Student Leadership Development Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

This on-campus internship is intended for active University of South Florida (USF) undergraduate students who have received the Federal Work Study (FWS) award in their financial aid package for the 2026-2027 year. Students without the FWS award and nonstudents are not eligible candidates for this position. 

The Guest Relations Intern serves as a key member of the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) team by serving as a welcoming and helpful ambassador of the office. Interns will ensure guests receive a great impression of the office through all interactions, while delivering timely, accurate, and professional assistance.

Through hands-on experience in guest support, operational responsibilities, and project-based assignments with other areas of the office, interns will develop transferable skills in communication, professionalism, time management, and workplace collaboration. By the end of the year, the intern will also strengthen a number of NACE Career Readiness Competencies.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum Qualifications

Current USF undergraduate student. 

Recipient of Federal Work Study funding for the applicable academic year. 

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in customer service, student leadership, retail, hospitality, office support, or campus involvement. 

Familiarity with CCPD services and programs, including prior use of services or attendance at events. 

Demonstrated interest in developing Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, and Career & Self-Development competencies. 

General Skills 

Strong verbal and written communication skills to assist through in-person, phone call, email, and Microsoft Teams. 

Professionalism, friendly, and customer service orientation. 

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.  

Strong organizational and time-management skills. 

Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. 

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual communication platforms. 

Commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all guests. 

Required Application Documents

Resume 

Cover Letter 

Screenshot of Fall Class Schedule (must show your name on the screen) 

Screenshot of Federal Work Study Award (must show your name on the screen) 

Contact Information 

Please learn more about the Center for Career and Professional Development by visiting our website at https://careers.usf.edu/. For questions regarding this position, please contact TPACareers@usf.edu.

Responsibilities

Represent the CCPD professionally in all interactions with students, alumni, employers, faculty, staff, parents, and visitors, strengthening Communication and Professionalism competencies. 

Provide front-line guest support by assessing needs, providing accurate information, and making appropriate referrals while applying Critical Thinking and Communication skills. 

Support daily office operations through appointment check-ins, records management, and use of Handshake and other systems, strengthening Technology and Professionalism competencies. 

Develop and maintain knowledge of CCPD's programs, services, and resources to provide effective service delivery, strengthening Career & Self-Development competency. 

Maintain a professional, organized, and welcoming environment within shared office spaces, strengthening Leadership and Professionalism competencies. 

Participate in cross-training opportunities and provide operational support across the office, including Suit-A-Bull, career events, employer engagement activities, and other office initiatives as needed, building Teamwork, Communication, and Professionalism competencies. 

Provide administrative and project support to a designated partner team within the office, gaining experience in Teamwork, Leadership, Technology, and Career & Self Development. Projects will vary based on departmental priorities and intern skill areas. 

Other assigned duties as assigned. 

Time Commitment 

This position is fully in-person and based on the Tampa campus. The CCPD office is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), room SVC 2088. 

Students may work up to 20 hours per week as an FWS student employee, with their maximum hours dictated by the FWS Award amount they received for the year. 

Work schedules will be determined based on office needs and student availability during operating hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

This position is expected to begin at the start of the Fall 2026 semester, with a strong preference for candidates who can commit through the end of the Spring 2028 semester. 

Opportunity to continue during the Summer 2027 semester and renewal for Fall 2027- Spring 2028 academic year will be based on performance and program needs, as well as continued FWS Award receipt. 

Opportunities 

Gain hands-on experience and skill development in customer service, office operations, event support, and cross-functional project work. 

Learn and demonstrate basic employability skills such as timeliness to work, appropriate dress, interpersonal communication, time management, self-advocacy, and personal development. 

Develop NACE competencies in Career & Self-Development; Communication; Critical Thinking; Leadership; Professionalism; Teamwork; and Technology 

Participate in project-based learning through collaboration with other teams within the office. 

Gain exposure to career development services, student programs, and employer engagement. 

Receive career coaching and mentorship, supporting Career & Self-Development competency.