GSU Jobs in Atlanta: How to Find Work On and Around Georgia State University

Looking for GSU jobs in Atlanta—whether on campus or nearby—can feel overwhelming at first. Georgia State University is woven into downtown Atlanta, with thousands of students, staff, and local residents all tapping into the same urban job market.

This guide walks you through the main types of jobs connected to Georgia State University (GSU), where and how to apply, and what to know about working in and around downtown Atlanta.

Main Types of GSU-Related Jobs in Atlanta

When people search for “GSU jobs Atlanta,” they usually mean one of four things:

1. On-campus student jobs (work-study and non–work-study)
2. Staff and faculty positions at Georgia State University
3. Research, graduate assistant, and academic support roles
4. Off-campus jobs near GSU that are popular with students and recent grads

Each group has its own application process, hiring timeline, and typical requirements.

On-Campus Student Jobs at Georgia State (Atlanta Campus)

If you’re a student at GSU, working on campus in Atlanta is one of the most straightforward ways to earn income while staying close to classes.

Common On-Campus Student Roles

These jobs are usually designed to fit around academic schedules:

• Library assistants (University Library, 103 Decatur St SE)
• Front-desk reception in academic departments and student services
• Campus recreation staff (Georgia State University Student Recreation Center, 101 Piedmont Ave SE)
• Tutors and supplemental instruction leaders
• IT lab assistants and tech support in computer labs
• Event staff and ushers for campus events and performances
• Administrative assistants for offices like advising, admissions, or financial aid

Many of these roles are open to both federal work-study students and students without work-study eligibility.

Where to Find GSU Student Job Listings

Georgia State typically posts student employment opportunities through:

• The university’s student job portal (often linked from Career Services or Student Employment pages)
• Department-specific postings (bulletin boards, campus emails, or department websites)
• On-campus job fairs hosted at or near Student Center East (55 Gilmer St SE)

If you’re on campus, Career Services staff at the Atlanta campus can direct you to the current job system and help with résumés and interview prep.

Work-Study vs. Regular Student Employment

Work-study jobs:

• Funded in part by federal aid
• Only available to students who qualify through the Financial Aid Office
• Often prioritized for students with demonstrated financial need

Non–work-study campus jobs:

• Paid directly by the hiring department
• Open to a broader range of students

If you aren’t sure whether you qualify for work-study, the GSU Office of Student Financial Aid in downtown Atlanta can explain your status and options.

Staff and Faculty Jobs at Georgia State in Atlanta

If you’re not a student—or you’re graduating and want to stay local—Georgia State employs a wide range of full-time and part-time staff and faculty in Atlanta.

Types of Non-Student GSU Jobs

Common categories include:

• Academic advising and student support
• Administrative and office management roles
• IT and technical services
• Facilities, operations, and maintenance on the Atlanta campus
• Campus safety and security positions
• Faculty and instructor roles across colleges and departments
• Research coordinators and lab staff

These jobs are spread across GSU’s Atlanta locations, including areas near Peachtree Center, Five Points, and the Fairlie-Poplar district.

How to Search and Apply

GSU typically manages staff and faculty hiring through an official online careers portal. From there, you can:

• Filter by campus (choose Atlanta)
• Narrow by job category (staff, faculty, temporary, etc.)
• Set alerts for new openings

For many staff roles, you’ll be expected to submit:

• A résumé or CV
• A cover letter tailored to GSU
• References or contact information for prior supervisors

Faculty and some professional roles may also ask for additional materials like teaching statements or writing samples.

Graduate Assistantships and Research Positions

Atlanta-based graduate students at GSU often look for assistantships that provide both income and professional experience.

Types of Academic and Research Roles

• Graduate Research Assistant (GRA): supports research projects in labs or research centers
• Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA): assists with teaching, grading, or leading discussion sections
• Graduate Lab Assistant: helps manage labs and equipment
• Departmental assistants: support administrative and academic tasks

These positions are most common in colleges such as:

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
• Robinson College of Business
• College of Education & Human Development

How to Find Assistantship Openings

Assistantship listings are often:

• Posted on each college or department’s website
• Shared directly via department emails to enrolled students
• Discussed with program coordinators or advisors during admission and orientation

If you’re considering a program in Atlanta, ask your department early how assistantships are awarded, what the pay looks like, and whether they include tuition reductions.

