How to Find Employment at a College or University

Most information I find deals with how to get into college as a student...but what if you want to work there?

There are many benefits to becoming a full-time administrative employee of a college or university, one of which is the opportunity to also be a student. Many colleges offer full tuition for up to two classes per semester to full-time employees, sometimes even through doctorate level (although at advanced class levels the cost of tuition would be taxable income).

The scholastic atmosphere tends to be more thoughtful and laid-back than the private sector is. They get lots of days off with pay. Some schools offer medical and dental, access to university facilities such as the gym or library, and retirement options exist as well.

So what's not to like? Colleges as a whole often pay less for a similar position in a regular business setting, unless you're working for a private university, where the pay scale can be somewhat higher. Be prepared for a fight though. Such schools, such as Southern Methodist University in my area of Dallas, Texas, are considered to be prime meat in the employment market, and they get hundreds of applications for each position they open.

So how do you get work at a college? Here are some points to consider:

*Be prepared for the process to take a very long time, and you may have to apply to many different jobs before you're even granted an interview. Employees are often given first consideration for positions, so be patient. It's a bit of a crapshoot.

*Consider what kinds of skills a college is looking for in your kind of job, and try to shape your experience and education around those qualifications. Get training in areas you may be weak in.

*Don't make them think too hard. When you apply, tailor your resume to each job. Begin your resume with a line-by-line listing of why you're qualified for this position. Then list your experience and education, etc. Your resume will stand out among the others.