New Student Programming, Resources, & Common Questions

Research has shown that students who work on-campus are more successful in their transition to college, have higher GPAs, and have higher graduation and retention rates. Students and family members are often nervous about the student working their first semester in school, but having a student position can help the student find their place at GW, build a network of individuals to support the student, and help them navigate GW. Plus, the position helps the student build time-management skills. 

Learn More About the Benefits of Student Employment

On this page, you will find webinar opportunities, resources, and answers to common questions to help you be successful in your search for a student position. Also, be sure to check out our website for more information about what it means to be a student employee at GW!

Please contact our team at gwsegwu [dot] edu (gwse[at]gwu[dot]edu) or schedule a virtual meeting if you have further questions. We are here to support you!

Check out our Welcome Video!

UPCOMING WEBINARS & INFORMATION SESSIONS

Point A to Point Z: How to Be Onboarded as a Student Employee Webinar

This is a step-by-step session designed to walk you through the onboarding process from the moment you receive a job offer to your first day on the job. This webinar will cover required offer letters, background checks, the complete onboarding procedure including I-9 verification, and key timelines so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. If you’ve recently secured a position, or hope to soon, this webinar will help ensure a smooth and stress-free start.

• Date: Wednesday, August 13th, 2026
• Time: 1:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m. (ET)
• Location: Zoom

 Register Here!

Resumania: Resume Reviews for On-Campus Employment & Student Employment Help Desk

The Center for Career Services is excited to kick off the academic year with an in-person Resumania! This event is especially beneficial for new and incoming students, students who have been awarded Federal Work-Study (FWS), as well as anyone who is still looking to secure an on-campus position for the upcoming academic year.

During Resumania, you'll meet one-on-one with a Career Services team member for a 10 to 15 minute resume review. Reviewers will provide personalized feedback to help you strengthen your formatting, improve your bullet points, and better showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Whether you're creating your first resume or updating an existing one, you'll leave with practical tips to help your application stand out.

In addition to resume reviews, our Student Employment Help Desk will be available to directly answer questions about:

• Applying to on-campus employment opportunities
• Navigating the student employment portal
• Creating or updating your applicant profile
• Federal Work-Study opportunities and next steps
• Best practices and strategies for applying to campus jobs

If you have Federal Work-Study but haven't secured a position, haven't yet created your applicant profile, or simply want professional feedback before applying, this is a great opportunity to receive personalized support and increase your confidence throughout the job search process!

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, August 26
• Time: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Format: In-Person
• Location: 5th Floor Lobby - University Student Center (USC)

After registering, we'll contact you before the event to schedule your individual resume review appointment.

Sign-Up Information

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early. Once you sign up, the Center for Career Services will send a follow-up email approximately one week before the event with instructions for selecting your 10–15 minute resume review appointment time.

If you're unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can update the schedule. We look forward to helping you prepare for a successful job search!

Register for On-Campus Employment Resumania 

PAST WEBINAR RECORDINGS 

FWS PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

This webinar is an overview of the Federal Work Study Program for new recipients of the FWS financial aid offer. We discussed what having an FWS offer means, how to find positions, and the requirements to work at GW through the FWS program. 

KEYS TO GETTING AN ON-CAMPUS JOB

Are you interested in working on campus or through the FWS program, but are new to applying and interviewing for student employment positions at GW? Review this webinar to learn tips for writing your professional resume using your volunteer, leadership, and work experience, and learn effective communication techniques for virtual interviews and other online employer interactions.

Workshop Resource Folder with Resume and Cover Guide, and More!

The Center for Career Services and the International Services Office (ISO) hosted a workshop specifically designed for incoming and returning international students seeking additional information on navigating available employment opportunities and understanding workplace culture at GW. During the workshop, we reviewed best practices for creating resumes and cover letters, as well as strategies for preparing for the interview process. The presentation was tailored to equip international students with the tools and resources needed to strengthen their application materials and maximize their opportunities for securing on-campus employment.

Webinar Recording 

Workshop Resource Folder with PowerPoint, Resume Guide, and More!

FWS Virtual Resumania

Meet virtually with a Career Services staff member to receive personalized feedback on your resume, including formatting, bullet points, and how to effectively highlight your skills and accomplishments. You’ll gain practical tips to strengthen your application.

• Date: Friday, July 24th, 2026
• Time: Drop-In Between 11:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m. (ET)
• Location: Zoom
• RSVP Required: Register Here by July 17th!

APPLY TO POSITIONS

CREATE YOUR APPLICANT ACCOUNT

• Be sure to use your @gwu.edu email account. This will not be your GWIDgwu [dot] edu (GWID[at]gwu[dot]edu), but a combination of your namegwu [dot] edu.
• Carefully complete your application
• Prepare and upload any required documents. Use a professional resume!
• Students can apply to non-FWS positions at any time.

Create Your Account & Apply

FWS JOBS GO “LIVE” JULY 13, 2026

FWS job postings will begin to be available for all FWS recipients. More positions will continue to be posted after this date, so check back often.

APPLICATION RESOURCES  

• Resume Guide & Cover Letter Guide: Most postings will require a resume and cover letter, use these resources to tell your story and why you would be a great fit for the position.
• Application Tips from GW Hiring Managers: GW departments provide insight into what makes an application successful.
• Student User’s Guide: Use this guide to help you navigate through the Applicant Portal and the Employee Records systems.

COMMON QUESTIONS

• Where do I find my FWS Program Statement? Learn more in the How to Print Your FWS Program Student Statement document. This document is required for all FWS positions and is only available to FWS offer recipients.
• What should I do if my class schedule isn't finalized? This is a common question for first-year students. You can simply attach a professional letter explaining your registration status and that you will supply your availability as soon as possible. You can also send a personal note to the supervisor listed on the posting.
• I'm not sure what positions to apply to: Check out the Student Employment Position Standards & Descriptions document; it has all the different types of positions we have at GW. Match the skills, qualifications, and interests that you have with the position descriptions and required qualifications. You can use this to guide you through your search in the applicant portal.
• How many hours can international students work? International students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and when classes are in session. Please consult with ISO regarding exceptions to this, such as holiday hours and during the summer period.
• What positions can international students apply to? International students can apply for non-FWS positions through the Student Talent Management Portal. Please consult with ISO regarding CPT/OPT opportunities and eligibility.
• When will I get Handshake access? You will receive more information in August regarding your Handshake access to begin booking an appointment with a Career Coach.
• When can I start applying for jobs? You can apply to positions in the Student Talent Management System today! Please make sure to have your application material reviewed by a career coach if you can make an appointment.
• Check out more common questions on our Federal Work Study FAQ's site.

More Resources for Applicants & Employees

TIPS & REMINDERS

• Apply early and often to positions during the summer. Do not wait until August to begin your search!
• Be prepared to provide a professional resume and cover letter.
• Bring your original documents to complete your I-9 form to campus! Federal regulations state that we must have original (not copies, pictures, or scans) documents in person to complete section two of the I-9 form with the employee. The biggest delay we see in student hiring is students waiting for their documents to be mailed from home.
• Student Employment does not place students in FWS positions and cannot guarantee a position, but we give you the tools to be successful.
• You must work to earn the offer, and the earnings are not automatically applied directly toward your tuition bill.
• Any amount of a student's FWS offer that has not been earned by the end of the FWS program cannot be paid to the student, per the Department of Education.