Click here to jump straight to our list of FAQs for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Download our PowerPoint overview of student employment to learn more and get started.
Handshake is your career management platform where you can discover resources, find and apply to jobs, search prospective employers and much more! If you are an incoming student to Texas State, your account will be automatically created once you have registered for courses. Once your account has been created, you will log in through SSO (single-sign-on) using your NetID and corresponding password.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Career Services offers personalized one-on-one support for your job search and application materials. If you are waiting for Handshake access or need guidance getting started, we’re here to help. Explore the resources below for helpful tips, or click the button to learn how you can meet with us!
Ready to find your next job?
Explore a variety of on-campus and off-campus opportunities tailored just for students. Click below to discover positions that fit your schedule and goals!
Between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., connect with both on- and off-campus employers who are looking to hire students at our Part-Time Job Fairs!
As you continue your student employment journey, it’s just as important to participate in events that help you become career ready.
Check out the events and resources below designed to build your skills, expand your network, and prepare you for success after graduation!
ASYNCHRONOUS ASSIGNMENT OPTION FOR US 1100 PATHWAYS – Complete prior to “event” deadline for credit (recommended to complete in early/mid September)
In Canvas, join the Career Success Toolkit site maintained by Career Services. Complete the “Job/Internship Search” module in the Career Success Toolkit to build early career readiness skills.
You'll complete two assignments:
Your work will be graded on completion and effort, and you’ll receive feedback after submission.
If you have any questions, please contact Madyson Flint, Career Exploration Coordinator for Career Services and US 1100 instructor, at MLS332@txstate.edu. Be sure to leave enough time for a response (typically 2 business days).
Click here for more informationConnect with Career Services during our drop-in hours! These come-and-go events are your chance to get quick, personalized internship support in a relaxed, fun environment. You can tour the Career Closet, take a professional headshot, and get help with resumes, Handshake, LinkedIn, and more. Feel free to ask any internship or career related question you have, and we’ll help you get on track.
Get internship-ready without the pressure - just stop by the Career Café (LBJSC 5th floor) between 10 AM and 3 PM on the following dates:
*Open to all students. Counts toward the Internships & Career Experiences Pathway in US 1100.*
Click here for more informationEvery month, we’ll bring you expert advice, hands-on learning, and strategies that’ll set you up for success, no matter where you’re at in your journey. 🚀
Prowl 2 Professionalism in September: Equal Opportunity/Title IX Training Presented by: The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX
The Office Equal Opportunity & Title IX provides Texas State University with trainings and discussions that revolve around sensitive issues. These issues include sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination. This training will help students understand how to recognize potential discrimination or inappropriate behavior in the workplace, what resources are available to them, and what steps they can take if they experience or witness something concerning.
Prowl to Professionalism is here every month with a new event designed to help you take the next step toward your future. Don’t miss out on these essential sessions—you’re in for a semester of growth! 🎉
Click here for more informationConnect with Career Services during our drop-in hours! These come-and-go events are your chance to get quick, personalized internship support in a relaxed, fun environment. You can tour the Career Closet, take a professional headshot, and get help with resumes, Handshake, LinkedIn, and more. Feel free to ask any internship or career related question you have, and we’ll help you get on track.
Get internship-ready without the pressure - just stop by the Career Café (LBJSC 5th floor) between 10 AM and 3 PM on the following dates:
*Open to all students. Counts toward the Internships & Career Experiences Pathway in US 1100.*
Click here for more informationStop by to learn about internship events and resources from Career Services! It's a great day to #BeABobcatIntern.
Click here for more informationCurious about how internships actually work – or what terms like co-op, clinical, or student teaching really mean? This session gives you a clear, easy-to-understand overview of the different types of work-based learning you might encounter in college. We’ll cover what internships and related experiences are, how they connect to majors and future career paths, when to start planning, and what steps to take early on.
*Open to all students. Counts toward the Internships & Career Experiences Pathway in US 1100.*
Click here for more informationLooking to gain hands-on experience by completing an internship while at TXST? Attend the Fall 2026 Internship Fair to meet companies looking to hire you!
All Majors are welcome and encouraged to attend.
How to prepare before the event:
View event on Handshake: app.joinhandshake.com…
Click here for more informationWant to hear directly from the people who hire interns? Thought so – Career Services is offering a series of employer-led internship info sessions to do just that, connecting you to reputable employers. In these sessions, employers share what they look for in candidates, how their internship programs work, and what steps you can take now to stand out. You’ll get insight into:
Our third internship information session will be with South by Southwest (SXSW).
Interested in gaining hands-on experience with one of Austin’s most globally recognized creative and cultural organizations? Join SXSW representatives to learn about internship and career opportunities and what it’s like to help produce a world-class international event.
