Dear Financial Aid King,
My student is eligible for federal work study, but they are worried it will take away time from their studies. Should they take it?
Sincerely,
Overworked
Dear Overworked,
As Rihanna, says, “Work. Work. Work. Work.”
The answer to that question is yes!
It is well known that students who get involved on campus are better with time management. Plus, work-study is a great way for students to earn extra cash (for their coffee habits, online shopping, or late-night pizza orders).
Additionally, gaining work experience is a great way for students to acquire valuable skills they can apply in the workforce.
Work-study supervisors are usually willing to act as a reference for students or write letters of recommendation, as long as the student does their job well. The Financial Aid King has personally written letters of recommendation for graduate school and law school and referred students to jobs.
Even if your student does not receive work-study, some colleges have jobs that are not federally funded they can apply for, as well.
I fully encourage students to work while in college for the reasons listed above, as long as they aren’t working full time.
From my experience, any student who says they want to focus on academics, or they don’t have enough time is feeding you a line.
Don’t be fooled. You’re smarter than that. I believe in you. Rihanna believes in you.
Feel free to read more about making college affordable for you and your student.
Sincerely,
Financial Aid King
