Part-Time Job Opportunities at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame

For Indian students dreaming of studying in the USA, Holy Cross College at Notre Dame offers a supportive environment to balance academics with part-time work. As an F-1 visa holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during breaks like summer or winter holidays. This is ideal for the next intake (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), helping you manage living expenses in South Bend, Indiana, while gaining valuable American work experience. Part-time jobs not only provide financial relief—average wages range from $10-15 per hour—but also build your resume, enhance cultural immersion, and network in a close-knit community of around 1,000 students.

On-Campus Job Opportunities

Holy Cross College prioritizes on-campus employment for international students, making it easy to find roles without commuting hassles. No prior U.S. work experience is needed, and many positions are tailored for freshmen and sophomores arriving in the next intake. The college's Career Services office and International Student Office actively post openings and guide you through the process. Common perks include flexible schedules around classes, proximity to dorms, and opportunities to interact with faculty and peers.

• Library Assistant: Shelve books, assist with research queries, and support digital resources. Ideal for detail-oriented students; pays ~$11/hour. Shifts often align with study hours.
• Dining Services Roles: Work in the college cafeteria or dining halls as a server, cashier, or prep helper. Great for hospitality enthusiasts; average $12/hour with free meals during shifts.
• Administrative Support: Help in offices like Admissions, Registrar, or Student Life. Tasks include data entry, event setup, and front-desk duties. Suited for organized Indian students; ~$10-13/hour.
• Campus Tour Guide or Ambassador: Lead tours for prospective students or represent the college at events. Perfect for outgoing personalities; pays $12/hour plus networking bonuses.
• Residence Life Assistant: Support dorm activities, organize events, or tutor peers. Entry-level roles available; $11-14/hour with potential for housing discounts.
• Lab or IT Support: Assist in science labs or tech centers for Holy Cross's STEM programs. Technical skills from India can shine here; ~$13/hour.

These jobs are abundant due to the college's small size, with over 100 positions opening each semester. For the next intake, apply early via the college's Handshake portal—accessible from your Indian application process. International students make up 10% of the workforce here, so you'll find a welcoming, diverse team.

Off-Campus and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Options

While on-campus is simplest, off-campus work becomes viable after your first academic year. Under CPT, you can pursue paid internships related to your major (e.g., business, education, or sciences at Holy Cross) during the term (part-time) or breaks (full-time). This requires advisor approval and ties directly to your studies, helping Indian students meet visa requirements seamlessly.

In the South Bend area—home to the University of Notre Dame and growing industries—you'll find opportunities in retail, tutoring, or local nonprofits. Popular spots include:

Job Type	Location	Typical Pay	Suitability for Indian Students
Retail Associate (e.g., Walmart, Target)	South Bend malls	$11-14/hour	Flexible hours; customer service builds communication skills for future careers in India or USA.
Tutoring (Math/Science)	Local high schools or online via platforms like Tutor.com	$15-20/hour	Leverage your strong academic background; remote options suit visa limits.
Internships in Nonprofits	Organizations like United Way or Notre Dame affiliates	$12-16/hour (stipends)	Community service aligns with Holy Cross's mission; great for resume in social work or education majors.
Food Service (Cafes/Restaurants)	Downtown South Bend	$10-13/hour + tips	Cultural exposure; tips can boost earnings to cover Indian grocery needs.

Post-graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows up to 12 months (or 36 for STEM) of full-time work. Holy Cross's 95% placement rate ensures strong support for this transition.

How to Apply and Get Started

Securing a job is straightforward for next-intake students:

1. Complete I-9 and Visa Verification: Upon arrival, visit the International Student Office for work authorization. Bring your passport and I-20.
2. Register on Handshake: Holy Cross's job platform lists openings. Create a profile highlighting your Indian education and skills.
3. Attend Workshops: Career Services offers free sessions on resume building (tailored for international formats) and interview prep—crucial for overcoming accent biases.
4. Network Early: Join Indian Student Association events or Holy Cross clubs to learn about openings from peers.
5. Track Hours: Use the college app to log work; stay under 20 hours/week to maintain F-1 status.

Applications typically take 1-2 weeks; start in your first month to fund essentials like rent ($400-600/month shared) or remittances home.

Benefits Tailored for Indian Students

Part-time work at Holy Cross eases the financial burden of U.S. education—tuition plus living costs average $50,000/year, but jobs can cover 20-30% of expenses. Beyond money, it's a cultural bridge: Learn American workplace etiquette, from punctuality to teamwork, which translates well to Indian multinationals like Infosys or TCS upon return. Many alumni secure H-1B visas through these experiences. For women, safe on-campus roles promote independence, while the college's Catholic values foster an inclusive space free from discrimination.

Challenges like cold winters or homesickness? Jobs in warm dining halls or peer support roles help. Plus, earnings allow occasional Indian cuisine treats or Diwali celebrations.

Embrace these opportunities at Holy Cross College to make your U.S. study abroad journey rewarding. Contact the International Office at international@hcc-nd.edu for personalized advice as you prepare for the next intake.