Student Jobs

Part-Time Jobs |  College Jobs  | Summer  Jobs

Best student jobs during college. Part-time work, online jobs, tutoring, summer internships and more employment opportunities for college students.

College is expensive, so a student job is a great way to help pay for college. Here are some ideas of jobs and internships to get you started on your job search. Also be sure to read the advice from college students about how working can minimize student loans, and help you get a better job after graduation.

Waiter or Waitress

If there are some nice restaurants in town, become a waiter or waitress for your student job. If the tips are good, and you can make $25 an hour or more. You may need to be of legal drinking age for some restaurants or bars to get a job. Some places may have you start as a host or hostess, which may only pay $15 - $18 an hour, and then you work your way up. You can also get free or discounted food, which is a plus. You may need a car.

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Tutoring Jobs

Tutoring is a very flexible student job, that pays well. If you are a good student in one or more subjects, this could be a great part-time job.

Some tutors work for the university, for example the athletics department. The work is usually more regular, as they offer voluntary or mandatory weekly tutoring sessions. Typical pay is $17 - $27 per hour. Let the coaches know you are interested in tutoring.

Private tutoring typically pays more per hour, such as $30 - $60 per hour, but the work is not as regular. Most students are in denial about needing tutoring until after the first mid term, and need even more help as it gets close to finals. This mean you need to get ahead in your own classes, so you can spend more time tutoring the last month of the term, which can be quite lucrative. Let the instructors know you tutor, and if if you did well in that class from them last term, they are more likely to recommend you.

Also don't overlook tutoring jobs for local high school or elementary students.

Be sure to print up some business cards on your computer so you can hand them out, and sign up at your school's tutoring or job center to get the word out.

Being a tutor looks good on your resume, because it shows you are knowledgeable about the subjects. You have to understand it to teach it. Another advantage is it reinforces the topics. For example, if you tutor in math, it will reinforce the math concepts and make you a better student.

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Student Internships and Summer Internships

A paid student internship in your field of study is one of the best student jobs. You get both experience and money. There are fewer opportunities in some majors, but they exist in high-demand fields, like engineering and accounting.

If you can't get a paid internship, consider an unpaid internship at your university, a local community organization, or small business. You can still get some great experience, and get units too, that will apply toward graduation.

Some students get work-study opportunities as part of their financial aid package.

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Construction Jobs

There is a shortage of construction workers, and these jobs have the benefit of paying well, especially if you work through an apprenticeship program and become a journeyman. You may find summer jobs and daytime jobs that allow you to attend college at night, or you might decide for a career in the trades. Check out trade opportunities at www.ultimateelectriciansguide.com and see the union pay scales at www.unionpayscales.com.

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Build an Online Business

I think one of the best college jobs is one you control. Why not create your own online business, that you can develop over time? You may not make much money the first year, but it will grow into a nice profitable online business.

This is one of the real work at home jobs. The advantages are you can work from your dorm room, create your own hours, and work as much or as little as you want. When you graduate from college, you will already have a job - working for yourself. This is a job alternative worth considering during this tough job market.

You'll need to choose something you are interested in - football, science, fashion for example, and research the market to determine if your business idea will be profitable. You'll need a computer with high-speed internet access, and some online business development tools. Good luck!

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On-Campus Student Jobs  | University Jobs

There are many on-campus student jobs, if you are lucky enough to get one. These range from working in the campus bookstore, cafeteria, library, concession, tour guide, etc. The best job depends on your personality. If you are outgoing, become a tour guide for prospective students. Want some peace and quiet, and some extra study time? Work in the library.

You could also consider being a Resident Advisor or RA, sometimes called a Resident Assistant. This job requires you to live on campus, but can be challenging to work with many types of people. It does provide good leadership experience, which looks good on your resume.

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Become a Mystery Shopper

A fun way to make some spare spending money for college, or get free goods and services, is to become a mystery shopper. Mystery shopping, or secret shopping allows you to evaluate customer service at different businesses, including restaurants, shops, banks and car dealers. You'll need a spirit of adventure, a computer, and transportation for these occasional student jobs. Learn how to become a mystery shopper.

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Domestic Student Jobs

House cleaning, yard work, pet care and babysitting are not glamorous jobs, but they can be good ways to earn some extra cash while in college. They tend to be more physical jobs, which is a nice break from sitting in class or studying. House cleaning and yard work may pay $16 - $30 an hour, while babysitting less, maybe $14 - $25 per hour. If you babysit while the kids are asleep, you get some extra time to study, and may even be able to meet up with your friends afterwards.

Want more ideas for student jobs? Check out More Student Jobs and Student Summer Jobs

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Advice from Other Students

Holding a job can really help. See the advice from other students.

Student Loans: A Burden or An Opportunity?

(Jaron, North Carolina)

There are some people that get into college for free, but unfortunately a college degree does not come free for all and every household is not able to pay for a college education with the money from their pockets, or from their parent’s pockets. This is where financial aid comes into play, and students apply for grants and scholarships that they luckily will not have to pay.

