Finding a Job on Campus

Before you start looking for a job on-campus, make sure you have all you need in order to begin working. Depending on your visa status, you may or may not be allowed to work in the US. If you are ever unsure, please email or call your international counselor to ask for assistance.

Your F-1 student status permits you to work on campus at the university that issued your I-20 while you are enrolled in a full course of study. Your TTU I-20 is your proof of work eligibility for on-campus employment at TTU only.

IMPORTANT: J-1 students sponsored by TTU must obtain a letter of authorization from the ISSS office for each specific on-campus job, prior to beginning work. Students with outside J sponsorship must contact their program sponsor to obtain this letter.

International Student Life does not help with anything related to visas, but we are happy to direct you to career resources on campus.

I am an F1 Student

Visit the F1 Employment Page on

The Immigration Information Page

to understand all of the steps you need

to begin looking for work.

F1 Immigration

I am a J1 Student

Visit the J1 Employment Page on

The Immigration Information Page

to understand all of the steps you need

to begin looking for work.

J1 Immigration

The TTU Career Center:

Your Best Friend When it Comes to Finding a Job

Take advantage of the Texas Tech Career Center. The Career Center can help you better prepare yourself to find a job both as a student and after graduation. They host regular job fairs, resume critiques, jobs skill workshops, and even have a profession interview closet where you can borrow clothes to use for that big interview! Click the image above to see the many resources they have to offer. Be sure to also follow them on Social Media so you never miss a thing.

*If you are interested in working at an internship, practicum, or co-op, please be sure to discuss your plans with your international student counselor.

The Ultimate TTU International Student Website for Career Success & Resources

Events focused on International Students & Careers

Rules and Cultural Norms when looking for a job in the USA (both on and off campus)

How many hours can I work on-campus as an international student?

International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the Spring and Fall semesters.

Working off-campus outside of CPT and OPT is against TTU Campus policies. If a student is caught working off campus or ISSS is notified, this may result in serious repercussions to the student's visa. DON'T RISK IT!

TTU Operating Policy and Procedure - https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP70.27.php

Do NOT show up in groups looking for work

While looking for a job on campus, many students will go with large groups of friends to speak to a manager about a position. This is ill-advised. Arriving in large groups is not the norm here in the USA. Jobs are applied for online, and it is assumed that unless you have a very specific need, you do not go to meet with a manager in person. Arriving in a large group will also make the management feel uncomfortable and pressured. This is overall seen as unprofessional and pushy.

If you wish you find a job, go online to the many TTU websites that provide job applications. If you wish to speak to a manager directly, call or email them and arrange a time to meet. Americans take time very seriously. We expect appointments to be made, rather than students walking in. Making an appointment will show that you respect the manager's time.

While this may seem to take longer than simply walking into an office, this is the polite and correct way to job-search.