Student Aide Resume Examples

Student Aide Duties and Responsibilities

Student aide responsibilities vary by the department in which one works. However, some tasks are common to most positions, so student aides should be prepared to do the following:

Greet Visitors Because student aides often sit at a desk in the reception area, they may be the first representative of that department visitors encounter. They welcome guests, answer basic questions, and guide visitors to the appropriate office or person if needed.

Answer Phones Student aides may be assigned to handle incoming calls. This includes providing information, taking messages, or connecting the caller to someone else.

Maintain Office Operations Any actions necessary for office operations may fall to student aides. These include inputting data, faxing, photocopying, stuffing envelopes, typing, filing, sorting mail, and light cleaning.

Run Errands When a package needs to be delivered to the mail room or supplies retrieved from a general stock room, supervisors often give the task to the student aide.

Participate in Special Projects Colleges are energetic places with tons of activities. Managers may call upon student aides to assist in events outside of the office. For instance, student aides may be charged with hanging posters around campus advertising a guest speaker, operating the department's information booth at an orientation for new students, or helping with logistics for a dinner honoring donors.

Train New Aides When the department hires a new student aide, an experienced one often shows the newcomer the ropes and oversees performance until the person becomes comfortable and competent.

Student Aide Skills and Qualifications

• Professionalism - While this role employs students, those in this professional position are expected to dress appropriately, give the job full attention, and use language apt for an office environment
• Communication Skills - Student aides exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills, as the job requires them to listen carefully, carry out actions as stated, and ask questions as needed
• Discretion - Student aides are expected to uphold confidentially standards, as these workers may interact with sensitive information in the course of their duties
• Accuracy - As a predominantly clerical position, student aides maintain accuracy when checking figures, proofreading documents, and directing visitors or messages to the correct offices
• Customer Service Skills - Student aides function as front desk associates and provide incoming and outgoing visitors with polite and courteous service

Student Aide Salary

Helpful Resources

Being a student aide can provide a great introduction into the world of work. Contact the financial aid or employment office at your current or prospective college for further information, and check out these helpful resources:

Federal Student Aid - This offering from the U.S. Department of Education explains work-study jobs and their role in financing one's higher education.

50 Ways to Excel in Your First Job (and in Life): Because the Most Important Lessons for Young Professionals Are the Things That No One Tells You - This quick read, written by Antonio Neves, offers young adults insight on navigating the working world. Student aides, in addition to young professionals can learn essentials tips and lessons with this guide.

"How to Be a Successful Student Employee" - While written for student aides at Central Washington University, this document provides excellent advice regardless of your location. This guide functions as a general overview, detailing the fundamental "dos" and "donts" of being a student aide.

College Financial Aid for Dummies - Explore work-study programs and other financial aid options with this entry from the popular series. Authors Herm Davis and Joyce Lain Kennedy provide easy-to-read information on student-related topics, such as how to secure financial aid, the differences between types of aid, how to submit applications, and more.