information at Amherst.

I’ve also had jobs working Commencement and Reunion, and orientation for incoming freshman. All this is to say, it is not difficult to find a job on campus. It might not be the most glamorous job ever, but finding employment and working hours is easy. I appreciate so much that I have the opportunity to earn a not-insignificant amount of money while I’m in school, so I can save a little and make fun little purchases. The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $15.

Thank you for reading! Please email with any questions!