College Finances for Dancers: Work Study Jobs
Making the Most of Your Work-Study as a College Dancer
If you’ve been awarded work-study as part of your financial aid package, congratulations! Work-study is more than just a way to earn money—it’s an incredible opportunity to gain real-world skills, explore career interests, and build connections that will benefit you long after graduation.
Why Work-Study Matters
Work-study jobs are paid through a combination of federal funding and your university, so the hourly rate may not always be high, but the value comes from:
Experience you can put on your resume
Opportunities to explore interests outside of class
Connections with faculty, staff, and peers
Developing transferable skills that benefit your future
For dancers, work-study can also be strategically aligned with your training and interests.
Great Work-Study Options for Dancers
Here are some ideas to maximize your experience:
1. Technical Theater Work-Study
Often available in the dance or theater departments
Gain skills in lighting, sound, stage management, and production
Highly transferable to arts administration, production roles, or creative projects after college
Tip: Even if your initial tasks are basic (like changing gels), showing interest can open doors to more advanced opportunities, like running the soundboard
2. Front Desk or Administrative Roles
Dance department front desk, athletic facilities, or gym front desk
Great for people-focused students
Builds professional communication, customer service, and organizational skills
Offers a balance of social engagement and structured tasks
3. Work-Study in Other Fields
Early childhood education centers
Hospital check-in or administrative roles
Other campus offices aligned with your non-dance interests
Even if the pay isn’t high, the hours are guaranteed, and the experience is meaningful for your career development.
High-Paying Options Outside Work-Study
If you don’t qualify for work study or you are doing work study and additional gigs—there are other great options:
Teaching dance classes at a local studio (weekends or evenings)
Nannying, babysitting, or childcare roles
Restaurant or retail jobs, even one night a week
Surveys, internships, or other short-term gigs
The key is to find work that fits your schedule, allows you to focus on academics and dance, and helps you develop skills you’ll use later.
How to Approach Your Work-Study Job
It’s normal to want more responsibility or exciting tasks—but remember: your first job responsibility is to complete the work assigned to you.
Tips for success:
Master your current tasks first. For example, if you’re in technical theater, focus on doing basics like changing gels well.
Show curiosity and initiative. Ask politely about additional opportunities, like learning the soundboard or running cues.
Be patient. Growth often comes gradually, and showing that you can handle your current responsibilities builds trust for bigger opportunities next semester.
The mindset: you are there both to contribute and to learn. Doing your current job well opens doors to more advanced, engaging tasks later.
Final Thoughts
Work-study is more than a paycheck. It’s an educational experience in itself, offering practical skills, professional connections, and opportunities to explore interests outside your dance training.
By approaching your work-study with focus, professionalism, and curiosity, you’ll not only earn money—you’ll build career-ready skills that last far beyond college.