Finding Part-Time Jobs on Campus: My Aalto Journey
Hey! Many students look into the option of getting a part-time job during their studies. Whether it’s to gain experience, earn some extra money, or simply get more involved in the university community, there are different opportunities available. In today’s blog, I want to share my own journey and give you a glimpse into the kinds of roles students can take on right here on campus.
Students can work in different roles at Aalto, such as teaching assistants, exam monitors, research assistants, student ambassadors, and event helpers. These jobs are often flexible and tailored to fit around your studies.
Let me take you back to the beginning of my journey.
When I first arrived at Aalto in August 2023, I was eager to get involved. I came across an opening for a Student Ambassador on Aalto’s Open Positions page in November 2023. I knew this role was a great fit for me, so I prepared my application carefully. To stand out, I even created a short video introduction to highlight my background in marketing, my volunteer work, and my passion for helping others. That effort paid off- I got the job!
As a Student Ambassador, I’ve had the chance to support new students, lead campus tours, host InstaMyDay sessions, and write blog posts like this one. It’s been one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve had, and I’m proud to continue in this position today. The flexibility of the zero-hours contract has allowed me to balance work with my studies while staying connected to the Aalto community.
My second job came during a challenging time. In summer 2024, I was struggling to find a job, so I reached out to my program advisor to ask if there were any research opportunities available. Fortunately, he had just started a new project and invited me to join as a Research Assistant for my thesis work. This role not only helped me financially but also gave me valuable academic experience and a chance to contribute to meaningful research.
Later, I was offered a position as a course assistant for a course I had previously taken at the School of Science. One of the professors remembered my performance and recommended me for the role. As a teaching assistant, I’ve been responsible for leading exercise sessions, checking assignments, and even organizing company visits. It’s been a great way to reinforce my knowledge while supporting other students.
In addition to these roles, I’ve also worked as an International Student Tutor, helping new students adjust to life at Aalto. This role comes with a one-time compensation of €200 and is a great way to give back while building leadership skills.
I’ve also been involved in organizing and supporting events like Shaking Up Tech, Sustainability Science Days, and the Aalto Hydrogen Conference. These experiences have helped me grow my event management and teamwork skills, and they’ve connected me with inspiring people across the university.
Tips for Finding part-time Jobs at Aalto:
- Check Aalto’s JobTeaser and Open Positions page regularly.
- Talk to your professors and program advisors- many opportunities come through personal connections.
- Prepare a strong application- a good motivation letter (or even a short video!) can make a big difference.
- Network and stay active in student associations and events.
- Be open to different roles- each one can led to the next opportunity.
At Aalto, students can work up to 25-30 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. Most jobs pay between 12–16 €/hour. Whether you’re interested in teaching, research, event support, or mentoring, there’s something for everyone.
Working on campus has not only helped me grow professionally but also made me feel more connected to the Aalto community. If you’re just starting out, I encourage you to explore these opportunities-you never know where they might lead!
~ Sanower
Show other posts from this blog
Balancing Creativity and Deadlines: How I Manage My Workflow
Hey there! I’m Katalin from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. People often ask what I find most challenging about my degree, and for me, it’s definitely learning how to manage my workflow in a way that stays balanced and healthy (still very much in progress).
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Graduate School
When I began my Master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering, I was carrying not only academic ambition but also the hopes of my community and the challenge of navigating unfamiliar systems. Now, as I approach graduation, with the invaluable experience of working with the World Bank even before completing my degree, there are a few things I wish I had known from the start:
My favourite study spots on campus
Hey there! I’m Katalin from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. Today I would like to share my favorite study spots on Otaniemi Campus. There are a lot of different places upkept, for example, only your degree, only your school, which for me is the ARTS department as well as spaces for everyone. You can also book on the Aalto Spaces app!