1. WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH Federal Work Study (“FWS”) JOBS? 10 Things You Should Know Presented by the The Center for Career Services

2. #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.

3. #2 – Do I really have to work? NO. You don’t have to. It’s optional.

4. #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.

5. #4 – HOW MUCH CAN I EARN and HOW 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.

6. #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

7. #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

8. #7 – HOW DO I FIND A JOB? View jobs online through GWork Attend FWS Job Fair on August 29, 13 Contact 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

9. #8 – WHEN DO I FIND A JOB? Most FWS students start in Fall Some start in January (Spring semester) Program begins August 25, 2013 Program ends April 26, 2014

10. #9 – WILL THIS ENHANCE MY RESUME? YES.

11. #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!

12. HOW CAN THE CENTER FOR CAREER SERVICES HELP? Online: Resume, cover letter, interview help Drop-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.

13. Be sure to check out the Center for Career Services Connection: My First Career Step Day Two at Mount Vernon! Contact Us At: email: fws@gwu.edu phone: 202-994-8046 Marvin Center 5 th Floor (Colonial Crossroads)