If you're going to work, don't work too much.

A11

Valeria Stephens

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When you're starting school in September, not only is it time to buy your textbooks and pay your tuition, for many students it's also time to find a place to work. To help find you a job, we consulted Ken Craft, of the University of New Brunswick's Student Employment Centre. Working while studying provides a number of advantages. Most obviously there's the financial remuneration, but beyond that, you can gain valuable work experience to give you a head start when you're looking for work outside of university.

However, Craft recommends you don't work more than 15 to 20 hours a week, if you're studying full-time. Some students successfully juggle a full-time workload with full-time classes, but usually, he cautions, either work or academics suffer.

When you're looking for work, networking is your first line of attack. Tell everyone you know you're seeking something. Most jobs are filled via word of mouth. However, there are still plenty of positions being advertised. For example most universities provide a job board that you can check online. You can also use the Canadian job bank (http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/), which lists jobs by area and category, as well as supplying a special list for students. You can check the classified section of the local newsletter, and of course just walking around will often reveal many "Help Wanted" signs, especially at the beginning and end of a semester, and in time for holiday shopping.

If you want to work on campus, most of the campus services have positions for students. These are usually advertised via your school's student employment centre and posters near the place that's hiring. Jobs vary from checking out books at the library to serving the lunch special at the cafeteria, and aren't only very understanding about the complex scheduling needs of a student, but offer perks like a discount on your textbooks and access to office space. If you think you're interested in a particular position, try talking to a student who already holds the job and ask them what it's like to work there. They can normally give you tips to increase your chance of getting in, and even if nothing's available at the moment, you'll have made a new friend.

If all else fails, and you lack local connections and can't find any advertisements, you have one more trick at your disposal. Printing and giving out a bulk quantity of generic resumes for the sort of job you're looking for, and giving them to local businesses, may shake loose an unexpected position they're having trouble filling, or lead to a call back in a week when someone quits. Often, if it's an entry-level customer service position, you may get an interview on the spot!

One large component of finding a job is your resume and cover letter. A resume should be a concise one or two page document about you experience and skills, and the cover letter should briefly introduce you and what position you're looking for. If you've been working since you were old enough to babysit and rake the neighbour's lawn, constructing a winning resume will be easy for you. You can simply list these positions as your experience, and give past employers a call to find out if they'd serve as a reference.

If you've never held a job before, don't despair. Family friends provide excellent references, and many, temporary or entry level positions are understanding about lack of experience. If you find yourself in this position, don't forget you can always dredge up past volunteer positions you've held and list them in place of a job. If you were active in your high school's newsletter, or maybe helped for a weekend with a charity fundraiser, this can boost a sparse resume and show employers how reliable and hard working you are. Your school will probably provide resume-writing workshops, and the Student Employment Centre will supply someone who'll be willing to review your resume, if you're still unsure.

Later, as you continue your studies, you'll start finding positions like being a research assistant for your professor, internships and other positions that directly forward your academic goals while giving you financial compensation. Take time to talk to your professors after class and during their office hours, to build a strong relationship. This will pay off later, not only in giving you a chance to learn more about the subject of your classes, but by making professors aware of who you are, so they'll be more confident about serving as references, or selecting your name for a position above all other applicants.

Even though it's only September, it's also a good time to know about your options for a summer job. In addition to the options listed here, Canadian students also have access to the SEED program, which matches students with non-profit organizations while paying your salary, and the Service Canada Centres for Youth. Summer is a long way off, but you generally want to get summer job applications out in May, so you might want to pencil this into your calendar now.

As a student, you have one other time management specific concern. Make sure employers are aware your studies come first and won't try to book shifts that cut into class or studying time. In return, give employers your exam schedule as soon as you get it, and book time off to study in advance. They'll appreciate your professional attitude and you'll get all the time off you need to achieve the marks you want.

With that in mind, happy hunting!