The good news is that your campus is still one of the best places to start. The University of Ottawa offers over 1,700 student jobs every year across faculties and services, flexible positions that fit your schedule and support your academic and career goals.
1. Take part in the Work-Study Program
Access the Work-Study Navigator through uoZone and start browsing all the available positions in our student services, faculties and more. These jobs are a great way to get work experience, often related to your field of study or your skill set.
Hiring for spring-summer 2026 runs from March 17 to June 16, 2026. You must fill out the financial questionnaire, demonstrate financial need and be enrolled as a full-time student. You can only be matched to one work-study position per term, typically from seven to 12 hours of work per week. You could earn around $7,450 over the fall and winter. Part-time jobs when you’re a student can be a stepping stone to a fulfilling career. Find out more about the Work-Study Program.
Chaymaa Dinouri, fifth-year student in communication and political science — Career Corner mentor
Chaymaa first got a job on campus with the Gee-Gees event team in her first year at the University of Ottawa. Then, she spent a year working as a Faculty of Arts mentor before moving to another mentorship role at the Career Corner. Chaymaa is very active in student life. She finds working on campus allows her to stay involved in all kinds of initiatives while maintaining a healthy balance between her job, her classes and her personal life.
As a career mentor, Chaymaa supports her fellow students through the job hunt. It’s a position that gives Chaymaa unique insight into career opportunities linked to her program of study, and even how to become a more competitive candidate herself when she graduates.
“The Work-Study Program offers flexible hours around your class schedule, a steady job and a chance to develop a really good network.”
Chaymaa Dinouri
— Fifth-year student in communication and political science
2. Find a part-time job outside of the Work-Study Program
The summer and early fall are usually peak times for on-campus hiring. The On Campus Employment web page gives you the latest overview and is a great place to browse part-time, casual positions.
Varsity Athletics typically hires in August — you could be a game day DJ, webcaster or announcer, or help ensure Gee-Gees events run smoothly. Who knows? You could even don the furry horse suit and become the next Gee-Gees mascot!
Campus Recreation typically hires throughout the year. Part-time positions include intramural referees, personal trainers, lifeguards and swim instructors, as well as group fitness instructors, fitness attendants and client service attendants.
3. Visit the Career Corner
The Career Corner, located in the Jock Turcot University Centre (UCU), Room 216, is a great place to start. Career specialists and counsellors will be able to tell you more about the Work-Study Program and other ways to find a job.
If you’re on the hunt for a job off campus, they’ll be able to help you prepare and navigate resources, such as job search websites. Beyond that, you can also talk to them about your career concerns and clarify your academic and career path. Check the schedule of in-person and online drop-in sessions.
The Career Corner is your one-stop-shop for anything to do with finding a job or your future career. Whether you’re just starting your university journey or getting ready to enter the job market after graduation, its expert staff members are ready to offer job search advice, career counselling and numerous other services.
What students learned at Career Week
Chris Uriel Gnakale, a fourth-year communication and political science student, attended uOttawa’s Career Week (March 9 to 3) and shared some insights on how students can navigate today’s job market:
- Employers are increasingly valuing transferable skills like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.
- These skills matter because they can be applied across many fields and help you adapt to changing work environments.
- Tailor your resumé using keywords from job descriptions to pass automated screening systems.
- Avoid formatting choices like tables or graphics that may confuse application screening systems.
- Research organizations in advance so you can approach conversations with confidence.
- Ask meaningful, thoughtful questions to stand out.
- Focus your networking on building genuine, long-term relationships, not just immediate opportunities.
- Be able to clearly introduce yourself with a concise 30 to 90 second “elevator pitch,” tailored to your audience.
- Think about your career goals before attending networking events.
- Present your background and experience in a clear, structured and context-appropriate way.
- Understand tools like AI and their impact across sectors. This is becoming essential.
- Get involved in student organizations, volunteering or co-op to build experience.
- Explore different roles early to better understand your interests and strengths.
Additional job search insights
- Timing matters: Many campus jobs are filled before the term starts. Checking postings regularly, especially in July–August and November–December, can give you an edge.
- Apply broadly: Even if a position isn’t perfectly aligned with your field, campus jobs build transferable skills and connections that can lead to better opportunities later.
- Leverage your network: University staff and current work-study students can offer advice, share their experiences and sometimes point you toward opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
- Follow up: After applying or meeting someone at a career event, sending a short follow-up message can help you stand out.
- Think long term: Many on-campus jobs turn into multi-year positions or lead to research positions, co-op placements or references.
Finding a job as a student can feel competitive, but starting on campus gives you a strong advantage. With the right approach, these opportunities can help you gain experience, build connections and lay the foundation for your future career.