Working on campus is a great way to build experience, contribute to student life, and connect more deeply with your peers and faculty.

Below are the most common paid student roles available on campus each semester:

Teaching Assistant (TA)
Support fellow students and work closely with faculty.

Research Assistant (RA)
Collaborate with faculty on research projects in Silicon Valley or Pittsburgh.

Peer Career Consultant (PCC)
Coach your peers on resumes, LinkedIn, and job search strategies.

Fun Squad Member
Plan events and energize student life with CMU-SV’s Student Engagement team.

IT Assistant
Support the AV team with technical projects.

Fellowships
Facilitate various projects, events, and initiatives designed to engage students, staff, and faculty. Check with your department to see if fellowships are available.

How to apply

  • Check your inbox near the end of each semester for job opportunities for the upcoming semester.
  • You typically need to have completed one semester at CMU to apply.
  • Interested in a TA or RA role with a specific faculty member? Reach out directly to express your interest!
  • Since openings are limited, be sure to apply as soon as roles are posted.
student workers

What happens after you’re hired

Once you’re hired, you’ll work with two teams:

  • Your hiring department or faculty member
  • CMU-SV staff who will help you complete paperwork like the I-9 verification and guide you through steps like getting a Social Security Number (SSN) if needed.

You’ll receive emails with instructions and next steps—so keep an eye on your inbox and follow each step carefully.

Steps for I-9 verification

After you’ve been hired, here’s what you’ll need to do to get started.

  • Step 1: Email Audrey Jin to introduce yourself and share which role you have accepted on campus. Subject Line: TA/RA Hire – [Your Name], [Course or Faculty Name]
    Include: Full name, Andrew ID, position (TA/RA), faculty supervisor, and term (e.g., Fall 2025)
  • Step 2: Schedule an in-person I-9 verification appointment with Audrey on the CMU-SV campus within three days of your start date.
  • Step 3: Complete Section 1 of the I-9 in the Workday Portal before your appointment.
  • Step 4: Bring your original I-9 documents with you to your appointment. 
  • Step 5: Once you’re cleared, submit hours regularly in Workday if you’re paid hourly. This is especially important for hourly RA roles—be sure to track your time!

*Questions about the I-9 or SSN process? Email Audrey Jin.

Need a Social Security number?

International students who are hired for on-campus jobs will be guided through the process of applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). If you’d like to understand the steps in advance, here’s what to expect.

Want to plan ahead? Here are helpful steps to follow:

Carnegie Mellon University requires all employees who work and receive pay in the U.S. to provide a Social Security Number (SSN).

International student workers (F-1 and J-1) who have not yet begun the process of applying for an SSN should do the following immediately:

Student workers can refer to the following resources for guidance on entering their Social Security number in Workday.

Tips for success

  • Check eligibility first: Make sure you’re eligible to work on campus based on your visa and enrollment status.
  • Be proactive: It’s encouraged to reach out to faculty and staff with interest. There are limited openings so ensure you apply soon after an opening is posted!
  • Stay organized: Be sure to respond promptly to emails from CMU-SV staff once hired, since this helps move the process along smoothly without delay.
  • Ask for help: We're here to support you! Email student-services@sv.cmu.edu if you need assistance