Seattle Pacific University

These days most employers look for college graduates with real-world work experience – not just good grades. Students graduating with job-ready skills and competitive résumés are more likely to find employment.

Two SPU students share their experiences finding and working part-time jobs in college.

As an SPU student working on or off campus, you have the opportunity to gain the experience and tools employers look for in candidates — and earn some money while you’re at it. The Office of Student Employment is here to help.

Benefits of student employment
You may think that working during college will hurt your GPA, but studies have shown that the opposite is true:

Students who work during college do just as well or better academically than nonworking students.
Grades actually improve as students work more hours per week (up to 20).
Working students are more likely to complete a degree program than nonworking students.
Although student employment may not relate directly to your future career, working while in school or during the summer can help you develop:

Skills to handle your money and your time

• Ways to connect with others and professional experience
• A list of references
• A professional resume

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least two letters of recommendation.
Complete official transcripts from any college or university you’ve attended.
A 3.0 or better GPA in your most recent 45 quarter credits, or in all undergraduate work.
A passing score on the entrance exam for your program.
Satisfaction of program-specific entrance requirements.
Payment of the application fee of $50 or $75, depending on the program.

TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language)

79
IELTS(International English Language Testing System)

6.5
PTE Academic(Pearson Test of English)

56
Duolingo English Test

105
EIKEN(for native Japanese speakers)

Pre-Level 1