Jobs at WEPO

All student jobs are paid at the same rate of £12/hour. Students must have a UK bank account for payments to be made by direct deposit, and must apply for a National Insurance number on arrival to the UK as a legal requirement for working in the UK. If you are offered a position at WEPO, you will be sent more information about this before the start of the program.

There are three full-year roles that usually require 4-6 hours per week during term time. They are in three key areas of the WEPO program - administration, IT, the library - and are applied for in advance of your arrival date. We will send full job descriptions towards the end of the spring semester with details about applying. 

Student Programme Assistant: The Student Program Assistant will assist the Director of Administration  in a number of clerical duties, as required, throughout all three University terms. The SPA must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Google Drive software and applications, including Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Forms, and Google Sheets; have a confidential approach towards sensitive material; and have an interest in learning about all aspects of study abroad program management.

In essence, the SPA will process student subsidy claims, record entries on spreadsheets, and check monthly bank statements to ensure that student claims and Programme expenses are accurately recorded for the Controller’s Office at Williams College. In addition, the SPA will assist the Director of Administration with a variety of administrative tasks to aid in the running of the program. These tasks might include help in planning events or field trips, working with or sourcing local businesses for program activities, and generally completing tasks that are required to maintain the program.

The SPA position calls for high levels of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail. Students with relevant experience working with “PeopleSoft” accounting software will have an advantage, as the work involves some bookkeeping and data entry work relating to coding expenses. Students will find experience in event management or program management to be useful in this role. A Windows operated laptop is provided for the use of the SPA to work on in the office, therefore familiarity and confidence in using this equipment is essential.

Student Network Assistant: At the start of each new class year, the Office for Information Technology makes certain all Williams-Exeter IT services are up and running. Once accomplished, the Programme’s computers and network are up-to-date and ready for the start of term. However, the Programme does not have an on-premises IT department, and over time the technology requires somebody onsite to foster well-being through technology and user support.

The Student Network Assistant (SNA) is primarily responsible for bridging this gap and ensuring the smooth functioning of all College-owned computer facilities at Ephraim Williams House in Oxford. This includes computers in the lab, library, lounges, Director’s residence, and Programme offices. Support of the network also covers troubleshooting printers, eduroam, VPN, and the onboarding of staff/student/guest wireless connections. Additionally, the SNA provides students with technical direction on the connectivity of their laptops and devices using network services for printers and wireless Internet access. 

Lastly, this position may play a role in providing ‘how-to’ information on the use of ever-changing Oxford services such as Weblearn. These responsibilities require organisation, good communication skills and adhering to a regular schedule of your making. As the SNA becomes familiar with new services, they will also briefly document their understanding for OIT and the succeeding SNA. 

The SNA reports to the Director and Director of Administration and acts as the liaison with outside support personnel, including the Williams College Office for Information Technology, Exeter College IT Staff, and Oxford University IT Services, if necessary. The SNA will also be responsible for providing support for the staff of the Programme and visiting Williams staff and faculty members, as requested by the Director, as well as for any other duties assigned by the Director of Administration. The ideal candidate is trustworthy, confidential, approachable and willing to support macOS and Windows equally. The ability to navigate both iOS and Android flavours is also beneficial.

This position requires reporting, without hesitation, to the Director, the Director of Administration and OIT any theft of / damage to college-owned technology assets (this includes laptop and desktop computers, displays, peripherals, wireless devices, and data connections).

Student Library Assistant: The Student Library Assistant will assist the Librarian in various duties relating to the maintenance and growth of the WEPO Library. The SLA is required to assist throughout all three University terms. The SLA must have good organisational skills, strong attention to detail ability, and any previous library experience will be an advantage. 

There are also several term-long positions that require anywhere from 3 hours/week to 3 hours/month. 

Catering Assistant: We usually have one or two catering assistants each term that help with our Thursday group dinners. These students help with prep/plating, picking up take-away orders, setting up tables and cutlery, etc. The catering assistant can expect to work about 1-2 hours per week.

Coffee Monitor: The WEPO complex has a coffee machine that provides free coffee and tea to students. The coffee monitor is responsible for keeping the machine filled and clean, ordering new supplies with the Director of Administration, and determining which specific products the cohort might want. The coffee monitor can expect to work around 1-2 hours per week.

Jobs Outside of WEPO

WEPO students will need to apply for a Student Visa, which gives you the right to work 20 hours/week during term time, or full time outside of term time. 

Students will need to apply for a National Insurance number (NINo) to have a job in Oxford. The process to get a NINo can take up to 4 months, so if you intend to work in the UK even part time, you should begin the process when you arrive. Your National Insurance number is a unique personal number which is used to record your National Insurance contributions. You do not need to have a NINo before starting work, but you will need to prove to your employer that you have the right to work in the UK. You'll be able to provide this proof with your 'right to work share code' from the UK government website once your visa is issued.

Most students won't earn enough in the UK to have to pay income taxes, but it is possible if you are working full time outside of term time. If you do, you can contact Katie Ford, the Director of Administration (kf7@williams.edu), for more information about what this might mean for you.