What You’ll Learn
Internship Areas Include
Who Should Attend
Students interested in careers in marketing, communications, entertainment, music, film and television, technology, events, programming, business, and other creative industries. Students interested in gaining experience in event production and working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are especially encouraged to attend.
What to Bring
Come prepared to learn, connect with SXSW representatives, and ask questions. Students may also want to bring a resume and be prepared to discuss their interests, skills, creative work, or relevant experience.
Learn More
Visit SXSW’s Careers page to explore current internship and career opportunities. SXSW internships are designed as comprehensive learning experiences and provide opportunities to network, build professional skills, and contribute to the production of SXSW events.
Future Internship Sessions will feature:
*Open to all students. Counts toward the Internships & Career Experiences Pathway in US 1100.*
Click here for more informationInterested in launching your career with a little Disney magic? ✨🏰
Drop by the Disney College Program table in the Mall Area whether you’re passing between classes or want to stop and chat to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live, learn, and earn at Walt Disney World® Resort!
No appointment needed, just swing by to ask questions 🙋♀️, get insider tips 🌟, and connect with program recruiters 🤝. Whether you’re just curious 👀 or ready to apply 📝, this is your chance to turn your Disney dreams into reality! ✨🎢
Click here for more informationLooking to gain hands-on experience by getting an internship? Will you be graduating in the next year and do you want to get a jump start on looking for a full-time job? Attend the All Industries Career Day to meet companies looking to hire you!
Ideal majors or fields include:
Agricultural Sciences | Environment | Humanities | Life & Natural Sciences | Healthcare | General Studies | Criminal Justice | Non-Profit & Government | & MoreHow to prepare before the event:
Ready to take your college experience to the next level—with a little Disney magic?
Join us for an exciting Info Session all about the Disney College Program! Learn how you can live, learn, and earn at Walt Disney World® Resort while gaining valuable work experience, building lifelong connections, and being part of something truly magical.
During this session, you'll discover:
🌟 What the Disney College Program is all about
🌟 Application tips and eligibility requirements
🌟 Housing, roles, and what day-to-day life looks like
🌟 Insights from program alumni and recruiters
Ready to add a little magic to your college experience? Join us for an exciting day to learn about the Disney College Program and how you can gain valuable experience while working at the happiest place on Earth!
The Disney College Program is a unique experience where participants can live, learn, and earn money with a part-time job at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Here’s our exciting lineup of events:
🌟 Drop-In with Disney: 9 AM - 11 AM
Meet our team, ask questions, and dive into the magic during their office hours in our Career Cafe!
Don’t miss this chance to turn your dreams into reality! We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
Click here for more informationReady to take your college experience to the next level—with a little Disney magic?
Join us for an exciting Info Session all about the Disney College Program! Learn how you can live, learn, and earn at Walt Disney World® Resort while gaining valuable work experience, building lifelong connections, and being part of something truly magical.
During this session, you'll discover:
🌟 What the Disney College Program is all about
🌟 Application tips and eligibility requirements
🌟 Housing, roles, and what day-to-day life looks like
🌟 Insights from program alumni and recruiters
Want to hear what internships are really like? In this student-led panel, current and former interns share their experiences searching, applying, and working in internship roles across different fields. You’ll learn:
Be sure to bring your questions – this is your chance to get honest advice from your Bobcat peers who’ve been there.
*Open to all students. Counts toward the Internships & Career Experiences Pathway in US 1100.*
Click here for more information
Discover the skills you’re gaining on the job and explore our Marketable Skills Guides to see how your Texas State student job supports future career goals.
Each semester, Career Services hosts monthly professional development workshops aligned with Texas State’s Career Competencies, featuring employer and industry experts who guide students in building skills for career readiness and workplace success.
Get recognized for your hard work and dedication with the Student Employee Recognition Awards! This program celebrates students who excel in service, quality of work, professionalism, and initiative, all while juggling college life. Shine bright and get honored this April!
All on-campus jobs will be posted in Handshake. Opportunities with off-campus employers, who recruit Texas State Bobcats, will also be available in Handshake including part-time, full-time and internship opportunities.
Incoming students will be granted access to Handshake through SSO (single-sign-on) using your NetID and corresponding password. SSO access typically becomes available to incoming students after New Student Orientation or up to one week before classes begin in the next enrolled semester.
Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! Career Services resources are always available to you. To register for or reconnect to your Handshake account, use the register feature, completing all required fields. You will need your nine-digit TXST A-ID to complete this registration; if you have forgotten this information please contact the IT Assistance Center. To ensure best results, please use your personal email when creating or reconnecting your alumni account. Alumni accounts are usually reviewed within 48 business hours of requested access.
If you believe your account has been archived, email us at studentjobs@txstate.edu to regain access. Please include your NetID, first and last name, and any issues you may be experiencing. You should receive a reply within 24 business hours.
