On-Campus Job Opportunities & Cultural Differences

Landing an on-campus job and adapting to a new culture can feel overwhelming at first for international students. Many wish they had someone to guide them early on, to save time and avoid trial-and-error. This guide will help you fast-track the process of finding job opportunities on campus while also giving you practical tips to navigate cultural differences, so you can settle in faster, feel confident, and focus on making the most of your student life.

On-Campus Job Opportunities

Connect with Professors: Find faculty who share your academic interests and explore opportunities for research assistantships or projects. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Tutoring Jobs: Many campuses offer tutoring positions—great for building skills and earning money. Start by volunteering or joining study groups to meet people with similar interests.
Part-Time Jobs: Check out openings in places like the campus gym, library, or student housing. Becoming a Residential Assistant (RA) is a popular option that comes with perks and leadership experience.
Volunteer & Network: Volunteering is a great way to get involved, build connections, and discover hidden opportunities.

Handshake App: Use Handshake App for part-time roles, internships, work-study positions, and even on-campus interviews. It also lets you track applications, save multiple resumes, and stay updated on upcoming career events.

Career Development Center Support: The Career Development Center offers resume and cover-letter critiques, mock interviews, career fairs, networking strategies, and guidance tailored for students. You can schedule services via Handshake or visit them in Kettler Hall.

Secret tip?
Career Closet: Need a professional outfit for an interview, presentation, or career fair? PFW’s Career Development Center provides free, career-ready clothing, like blazers, ties, dresses, and shoes, available on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment via Handshake at Neff Hall, Room 361.

Cultural Differences

Punctuality & Time Management:

In the U.S., being on time is seen as a sign of respect and professionalism. Classes, meetings, and appointments typically start promptly.

Tip: Set reminders and aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early.

Date Format Differences:

India: dates are typically written as DD-MM-YYYY (e.g., 23-11-2025)

U.S.: dates are written as MM-DD-YYYY (e.g., 11-23-2025)

Tipping:

In the U.S., tipping is expected, usually 15-20% at restaurants.

It’s a way to show appreciation since many workers rely on tips as part of their income.

Personal Space & Body Language:

Physical space and gestures vary culturally, standing very close or excessive eye contact can be uncomfortable in American contexts.

Addressing Professors:

India: Students often use formal titles like "Sir" or "Ma'am" when addressing professors.

U.S.: Professors typically prefer being addressed by their first names, fostering a more informal and approachable atmosphere.

Addressing people older than you:

India: It’s common and warm to address older adults, even strangers or parents’ friends, as Uncle or Aunt, signaling respect and familiarity.
U.S.: That’s less common. People typically use Mr./Mrs. + surname or first names, unless the person is like family.