As you transition to college life, you may take on a variety of new responsibilities, including working while being a full-time student. At PLNU, a variety of on-campus jobs offer the convenience of working a few hours each week without the need to commute. These opportunities can provide valuable experience, strengthen your résumé for future career opportunities, and offer meaningful ways to connect with the PLNU community.
From strengthening your résumé through an on-campus internship to serving coffee to your peers, there is a wide range of on-campus jobs available to PLNU students.
Resident Assistant
A resident assistant, or RA, is a student leadership position within PLNU’s Office of Residential Life. Although your day-to-day responsibilities will likely look different each day—from planning and hosting a residence hall event to having meaningful conversations with residents—the goal of an RA is to support each resident with care. As an RA, you’ll work closely with the resident director of the residence hall where you both live and work.
There are 11 residence halls on PLNU’s main campus, with each requiring a different number of RAs. The Colony Apartments require just two RAs, while a first-year residence hall like Hendricks Hall requires six. Explore how you can become an RA through the RA selection process
Professor’s Assistant
With eight schools and colleges and more than 70 academic departments across PLNU’s undergraduate programs, there are plenty of opportunities for students to serve as department assistants and support a wide range of responsibilities. Many positions require prior experience with the subject area, so they are often filled by upper-division students majoring in or closely related to the department. Students can expect responsibilities such as:
- Assist faculty in preparation for a variety of courses.
- Complete day-to-day tasks such as grading papers or providing administrative support, including sending emails or organizing materials.
- Provide research assistance to support faculty.
ASB Positions
A unique opportunity for students is to serve in the Associated Student Body (ASB). While some positions are elected by the student body, others are filled through an application process. PLNU’s student board of directors includes eight positions, most of which require candidates to campaign, give a speech, and participate in an election open to the undergraduate student body. These positions include:
- President
- Vice President
- Director of Activities
- Director of Finance
- Director of School Spirit
- Director of Spiritual Life
- Director of Student Relations
- Director of Communications
Beyond the student board of directors, there are a variety of other jobs available within ASB. Some of these positions include (and are not limited to):
- Hooligan: Help lead school spirit at athletic events.
- CAB (Campus Activity Board): Working under the director of activities, you’ll assist with planning and running student events, including social events, arts programs, and community gatherings.
- Media Team: Help capture campus events and create media that promotes future events.
Tutor
As a student tutor, you’ll have the opportunity to support other students with their academic work, study skills, and learning habits. To tutor in a specific subject area, you’ll typically need to have successfully completed the relevant courses and be prepared to help students with assignments and studying.
One specific tutoring opportunity at PLNU is through the Department of Mathematical, Information & Computer Sciences. There, you can become a tutor to strengthen others' skills, help develop mathematical or software abilities, provide space to think more critically, and ability to gain a better understanding of their own work.
Tour Guide
Talking while walking backward doesn’t come easily for everyone, but if it does for you, a tour guide position might be the perfect on-campus job. The Admissions Office at PLNU has a team of student ambassadors who give weekly tours, work at the front desk of Draper Hall (home to the Admissions and Student Financial Services offices), and assist with Preview Days.
As a tour guide, you’ll have the opportunity to lead tours each week throughout the school year, showing prospective students and families around PLNU’s campus. You’ll share information ranging from PLNU’s history to details about different academic programs.
Bobby B’s Coffee Barista
Named after Bob Brower, PLNU’s 14th president, Bobby B’s Coffee serves Starbucks coffee in Nicholson Commons. A popular spot on campus, Bobby B’s is often busy with students stopping by for a caramel macchiato or warm muffin between classes. Students also have the opportunity to work there as baristas, serving classmates and other members of the PLNU community. As a barista, you’ll be trained to prepare drinks, take orders, and operate the cash register.
Additionally, the Dining Hall is open to student workers to help prepare and serve food and beverage, keep the cafeteria clean, and uphold a high standard of service.
Athletics Facilities
The Point Loma Sea Lions have earned an NCAA national title, six national appearances, and 21 conference championships since 2014. These accomplishments are supported by the work of employees and student workers across PLNU Athletics.
As a student worker, you may help maintain athletic facilities, assist with athletic events, or support individual teams. Responsibilities can include groundskeeping at the baseball field, working ticketing or concessions, assisting coaches with administrative tasks, and helping with equipment or uniform needs.
Shuttle Driver
Among the many services PLNU provides for students, on- and off-campus shuttle services help students get around campus and travel to key locations in San Diego. While the larger shuttle buses are reserved for full-time staff drivers, smaller shuttles can be driven by student workers. Student drivers may transport students around the main campus to classes, residence halls, campus facilities, or locations such as Sunset Cliffs at the Young Hall shuttle stop.
Off-campus shuttle routes may also take students to key destinations around San Diego, including Liberty Station, the Sports Arena area, the Old Town Transit Center, and Fashion Valley Mall.
On-Campus Internships
Throughout your academic journey, some programs may require an internship course and a 120-hour internship for graduation. At PLNU, a variety of offices and departments offer opportunities for students to support day-to-day operations, and some of these positions may fulfill internship requirements. Whether your interests are creative or business-focused, there may be opportunities to complete an internship on campus.
- The Marketing Office may hire photography, social media, or graphic design interns throughout the academic year and summer.
- The Office of Admissions may hire interns to assist with administrative tasks and event support.
- PLNU ministry internships may be available for students interested in spending the summer serving with Nazarene churches in areas such as youth ministry, outreach, administration, or music ministry. In addition, two chapel interns may be selected each year to support weekly chapel services and events.
Public Safety Student Dispatcher
As a student at PLNU, you can apply for a position with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). As a student dispatcher, you’ll support full-time DPS officers who help maintain safety and security across campus. The role calls for skills such as staying calm in high-stress situations, communicating clearly, paying close attention to detail, and having a strong understanding of campus locations and resources.
Student dispatchers may be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Answer phone calls for needs ranging from vehicle jump-starts to medical emergencies.
- Assist officers with traffic control during events on PLNU’s main campus.
- Greet and assist students, faculty, and staff who visit the DPS office.
- Complete administrative tasks such as submitting work orders, organizing the DPS office, processing parking requests, and monitoring surveillance cameras.
Join the PLNU Community
Whether you’re looking for an on-campus job for a few hours each week or hands-on experience related to your future career, PLNU offers a variety of opportunities to help you meet your goals. At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting your academic, spiritual, and personal growth, with faculty and staff across campus helping you along the way. Discover opportunities to find a sense of belonging, contribute to the PLNU community, and build experience for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to apply for an on-campus job?
Most on-campus jobs can be found and applied through your Workday student portal. The quickest way to find open positions is to search for ‘Student Jobs’ in the search bar and scroll down to ‘Find Student Jobs.’ Here you will be able to see a full list of available positions.
Other jobs such as an RA or ASB positions will require a separate portal found in the RA selection process page or you’ll be sent an email for the student leadership positions application from the Office of Student Life and Formation.
How many hours can I work as a student at PLNU?
PLNU’s official policy is that student workers cannot work more than 20 hours per week, allowing you to balance academics, work, and your social life.
Can I work a student job as a nursing major?
Yes. Nursing majors can work on-campus jobs and are limited to the same 20 hours of work per week.
Can I qualify for a federal work-study program with an on-campus job?
Yes. Working an on-campus job at PLNU qualifies you to apply for the federal work study program. Learn more from Student Financial Services.
Am I allowed to work off-campus as a PLNU student?
Yes. As a student at PLNU, there are no restrictions for working positions off campus. Many students find internships with companies and organizations around San Diego.