Enrollment is an eligibility requirement for any person holding a student employee position. You must enroll in at least six semester credit hours in the fall and spring semesters unless the student is in the last semester of enrollment.
No, upon graduation, you will no longer be considered a student, and therefore will no longer qualify for student employment.
Yes, the maximum hours a student can work is 25 hours per week. International students are limited to 20 hours per week. Between semesters students can work 40 hours per week.
The University Pay Plan references the range that student workers may be paid, and is further enforced through UPPS 07.07.03. Specific wages are determined by the hiring department.
Your supervisor or hiring manager can answer general questions about pay. Review the Payroll and Tax Compliance Office: FAQ page for answers regarding direct deposit, pay periods, and W-2s.
While Career Services does not mandate the use of an official student worker evaluation form, we do highly encourage supervisors to perform a one-on-one performance evaluation of student employees. However, our team does provide an evaluation template for on-campus supervisors who would like assistance. Please contact our team at studentjobs@txstate.edu.
While Career Services does not provide a universal Student Employee Handbook, we have developed a variety of resources to help supervisors create customized handbooks for their own departments. If you are interested in learning more about this, please email us at studentjobs@txstate.edu.
Only work-study eligible students can see work-study positions within Handshake. It's possible that if a student cannot see a work-study position, they may not currently be work-study eligible. For any questions regarding work-study award status, please reach out to Financial Aid directly for more information.
Congrats on landing your on-campus job! Now it’s time to get ready for the onboarding process. Your supervisor will guide you through each step to make sure you’re all set for your first day. They’ll also handle all the HR-related requirements with you. In general, here are some common items you may need to complete during the onboarding process:
Important: Please DO NOT complete these forms on your own before meeting with your supervisor, they will walk you through the process. Your department may also have additional onboarding requirements, so be sure to check in with your supervisor for full instructions.
For additional information on the onboarding process, please reach out to your supervisor.
What it means:
The student must already have legal permission to work in the U.S. before starting the job. This includes U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), or international students with valid work authorization.
Am I eligible to apply as an international student on an F-1 visa?
Yes!
If the position is on-campus and you are an F-1 international student maintaining valid visa status, you are already authorized to work on campus. This means you are eligible to apply. If hired, there will be additional steps to complete in coordination with your supervisor to ensure proper documentation and onboarding.
Work-study creates additional on-campus jobs for qualified students. Financial Aid has determined eligibility after students have submitted their FAFSA application. You can also learn more down below.
The work-study program helps students who have financial need earn money through part-time jobs. It is managed by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS).
Work-study is awarded through your financial aid package and is only available to students who qualify based on financial need. It is not applied to your tuition like a scholarship, instead, it is money you earn through a paycheck (issued by check or direct deposit) for hours worked in a work-study job.
Because there are more requests for work-study than available funding, not everyone who applies will receive it. Work-study is not a cash award and it does not pay you just to study, you must work in a job to earn the money.
To be eligible, you must complete the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA). The award is based on financial need, so not all students will qualify. Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS) will evaluate your application and, if eligible, offered a financial aid package that may include a work-study award.
If you have questions regarding your eligibility for work-study, contact FAS.
After receiving a work-study award, you must find and apply for a work-study designated position in Handshake. If hired into a work-study approved position, you will be paid twice per month based on the numbers of hours you worked. The work-study award amount is the maximum potential you can earn. You may work until your award has been depleted or the semester is over. There is no obligation to earn the entire award.
Work-study jobs are not positions in which you are paid to study.
No. If work-study is part of your financial aid package and you don’t intend to use it, you can decline the award.
There is a deadline set each semester to find a work-study position by Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS). If you have not been hired into a work-study position, your work-study may be cancelled.
Utilize your resources before you give up. Career Services can review your resume and other documents to assist you in your job search. Keep applying and know that you can save job searches in Handshake that will notify you when new jobs are posted.
Yes. Regular-wage positions are also available. Begin your search for all types of positions by logging in to your Handshake account.
As an hourly employee you will be paid semi-monthly at mid-month and at the end of the month. All employees are encouraged to participate in the direct deposit program.
Students working under a work-study funded position may work no more than 25 hours per week while classes are in session.
Offices typically require work-study students to wear business-casual attire. Some offices allow their work-study students to dress more casually, so be sure to check with your employer. Remember that even though you are a student, you are working in a professional setting and need to dress accordingly.
Yes, if funding and positions are available. In addition to having a current year FAFSA on file with FAS, a student must complete a Summer Financial Aid application and be enrolled in 6 credit hours within the summer semester.
Financial Aid establishes these time frames. Dates for earning work-study awards can be found on the FAS Undergraduate Work-Study website.
Get answers by calling Career Services at 512.245.2645, or by emailing studentjobs@txstate.edu.
