WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH

Federal Work Study (“FWS”) JOBS?

10 Things You Should KnowPresented by the

The Center for Career Services

#1 – What is FWS?• Federal work study is one type of federal

financial aid.• The Office of Student Financial Assistance

(“the financial aid office”) decides if you’re eligible

• You’re given the opportunity to get a part-time job (“FWS job”) and earn extra money – if you want.

#2 – Do I really have to work?

NO.

You don’t have to.

It’s optional.

#3 - WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE TO A FWS JOB vs. “ANY OLD JOB?”

• EMPLOYERS WANT TO HIRE YOU

• EASY TO FIND JOB POSTINGS

• BUILDS AFFINITY WITH GW.

#4 – HOW MUCH CAN I EARN andHOW CAN I SPEND IT?

• You can earn up to – but not over – the amount of your FWS award.

• If the financial aid office gave you $2,200, you can earn…? $2,200!

• Employer sets hourly wage

• Use up FWS funds = stop FWS job.

• Spend it on what you want – paychecks come to you.

#5 – WHERE DO I WORK?

• ON CAMPUS: any department

• OFF-CAMPUS: selected organizations around DC

• OFF-CAMPUS: as a literacy tutor at selected sites through GW’s CCEPS

#6 – HOW MANY HOURS DO I WORK?

YOUR GOAL: TO MAKE YOUR FWS MONEY LAST THROUGH THE FWS YEAR

(August 25 – April 26)

•You + your employer decide•Consider your class schedule•Consider your FWS award amount•Most freshmen work 8-10 hours per week

#7 – HOW DO I FIND A JOB?View jobs online through GWork

Attend FWS Job Fair on August 29, 13Contact on-campus departments

•You decide where you want to apply•You follow employer’s application instructions•You interview with employers•We give you the tools to do this

#8 – WHEN DO I FIND A JOB?

• Most FWS students start in FallSome start in January (Spring semester)

• Program begins August 25, 2013

• Program ends April 26, 2014

#9 – WILL THIS ENHANCE MY RESUME?

YES.

#10 – YOU BECOME A TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE OF GW

DON’T WORK UNTIL YOU’VE BEEN HIRED

•I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification: required by federal law. *ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS are required.•Federal + local tax forms: call home! •Direct Deposit forms•You must report your hours to get paid!

HOW CAN THE CENTER FOR CAREER SERVICES HELP?

Online: Resume, cover letter, interview helpDrop-in: Colonial Crossroads, MC 505

Appointments: schedule through GWork

*We don’t find the job for you – you do that, and acquire skills you’ll be using for

the rest of your life.

Be sure to check out the Center for Career Services Connection:

My First Career StepDay Two at Mount Vernon!

Contact Us At:

email: fws@gwu.edu

phone: 202-994-8046Marvin Center 5th Floor (Colonial Crossroads)