Part-Time Job Opportunities at Roosevelt University

Why Part-Time Jobs Matter for Indian Students Studying in the USA

As an Indian student embarking on your study abroad journey to the USA, especially at Roosevelt University in vibrant Chicago, part-time jobs can be a game-changer. They not only help you manage living expenses but also provide invaluable work experience, cultural immersion, and networking opportunities. With the rising cost of education and living in the USA, earning extra income through on-campus roles is a smart way to support yourself without compromising your studies. Roosevelt University actively supports international students, including those from India, in finding suitable part-time positions that align with F-1 visa regulations. For the upcoming intake, focus on building your resume early to secure roles that enhance your career prospects back home or in the global job market.

Under U.S. immigration rules, F-1 visa holders like you can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during official school breaks (like summer or winter holidays). This is perfect for Indian students who often seek ways to offset tuition and daily costs while gaining practical skills in fields like business, hospitality, or tech—areas popular among Roosevelt's diverse programs.

On-Campus Job Opportunities at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University offers a variety of on-campus part-time jobs tailored for students, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for international talent. The university's Career Services office and International Student Services provide dedicated resources to help you navigate job searches. Many positions pay between $12–$18 per hour (as of 2023 rates), which can cover essentials like groceries, transport, or even remittances to family in India. Here's a breakdown of common opportunities:

• Library Assistant: Assist with shelving books, helping patrons, and managing digital resources. Ideal for organized students pursuing degrees in education or liberal arts. Average pay: $13–$15/hour. Shifts are flexible around class schedules.
• Dining Services Roles (e.g., Server or Cashier at Gage Park Cafe): Work in university cafeterias or events, gaining hospitality experience valued in India's growing service sector. Great for MBA or tourism students. Pay: $12–$16/hour, plus tips during events.
• Student Tutoring or Teaching Assistant: Help peers with subjects like math, English, or computer science. Roosevelt's Writing Center and Math Lab often hire international students. This boosts your resume for future roles in India's education boom. Pay: $14–$17/hour.
• Administrative Support in Offices: Roles in admissions, student affairs, or the International Office involve data entry, event coordination, or front-desk duties. Perfect for business administration students. Pay: $13–$16/hour.
• Campus Security or Maintenance Helper: Entry-level positions monitoring events or light upkeep. These build responsibility and are accessible for freshmen. Pay: $12–$14/hour.
• Research Assistant: For STEM or social sciences majors, assist professors with projects. Roosevelt's urban location in Chicago offers unique research in sustainability or urban studies, aligning with India's development goals. Pay: $15–$18/hour.

These jobs are prioritized for enrolled students, and Roosevelt ensures a welcoming environment with multicultural teams—many colleagues may even be from India or South Asia, easing your transition.

How to Find and Apply for Part-Time Jobs

Securing a part-time job at Roosevelt is straightforward, especially if you start early in your intake semester. Follow these steps optimized for international students:

1. Visit the Roosevelt Career Portal: Log into the Handshake platform via your student portal. Search for "on-campus" filters to see openings updated weekly.
2. Connect with International Student Services: Attend orientation sessions for the next intake, where advisors discuss job eligibility and visa compliance. They offer resume workshops tailored for Indian applicants, emphasizing transferable skills from your home country.
3. Network on Campus: Join student clubs like the Indian Student Association (ISA) or International Club. Events like career fairs in fall/spring connect you directly with employers.
4. Prepare Your Application: Update your resume to U.S. standards (1-page, action-oriented). Highlight any prior experience from India, like internships or volunteer work. Include a cover letter explaining how the job fits your studies.
5. Apply Early: Positions fill quickly at the start of terms. For the next intake (fall or spring), aim to apply within the first month of arrival.
6. Interview Tips: Practice common questions like "Why this job?" or "How do you balance work and studies?" Dress professionally (business casual) and be punctual—key in American work culture.

Roosevelt's commitment to equity means no discrimination based on nationality, and they provide free English language support if needed for interviews.

Off-Campus Work Options for Advanced Opportunities

While on-campus jobs are the easiest start, Roosevelt students can explore off-campus work after their first academic year through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows paid internships related to your major during the term (up to 20 hours/week), while OPT offers up to 12 months of full-time work post-graduation (extendable to 36 months for STEM fields). For Indian students in high-demand programs like computer science or finance at Roosevelt, this is a pathway to H-1B visa sponsorship.

Chicago's job market is booming, with opportunities in tech hubs (e.g., Google, startups) or finance (near the Loop). Use resources like Roosevelt's co-op programs to find CPT-approved roles paying $15–$25/hour. Remember, all off-campus work requires USCIS approval—consult the Designated School Official (DSO) at Roosevelt to avoid visa issues.

Comparison of On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Options

Aspect	On-Campus	Off-Campus (CPT/OPT)
Eligibility	Any enrolled F-1 student	After 1 year; major-related
Hours/Week	20 during term; full-time breaks	20 during term (CPT); full-time (OPT)
Average Pay	$12–$18/hour	$15–$25/hour
Benefits for Indians	Easy access, no commute, cultural fit	Professional experience, networking for global careers

Tips for Indian Students Balancing Part-Time Work and Studies

Success Tip: Time management is crucial—use apps like Google Calendar to juggle classes, jobs, and cultural events like Diwali celebrations on campus. Save earnings wisely; Chicago's cost of living (rent ~$800–$1,200/month shared) can be managed with $500–$800/month from part-time work.

Avoid common pitfalls: Don't exceed hour limits to protect your F-1 status, and report all income for taxes (Roosevelt offers free tax workshops). Many Indian alumni from Roosevelt credit part-time jobs for building confidence and U.S. work ethics, aiding their return to India or further opportunities abroad.

In summary, Roosevelt University's part-time job ecosystem empowers Indian students to thrive financially and professionally. Start exploring now for your next intake—your study abroad experience in the USA will be richer for it!