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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Student Employment

Touchdown the Bear with student Cornell Dining staff member
 

Are you looking for a chance to build your resume, strengthen your personal and professional skills, and contribute to Cornell, all while earning money at the same time? Cornell has many student job and internship opportunities that range in hours, space, tasks and focus - from office support to retail to academic support to recreational services, and many in between.

Student & Campus Life is the university's largest employer. Most departments hire students at the beginning of the academic year. Check out the Student Employment website for specific job postings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

  • There are so many different student employment opportunities from working at the Cornell Store and working in dining to working with Residential Life and working in Cornell catering or Conference & Event Services. Did you know Cornell Dining, one of the biggest student employers, offers free meals in addition to great pay and a convenient, social work environment? And, you can help promote these vital campus resources working with Campus Life Marketing & Communications.

  • Get paid to exercise! Cornell Fitness Centers (CFC) hires over 200 students each year as fitness instructors and monitors. All CFC staff get a free membership. Whether you are interested in working with the fitness centers as a Fitness Monitor, Group Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer, or be a student official for Intramural Sports, or a Lifeguard at the pools, there are plenty of opportunities available. 
  • Interested in advising others? Consider becoming a Resident Advisor in the residential community where you live or helping new students at the Tatkon Center for First-Year Students.
  • The Community Work-Study Program, sponsored by Cornell's David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, enables Cornell Federal Work-Study students to work for nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities in the Ithaca and Tompkins County region. Opportunities offered include working in the arts, after-school and classroom settings, sustainability and environmental programs, health services, legal services, information technology, public works and engineering departments, women's and children’s advocacy and animal care.
  • Centers and units within the Office of the Dean of Students hires paid student staff to fill a variety of roles, including program planning, outreach, publicity and advocacy, and they serve as mentors to a vibrant group of volunteer interns. Explore an area you are interested in and research the opportunities available.
  • There are a number of student employment opportunities within the Campus Activities group. Roles may vary from program planning and interpersonal engagement to print marketing and social media.

Looking ahead to life after Cornell? Cornell Career Services can help you take control of your future! Contact and visit for help with your career exploration, resumes, graduate and professional school advising, legal careers, internship and full-time job searches, fellowships, and more. Further, leverage the Career Development Toolkit and Handshake as valuable resources to explore and move towards your professional goals.