Being a college student is a juggling act—you’re striving for good grades in classes, making new friends on campus, and trying to maintain your social life. But with the cost of tuition and fees going up each year, more students are exploring part-time jobs on top of it all. Fortunately, several options offer valuable work experience and flexibility.
Why Get a Part-Time Job in College?
Part-time jobs are a great way to not only make some extra cash but also gain new skills and meet new people. You may consider getting a part-time job in college to help pay for school expenses or to save up for your future.
If you’re thinking about how to get references for full-time positions after graduation, getting a part-time job can help you with that. Building your professional network while in school can be beneficial for your career after earning your degree.
10 Ideas: Part-Time Jobs for College Students
Keen on getting a part-time job, but not sure where to begin? Here are ten jobs that pay:
- Student Programs at Local Government Offices
Your local government office may have entry-level positions that you can look into. A noteworthy benefit of these jobs is that they often come with extensive training, including some on how to navigate bureaucracy and people management. You’ll get a glimpse of how the government works on the ground level.
A role with the government will give you fantastic exposure to any career path you want to go into. It isn’t limited to being an elected official or working at higher levels within state or federal agencies—though these are excellent options!
- Work-Study Positions
Work-study programs are available at many colleges and universities. These jobs allow students to earn money for school expenses by working part-time, usually in the student services office. Positions may include:
- Front desk assistant
- Student assistant
- Academic advisor’s assistant
Find work-study opportunities by checking with your school’s career service department or visiting your school’s website.
- Tutor
Tutoring can be a fun way to make money while you’re in school. If you’re studying a subject you enjoy, why not help someone else excel in it? You don’t necessarily have to be an expert on the subject, but you should be good at explaining difficult concepts and making the learning process engaging for students.
Student tutors usually work either at home or somewhere at school depending on whether their student(s) are nearby. Some may prefer online tutoring over face-to-face instruction if they live far away.
- Freelance Writer
Are you an avid writer? You can make money by writing on a freelance basis. If you have a passion for specific topics, freelance writing is a lucrative way to cushion your bank account while pursuing your interests. Plus, it looks awesome on your resume!
Consider writing online content or articles for:
- Local newspapers
- Magazines
- Publications
- Website blogs
If long-form content isn’t your thing, don’t despair! You can also write short-form content for:
- Website landing pages
- Sales slogans
- Product descriptions
- Social media captions
The sky is the limit when it comes to earning money as a freelance writer. Start by making profiles on Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn to market your services. They’re free to join!
- Pet-Sitter
This job is for you if you’re a pet lover. How does taking care of other people’s pets sound? In this role, you play with animals, feed them, walk them, and clean up after them if necessary. Be prepared to walk dogs, bathe cats, and clean out reptile cages. Create a profile on Rover and Wag to find your first client.
RELATED >> Easy Ways You Can Earn Money as a Student
- Model
Have you always wanted to be a model? It may be something worth pursuing in college because the gigs can be flexible. Modeling usually doesn’t require prior work experience. But you’ll need a certain look and must be comfortable in front of the camera. If you have an outgoing personality, a great smile, and a unique look, this could be a job for you.
There are different types of models. You may fall into one or more categories:
- Commercial model (may involve photo and video)
- Print model (less height-focused)
- Fashion runway model (usually requires you to be 5’9″ and up)
To get started, search online for modeling agencies near you that are currently scouting new talent. Then, follow their instructions to apply. You’ll have to provide your body measurements, age, and current photos showing your face and figure.
- Movie Extra
If you’ve thought about dabbling in acting, but don’t want the pressure or commitment that comes with professional acting, then being a movie extra may interest you. Production companies will pay you to be in the background of movies and television shows—both big-budget films and small indie productions. It’s not as competitive as acting roles, but it has its perks: being on set can be fun and you’ll meet other actors!
- Retail Positions
Retail jobs aren’t the most glamorous, but getting one in college will give you experience in the workforce. You’ll gain valuable skills like customer service. Retail positions are everywhere: grocery stores, department stores, boutiques, and even online. No matter where your interests lie—whether it’s fashion or food—retail has something for everyone.
- Research & Lab Jobs
If you’re in a science or engineering field, the role of a research assistant may interest you. It’s more hands-on than a typical office job. Lab positions are usually technical, requiring you to perform tasks like running experiments and collecting samples.
Research assistantships tend to be part-time positions with flexible hours. This means you can make money without worrying about your job getting in the way of your studies.
- On-Demand Staffing Jobs
An on-demand staffing job is another way to make extra money without a long-term commitment. This type of work involves working for companies that supply temporary workers. You’ll likely work in customer service, sales, and data entry roles. The pay varies by company, but it’s usually hourly. You won’t need any training for these positions since the company will provide everything you need to succeed!
RELATED >> How to Pay for College Without Loans
Pay The Bills While Managing Your Class Schedule
There is no shortage of good part-time jobs for college students. You can make even money on the side during your free time. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, freelance opportunities, or a work-study program, take some time to consider the different options. Then, decide what suits your interests, schedule, and future career.
Leave a Comment