Student Employment
We have a variety of ongoing student employment opportunities at the ISU Book Store; all serving the campus and the community. Once your application is submitted someone from the ISU Book Store will be in contact with you soon.
Work on-campus at Memorial Union
Located on campus at the Memorial Union, take advantage of the close proximity of the ISU Book Store to your department or dorm. And, enjoy almost no commuting time to work.
Work around your class schedule
You can have your work hours scheduled around your classes! We request your semester schedule at the time of application and use that to schedule your hours accordingly.
Do what you love and love what you do
Based on individual preference, our student employees can choose their work area between clothing & gifts, textbooks, supplies & tech, service center, e-commerce, or logistics team.
Fun benefits, References and more
From 40% OFF one clothing item every working semester, holiday coupons to strong future job references based on your performance, working with us has its own fun rewards!
Your peers have loved working with us
"Working at the Iowa State Book Store is fun! I have learned great skills that have pushed me personally, such as better interpersonal communication skills. The people you work with are super personal and value you. Overall, the hours are flexible around school and the management creates an awesome work environment."
Nicole Jackson
Psychology
"I had a great experience. It was a great job to have during the school year. I was able to keep building on my sales and customer service skills. The team with the Book Store is great. All the managers are always available to help and answer questions."
Alexander Peterson
Marketing
"Working at the Iowa State Book Store has been a good experience. One of the best things about working at the ISU Book Store are the employees and management. I've noticed that how I interact with customers has become much more natural and smooth than when I started."
Hannah Lehman
Interior Design
"Since starting at the bookstore, I have grown in my customer service skills as well as made some great friends. I have learned skills through hands-on experience that I would not have had the opportunity to learn in the classroom. I also love working here because of the positivity that is shown by the supervisors and all of my coworkers."
Matthew Bink
Agricultural and Life Sciences Education
"The team here at the bookstore is amazing. Everyone is always willing to give you a helping hand when needed. I have also made friends with fellow students working here, which always makes work even better. Working here I have gained customer service skills and greater communication skills. Thank you ISU Book Store."
Layla Buschbom
Psychology
"Working at the Iowa State University Book Store has been a wonderful experience since Day 1. The amount of people you meet - day in and day out - can impact you on levels you wouldn't imagine, especially if you are talkative. It's a great retail experience, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to improve their customer service skills."
Graham Bridges
Liberal Studies
"Working at the Bookstore has been a great experience. The hours are flexible and you get to meet some awesome people. It's a great opportunity to better your customer service and communications skills."
Maya Smrekar
Biology
"Being part of the Book Store has allowed me to meet new people and be part of a team. Having the opportunity to work here has allowed me to gain experience in public speaking, working with a team, and organization (skills). I have never felt to welcomed like the Bookstore has shown."
Michelle Rivera-Mendez
Elementary Education Endorsement + Math
"Working at the Book Store has been a great way to not only gain knowledge and work experience, but a great way to meet new people. I have been able to build my ability to communicate effectively to customers and people I work with while also building connections with them."
Lauren Mikkelsen
Supply Chain Management
"While working at the ISU Book Store, I have enjoyed serving my community, helping students, their families, and getting to be a part of the Cyclones energy. I have learned invaluable skills and made friends & connections that will last a lifetime."
Joe Baumhover
Graphic Design
"My experience at Iowa State Book Store will be something I'll cherish forever, even after I graduate. Being able to help students, families, and staff has been a joy, making sure whoever steps into our doors feels seen and appreciated. Working with my TechCyte team has created friendships, great work-ethic, and a sense of belonging. The skills that I learned and received along the way, will always be in my back-pocket when I need them."
Taya Melendez
Journalism & Communications
"It's been an amazing journey working at the Book Store as a sales associate and helping new Cyclones during Orientation time, especially with textbooks/course materials at an affordable pricing...Working in the team has been a core strength with their support and help. I became a team player and was able to do my best."
Suman Ashalagari
Finance
"I had wonderful time in the Book Store with very supportive supervisors and colleagues. I loved the atmosphere where I had a chance to meet enthusiastic freshmen and their families. I got to learn how to greet customers, and how to be helpful when they have questions. Everyone here is very open and easy to communicate. I feel proud to be a part of the team."
Saime Esma Masca
Applied Linguistics
"My time at the bookstore has been amazing! I've had the chance to really dive into accounting, which has been super helpful in my major. Helping the Cyclone Family and friends has boosted my communication skills. The team here is fantastic, and working with them has been a great experience. Overall, I've gained a solid foundation for my future career and will truly miss working here!"
Faith Van Mersbergen
Accounting
Employment Departments
Seasonal Crew
Students and non-students are eligible to work as a seasonal employee during the back to school seasons in textbooks or cashiering and choose to work in clothing & gifts, textbooks, arts & supplies, technology, service center, e-commerce or logistics. You must be available 1-2 weeks before the start of classes and 2-3 weeks after the start of classes.
Event Crew
Students and non-students are eligible to work with the State Fair Event Crew! You must be interviewed and hired by early August to be available for the new employee orientation and training. You must be available to work during the legendary Iowa State Fair and be able to work one of the following complete shift times: 7:15 am - 3:30 pm, or 2:30 pm - 10:00 pm.