National Student Employment Week is celebrated during the second full week in April every year. Colleges and universities across the country take time to recognize the importance of student employees. Student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative. Setting aside a special week to draw the awareness of others, both on and off campus, is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation.
National Student Employment Week 2025
Nearly one-third of Iowa State students work on campus. Studies show that student employment is a powerful tool for students – helping with time management, connection to campus, and development of career readiness skills. We also know they have a huge impact on the work we do on campus. The Office of Student Financial Aid, in collaboration with campus partners, is excited to share a wide variety of campus-wide events. There will be a lot of prizes and giveaways for those that participate. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Excursions
Monday, April 14
Events
NSEW Kickoff
Hosted by: OSFA Student Employment Center Time: 1:00- 3:00 PM Location:East Marston Lawn or (Beardshear Hall if it rains)
Get ready to embark on a voyage of success at our National Student Employment Week Kickoff event! This is a fantastic opportunity to navigate new waters, network with fellow sailors, and take a well-deserved break.
Engage in friendly competition with beach games, visit the treasure mix station, craft friendship bracelets, and explore the various ports of call at different tables that will enhance your ISU and career journeys. Set sail for adventure and chart your course to success!
Free Headshots
Hosted by: College of Engineering Career Services Time: 1:00-4:00PM (open house) Location: 3200 Marston
Stop by 3200 Marston anytime between 1-4 PM to use our backdrop to take an updated headshot! Please bring your own phone or camera!
Tuesday, April 15
Workshops
Play “PlayBack” with Student Employment & Paint a Piggy Bank
Hosted by: OSFA Student Employment Center Time: 10:00-11:00 AM Location: 1118 SICTR
Take the plunge with PAYBACK, an interactive game designed to help you chart a course for college success without drowning in student loan debt. While it’s not a treasure map for perfect financial planning—everyone’s journey is unique—this game will help you navigate uncharted waters, uncover hidden financial pitfalls, and explore strategies you may not have considered before. Student employment can be a lifesaver, helping you stay afloat financially while gaining valuable skills and experience. So, dive in, make waves, and set sail toward a financially stable future!
Public Speaking
Hosted by: Academic Success Center Time: 1:00-2:00 PM Location: 2105 Pearson Hall
This workshop dives deep into useful tips for preparing and organizing a presentation, including effective introductions, outlining techniques, delivery skills, and strategies for navigating nerves and riding the currents of constructive feedback
Events
Seaside Sweets (Free Donuts)
Hosted by: “The Social West Ames” and OSFA Student Employment Center Time: 8:00-10:00AM
Location: Outside Beardshear Hall
Put on your sailor stripes, grab a donut, and get ready to fuel up for a day full of adventures under the sea!
Free Headshots
Hosted by: Engineering Career Services Time: 1:00-4:00 PM (open house) Location: 3200 Marston
Stop by 3200 Marston anytime between 1-4 PM to use our backdrop to take an updated headshot! Please bring your own phone or camera!
Wednesday, April 16
Workshops
Wellness Workshop
Hosted By: ISU Health and Human Sciences Extension Time: 10-11:30AM or 12:30-2:00PM Location: 3580 Memorial Union
Join us to explore six simple strategies that can help you recharge and stay grounded. Pick a few strategies that fit your life best and create a plan to make them part of your routine.
Money Management with The Office of Student Financial Aid
Hosted By: Office of Student Financial Aid Time: 2:00-3:00 PM Location: 3150 Beardshear Hall
More details to come!
Events
Sweet Sea Treats – Swedish Fish Handout
Hosted by: Student Employment & ISU Dining Time: 12pm-2pm Location: East Marston Lawn or (Beardshear Hall if it rains)
Dive into a sea of sweetness with our Swedish Fish treats! Join us and fuel up for a day full of adventures!
Virtual Trivia: ISU Trivia
Hosted by: OSFA Student Employment Center Time: Noon-1:00 PM Location: Registration Link Coming Soon
Join us to win! Awesome prizes up for grabs including: $50-$100 gift cards!
Free Headshots
Hosted by: College of Engineering Career Services Time: 1:00-4:00 PM (open house) Location: 3200 Marston
Stop by 3200 Marston anytime between 1-4 to use our backdrop to take an updated headshot! Please bring your own phone or camera!
Paws by the Shore – Therapy Dogs
Hosted by: OSFA Student Employment Center Time: 12:00-2:00 PM Location: East Marston Lawn or (Beardshear Hall if it rains)
Unleash the fun at our therapy dog event! Take a “paws” from your busy day and chill with some cuddly pups. It’s the perfect way to connect with some furry friends.
Thursday, April 17
Workshops
The Spending Game
Hosted By: OSFA Student Employment Center Time: 10:00-11:00 AM Location: 3137 Pearson Hall
Managing money means making choices. There is never enough money for all the things we want. This interactive game will help you decide what is most important to you. Additional materials will be provided as developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
- Track and manage income and spending
- Prioritize bills and expenses, debt repayment, and savings goals
- Order and review credit reports, dispute any errors
- Plan how to establish or build credit
- Prepare for unexpected expenses
Events
Coffee & Tea Bar
Hosted by: Recreation Services Time: 7:30-9:30 AM Location: State Gym
Real Game of Life
Hosted by: Office of Student Financial Aid Time: 1:00-3:00PM Location: 3560 Memorial Union
The Game of Life… After ISU, will be a fun and interactive event that allows you to see how your financial choices can affect your future finances.
Free Headshots
Hosted by: College of Engineering Career Services Time: 1:00-4:00PM (open house) Location: 3200 Marston
Stop by 3200 Marston anytime between 1-4PM to use our backdrop to take an updated headshot! Please bring your own phone or camera!
Friday, April 18
Events
Free Headshots
Hosted by: College of Engineering Career Services Time: 1:00-4:00PM (open house) Location: 3200 Marston
Stop by 3200 Marston anytime between 1-4PM to use our backdrop to take an updated headshot! Please bring your own phone or camera!
Popcorn Bar
Hosted by: OSFA Student Employment Center Time: 11am-1pm Location: Beardshear Hall ground floor
Join us for our popcorn bar event and dive into a treasure trove of popcorn and toppings. Create your own popcorn mix and enjoy a treat that’s sure to make waves.
Cash Cab
Hosted by: Office of Financial Aid & Army ROTC Time: All Day Location: Around Campus
As you sail to class, keep an eye out for the Student Employment Cash Cab! Answer various Trivia questions for a chance to win exciting prizes! Feel free to hop aboard and enjoy the voyage!
Supervisors, looking for some inspiration? Check out NSEW Supervisor Tools