Best Student Jobs on Campus
Within my first week at UTM, I met a student who gave campus tours, another who worked at the RAWC, and someone earning money as a research assistant; all without sacrificing their study time. It didn’t take long to learn that campus isn’t just a place to attend lectures; it’s a place full of opportunities to build experience, make connections, and earn an income right where you study. Many of these opportunities come through the Work-Study program; a paid, part-time position on campus designed to help students gain experience while balancing their studies. Whether you're looking for flexible hours, career-building experience, or a role that helps you meet new people, UTM has a student job for you. Here are some testimonies of the best on-campus roles to explore as you plan your journey here at UTM.
Ximena Castillo Ramirez
Residence Don
As a Residence Don for Student Housing and Residence Life (SHRL) at Erindale Hall, I am the first point of contact for 24 first-year university students. My role involves helping students foster community among themselves by hosting weekly gatherings, while also creating personal connections with each of them. I also handle administrative tasks and manage any conflicts that may arise between students from an educational standpoint, and I am frequently on call to respond to any residence-wide emergencies called in by students.
The best part of the job is getting to know my students and seeing them become friends.
On average, I dedicate 10–15 hours per week to my role, and I have been working for SHRL since August 2024. During my first year, my Don encouraged me to apply and gave me access to the website, which was extensively promoted throughout Residence. I had to prepare a cover letter and update my CV for the first round of acceptances, then go through what is called a "Carousel" interview for the second round. Staff placed us in groups of applicants and made us go through three stations to assess our skills.
Isabel Moultrie
Gallery Attendant at Blackwood Gallery
My name is Isabel Moultrie and I am a third-year student at UTM. I currently work an on-campus work study job at The Blackwood Gallery as a Gallery Attendant! I heard about the job through a friend, and then applied through UTM’s Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx). There are six of us gallery attendants that rotate shifts throughout the week. This job is a great opportunity for students interested in the arts, particularly those interested in pursuing a future in curatorial studies and/or curation.
My favourite part of working in The Blackwood Gallery is the number of visitors I get to interact with during every shift. I have been fortunate enough to converse with people from all different backgrounds while working here.
This is a big aspect of the Gallery Attendant role as we strive to make all visitors feel welcome and supported in the gallery space. This means engaging in conversation, providing support when needed, and being open to learning new things from visitors themselves. There are also research opportunities that come with the Gallery Attendant position, allowing attendants to delve deeper into the themes of current exhibitions.
Emily Savoie
Intramurals referee at Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC)
As an intramurals referee and game manager my main role is to help facilitate intramural games organized by the Sports department at the RAWC. As a referee, I ensure game rules are being followed, points are administered properly, and players are behaving properly. As a game manager, I check players in for their game, ensure teams are meeting requirements to participate, as well as facilitate games through game sheet reports and a score board. Both roles take part in maintaining player safety and conducting a well-run experience.
Working as an intramural referee and game manager enables me to witness the camaraderie and teamwork, I grew up experiencing through sports. It keeps my love for sports alive. My favourite moments at work are seeing a team come together and truly have fun through playing sports.
I applied through the RAWC website. There is a tab labelled “work with us” where you can see all the current job openings at the RAWC! The sports department usually hires before a semester begins.
Laila McFarlane
SEE Mentor at Centre for Student Engagement
As a Support, Engage, Experience (SEE) Mentor with the Centre for Student Engagement (CSE), I am part of the SEE @ UTM Mentorship Program, which helps Black-identifying high school students in Peel explore their pathways to post-secondary education. In my role, I mentor students one-on-one and in groups, lead workshops, and guide them in building confidence and skills for university life.
My favourite part of the job is seeing my mentees grow, watching their confidence build and their goals become clearer with every session.
I first got involved with the CSE by volunteering in their Black Youth Mentorship Program, which inspired me to apply for this role. That experience showed me how powerful mentorship can be, and it’s been amazing to now create that same impact for others.
Giovanni Ustanny
Senior Student Ambassador at Student Recruitment and Admissions
Working at the Office of Student Recruitment and Admissions has honestly been one of the best parts of my university experience. As a student staff, I am trained to lead campus tours and answer questions from prospective students about applying and what life at the university is really like. Whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person, I get to help people picture themselves here.
When I really think about it, sharing my experiences can play a big role in someone’s decision to come. Some people might find that a lot of pressure, but I actually love it; I take pride in knowing that my journey could inspire someone else to start theirs.
My favourite part of the job has to be the big events like March Open House (MOH), Fall Campus Day (FCD), and the Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF). I got to meet thousands of prospective students and their families, share my experiences, and really show off what makes U of T special.
On top of that, there are so many opportunities for growth in this office. I’ve even had the chance to be part of a student spotlight video, where I was one of three students across all three campuses chosen to share my story including how I got into the Forensic Science program.
I first heard about this job from someone I met on my first day of orientation who worked in the SRA office, and later applied through CLNx, the online job portal for student positions. It just goes to show how important it is to make use of opportunities and build connections; you never know where a simple conversation might lead.
