Office of Career Services

Are You Ready?

Get Redhawk Job Ready through the IU Northwest Federal Work Study Program!

Office of Financial Aid
Hawthorn Hall, Room 111
3400 Broadway • Gary, Indiana 46408
Phone: 219-980-6778
finaidnw@iun.edu
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Office of Career Services
(Resume and cover letter assistance)
(219) 980-6650 • careernw@iun.edu/ Moraine Student Center, 101

What is the IU Northwest Federal Work Study Program?

Federal Work Study is federal financial aid and can be a great resource if you plan to work while in school. Work study does not apply to your bill; it is earned aid. If you secure a position, you will be paid as you would for any other job. You can decide how to best use those funds.

Federal Work Study Program will give students real world work experience while still being in school. During this time, students will be able to build personal relationships with employers and have the ability to network outwards. Federal work study has many benefits that can include:
• Internships
• Building your professional resume
• Networking skills
• Personal skills (communication)
• Can be fun

Federal Work Study Program Requirements

You are required to attend a one-time, mandatory Federal Work Study Orientation with the Federal Work Study Coordinator. Once orientation is completed, a sample
resume and cover letter will be emailed to you. These documents will need to be updated with your own information and returned to the Federal Work Study Coordinator as soon as possible for review. Upon review and approval, load your documents into Handshake and apply for the position(s) you are interested in.

Remember to include your approved resume and cover letter. Also, please email the name of each position you wish to apply for to the Federal Work Study Coordinator. Keep an eye out for communication via phone or email and be sure to respond to all contacts from supervisors. They will notify you of their interest after you apply and reach out to schedule an interview with you.

You’re hired! What’s next?

If a supervisor indicates that they would like to hire you, please email the Federal Work Study Coordinator immediately and include the following information:
• Name Student
• Student ID number
• Contact phone number
• Name of the supervisor you spoke with and the area/department they are located

You will be emailed a document with instructions on next steps, including forms to complete for hiring and where to take those forms. If you have not yet obtained a Federal Work Study position, please access your IU Northwest Handshake account through One.IU.edu (search “Handshake”).

*Please note: Not all off-campus positions are approved for Federal Work Study. Typically, jobs at non-profit organizations may be considered for approval, but jobs
at fast food or chain restaurants and retail stores are not approved off-campus Federal Work Study sites.