Off-Campus Jobs Near GSU in Downtown Atlanta

Because Georgia State is embedded in downtown Atlanta, there are many off-campus jobs within walking or short transit distance of the main campus.

Popular Job Areas Around GSU

You’ll find opportunities in:

• Restaurants and cafés in and around Peachtree Center, Fairlie-Poplar, and Edgewood Avenue
• Retail shops in downtown corridors and nearby neighborhoods
• Hotels and hospitality near Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Internships and office roles with businesses near Peachtree Street, Five Points, and the central business district

For students without cars, jobs close to the Georgia State MARTA Station and Five Points Station are especially convenient.

Where to Look for Off-Campus Listings

Common ways Atlanta residents and students find off-campus work near GSU include:

• General job boards where you filter by “Downtown Atlanta” or use the GSU zip codes
• Walking through nearby business districts (Peachtree Street, Auburn Ave, Marietta St) and checking “Now Hiring” signs
• Local government or nonprofit postings for youth and student employment in the city core

Using Atlanta Career Resources as a GSU Job Seeker

Beyond GSU’s own systems, Atlanta-based career and job services can make the search easier.

Georgia State Career Services (Atlanta Campus)

GSU’s Career Services on the Atlanta campus typically offers:

• Career counseling and one-on-one appointments
• Résumé and cover letter reviews
• Interview practice
• Job and internship fairs held on or near campus

They also help connect students and alumni with Atlanta employers that frequently hire from GSU.

City of Atlanta & State Career Centers

If you’re looking beyond campus-based roles, you can explore:

• WorkSource Georgia / Georgia Department of Labor career centers in the metro Atlanta area
• Workforce development programs that support young adults, career changers, and jobseekers

These centers commonly assist with:

• Job search strategies
• Skills training and workshops
• Connections to local employers across the city

Navigating the Atlanta Commute for GSU Jobs

Because GSU is in downtown Atlanta, transportation is a big part of job planning.

Transit Options Around GSU

• MARTA Rail:
  • Georgia State Station serves the main campus directly.
  • Five Points Station is a short walk away and connects all rail lines.
• MARTA Buses: Multiple routes run through and around downtown, connecting to neighborhoods across Atlanta.

For off-campus jobs, many students look for employers:

• Along MARTA rail lines (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur)
• Near major bus routes that stop close to campus

Working and Living in the Atlanta Core

If you live in or near:

• Downtown
• Old Fourth Ward
• Midtown
• Grant Park
• Cabbagetown or Inman Park

You may be able to walk, bike, or take a short transit ride to jobs at or near GSU.

Typical Pay and Scheduling Considerations in Atlanta

Pay and hours around GSU reflect both campus policies and the broader Atlanta job market.

What to Expect from On-Campus GSU Jobs

• Hourly pay usually reflects entry-level or student wage ranges.
• Schedules are often flexible to fit around class times.
• Many jobs require you to maintain satisfactory academic standing.

International students working on campus should follow GSU and federal rules on maximum weekly hours and employment authorization.

What to Expect from Off-Campus Atlanta Jobs

• Pay varies by industry—hospitality and retail roles may start closer to entry-level rates, while specialized roles and internships can pay more.
• Evening and weekend shifts are common in restaurants, retail, and event venues near downtown.
• For internships and office roles, schedules may align with standard business hours, with some flexibility for students.

Quick Comparison: GSU vs. Nearby Off-Campus Jobs

Practical Tips for Landing GSU Jobs in Atlanta

Use these steps to streamline your search:

1. Decide your focus

   • Are you primarily interested in on-campus GSU jobs, or are you open to downtown Atlanta employers as well?

2. Prepare basic materials

   • A clear résumé tailored to student or entry-level roles
   • A short cover letter template you can adapt quickly

3. Check GSU channels first

   • Explore student employment, career services, and assistantship listings tied to the Atlanta campus.

4. Leverage your location

   • Walk through nearby Atlanta blocks around the GSU campus and note which places are hiring.
   • Identify employers along your regular MARTA or bus routes.

5. Use campus connections

   • Ask professors, advisors, and staff if their departments hire student workers or assistants.
   • Attend job and internship fairs held at or near Georgia State’s Atlanta campus.

By combining GSU’s internal job systems with the broader Atlanta job market surrounding campus, you can significantly expand your options and find work that fits both your schedule and your long-term goals in the city.