Part-Time Job Opportunities at Blackburn College

Blackburn College, located in the welcoming town of Carlinville, Illinois, offers a supportive environment for international students, including those from India, to balance academics with part-time work. As an F-1 visa holder, you'll find ample on-campus opportunities to earn money, gain practical experience, and build your resume while adhering to U.S. immigration regulations. With the next intake approaching, preparing for part-time jobs can help offset living costs like rent, food, and travel—crucial for Indian students managing expenses in USD. Blackburn's small campus size (around 600 students) means personalized support from the Career Services office, making it easier to secure positions that fit your schedule around classes.

International students on F-1 visas are limited to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during breaks, ensuring you prioritize studies. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), but Blackburn excels in on-campus roles. The college's work-study program is a standout, where students contribute to campus operations while earning wages—often a requirement for financial aid packages that many Indian students qualify for.

Eligibility and Visa Considerations for Indian Students

To work part-time at Blackburn, maintain full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits per semester) and a valid F-1 status. Upon arrival for the next intake, visit the International Student Services office within your first week to get your I-20 updated and discuss job options. Indian students should note:

• F-1 Visa Limits: Up to 20 hours/week on-campus during terms; unlimited during summer/winter breaks.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Required for payroll; apply via the college's Designated School Official (DSO) after securing a job offer.
• Tax Implications: Earnings are taxable; use Form 1040NR for non-residents. Blackburn's resources help with free tax filing workshops tailored for internationals.
• Financial Aid Tie-In: Many scholarships for Indian students include work-study awards, potentially earning $2,000–$4,000 per year.

Pro tip for the upcoming intake: Start networking via Blackburn's orientation sessions, where job fairs connect you with employers right away.

Types of On-Campus Part-Time Jobs

Blackburn's student-run work program emphasizes hands-on roles across departments, fostering skills like leadership and communication—valuable for Indian students aiming for U.S. careers post-graduation. Most jobs pay $8–$12 per hour (Illinois minimum wage is $14 as of 2024, but student roles vary), allowing you to earn $800–$1,600 monthly at 20 hours/week. Here's a breakdown:

Job Category	Description	Skills Gained	Average Hourly Pay
Administrative & Office Roles	Assisting in admissions, registrar, or student services—filing, data entry, greeting visitors.	Office software (MS Office), customer service, organization.	$9–$11
Library & IT Support	Shelving books, tech troubleshooting, or circulation desk duties in the Lumpkin Library.	Research skills, basic IT, attention to detail.	$8–$10
Dining & Facilities	Food service in the cafeteria, maintenance like landscaping or cleaning residence halls.	Teamwork, time management, physical stamina.	$8–$12
Tutoring & Academic Support	Peer tutoring in subjects like math or English; assisting professors with grading.	Teaching, subject expertise, communication—ideal for Indian students strong in STEM.	$10–$12
Event & Campus Life	Helping with student events, athletics setup, or club activities through the Student Government Association.	Event planning, leadership, cultural integration.	$9–$11

These roles are flexible, often 5–15 hours/week, and many Indian students thrive in tutoring positions due to their academic strengths. The college's "student-managed" model means you could even supervise teams, boosting your leadership profile for future OPT applications.

Off-Campus and Advanced Work Options

While on-campus jobs are primary, Blackburn supports CPT for internships related to your major (e.g., business or education fields popular among Indian students). Apply through the Career Center after one semester; approval takes 2–4 weeks. For post-graduation, OPT allows up to 12 months of work (24 for STEM), with Blackburn's 80% placement rate helping secure roles in nearby Springfield or St. Louis.

Local off-campus opportunities in Carlinville include retail at Walmart or cafes, but require DSO authorization and are limited to 20 hours. Indian students often combine on-campus work with community volunteering for networking—check Handshake portal for listings.

How to Apply and Secure a Job

1. Register with Career Services: Upon enrollment in the next intake, create a profile on Handshake (Blackburn's job platform) for alerts on openings.
2. Submit Resume: Tailor it to highlight Indian academic achievements; the office offers free resume workshops.
3. Interview Prep: Practice common questions like "How do you handle multitasking?"—focus on cultural adaptability.
4. Start Early: Jobs fill quickly; apply during orientation week for fall positions.
5. Track Earnings: Use the college's payroll system; direct deposit to your U.S. bank account simplifies transfers to India via apps like Wise.

Benefits for Indian Students

Part-time work at Blackburn isn't just about money—it's a pathway to independence and cultural immersion. Earnings can cover 30–50% of monthly expenses ($800–$1,200 for room/board/transport), easing the financial burden of studying abroad. Many Indian alumni credit these jobs for building U.S. work ethics and references that led to H-1B visas. Plus, the close-knit community reduces homesickness, with Diwali events and Indian student associations providing support.

With Blackburn's emphasis on affordability (tuition reset after four years) and work opportunities, it's an ideal choice for the next intake. Contact international@blackburn.edu for personalized guidance—your journey to balancing studies and work starts here!