There are job opportunities for SOs, no matter what you may hear. However, few pay on the scale many were used to at home. Finding a job outside of the university community is very difficult, no matter how qualified you may be and how needy the employer may be. Work permits are extremely difficult to obtain, even for professions that are always in need such as teachers and nurses.

Positions available at SGU include the school mailroom and store, which is run by the Student Government. Usually 5-6 SOs work in the mailroom/store, and they usually hire new employees at the beginning of the term. There are also jobs answering phones at the Wellness Clinic and the Chancellery. The Department of Educational Services hires 5 SOs, although usually at the end of the term. The school clinic hires 5-6 students or SOs who are nurses, nurse practitioners or physician's assistants to be on call during the evenings, nights and weekends. There are two positions per term for couples as resident assistants, and hiring is done at the end of the term. Keep in mind that 1/3 of all students leave for St. Vincent each term, so if a job is not available right away, it may be at the end of the term. Jobs at the University do not require a work permit.

Many SOs have earned incomes by teaching art, dance, swimming, foreign languages, yoga or preschool classes. Some SOs work as nannies for professors' children. Other SOs bake for students, and some have even done laundry. You probably won't find a 40 hour per week job, but you should be able to find something to earn a little extra money. However, it probably would be a good idea not to factor in any extra income into your budget until you are sure of a position.

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