On the other hand, many students have to get student loans for college that require payment with interest. This debt can be very hard to pay back especially with interest rates growing and a scarce job market. So the question now becomes: how can I pay these loans back? There are many different ways you can pay these loans back.

One way is to see if your college has a work study program that pays. This way you can go to school, and work at the school in your free time to save money for those dreaded loans that have to be paid. The challenge is keeping yourself disciplined enough to save the money and not spend it on unnecessary purchases.

Another way to pay is by internships. There are many degrees that have internships that pay over the summer that beg schools to give them people to pay and work for them. This is an efficient way to not only save money, but to gain experience and familiarity with the company you plan to work for in the future, and most of the time if a company hires you as an intern, they will hire you when you graduate from college, giving you a secure job.

If all else fails and you cannot get an internship or work study program, then this is when you have the chance to be an entrepreneur. If you notice a need that college students have that can’t be fulfilled by the college, then you can become the supplier and have a monopoly on whatever the need is. This can be very lucrative. Even if you sell snacks from your dorm, this can be a wise investment because college students are always hungry, and if you can provide snacks for a slightly cheaper price than any nearby vending machine, then all the students will be coming to you for their fix.

All in all, if you need help paying for student loans, this is the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box and become an entrepreneur, simply be attentive and focused enough to get good grades and land an internship in the job of your dreams, or both. Whichever you choose, you'll be sure to get those student loans paid off in no time.

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My Student Job

(Wallace, Kentucky)

I am a freshman at Kentucky State University. I am a full-time student so therefore I was eligible for work study. As soon as I was cleared to work I got a job in the University's Library. It has been an amazing experience. Most of my friends question my choice of working in a library because it's quiet and "boring", but I love it. Even though I got this job to help me pay for school, it has so many more benefits to it. Because I spend the majority of my time in the library, I get all of my school work done and I am extremely familiar with the library. I have learned how to use different sources to find information and I know where almost everything is located in the library. It is also nice because I get engaged with my peers. Whenever they come in and they need assistance, they come to me. I not only get to help them but I get acquainted with the other students. This jobs has been nothing but helpful and I am glad I chose to work here.

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On-Campus Financial Aid and Its Benefits

(Connor, South Carolina)

Looking for on-campus student jobs? One such option is the Resident Advisor (or RA) position. Most, if not all residence halls have several RAs living in the building to mentor and direct students in their college years, which are notoriously fraught with indecision. They maintain safety by patrol hallways and foster community through floor events. Typically, Resident Advisors receive at least 50% off of their housing bill, and some universities will even offer free room and board, along with the potential for additional pay from working at the front desk. In addition, the RA position looks great on a resume and is a phenomenal way to boost leadership and extracurricular skills. Acceptance to the position can be competitive and it is certainly a time commitment, but, ultimately, it worth the time and energy invested.

Another, equally profitable option is work study programs, which are usually the most popular form of on-campus, work-based financial aid. College bookstores, libraries and even some research labs need large amounts of employees to function, and campuses are excellent sources of labor. Usually, the work-week is incredibly flexible and schools are willing to mold hours around the student’s schedule. Unfortunately, 

it can be difficult to rise above the fiscal limitation of minimum wage, but those who are willing to work at on-campus student jobs will receive notable compensation and great life experience.

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The "No Lose" Job Solution - Volunteer

(Kelly, Nevada)

Volunteering – The “No Lose” Job Solution for College Financing - Our culture is saturated with the fear of a collapsing economy. This fear has merit. My own father lost jobs because of closing businesses. As the number of places to work has dwindled, even successful and educated college graduates have found a fog of uncertainty looming outside of the classroom doors.

Most graduates have debts to pay, so finding a good job to pay off that debt is even more imperative and stressful. Years ago, I stumbled upon a tool for getting jobs which has served me well ever since; volunteering. Volunteering benefits you as well as others and can make you the top choice for your job of choice.

At fifteen, I wanted to get job experience, so I volunteered at a local hospital clinic until I collected more than 300 volunteer hours. After a few months, my supervisor told me that she wanted to hire me because of my quality work. A full time position was later offered to me as well, and in time one of the Doctors in the clinic offered me a job because of my work ethic and cheerful attitude. I started volunteering and ended up having three amazing jobs all while attending High-school!

You know what you have to offer. You know what an asset you can be to an employer. The trick is to get your possible employers to realize this as well. There are an overwhelming amount of applicants for any job. What will make you stand out? Use the tool I stumbled upon. Start volunteering in the industry you desire to work in and gain experience and exposure. There is no losing as a volunteer.

By volunteering, you gain practical perspective into the workings of any industry. The experience you accumulate shows that you understand the work and are a stable investment. Possible employers get to meet you, see how you fit in, and what your work ethic is. Even if you aren’t an academic “Rock Star”, hard work, stability, and a cheerful attitude can make you the best choice for any position. Request letters of recommendation from leaders in the field in which you volunteer. People like connections, and the more connections you make with a possible employer, the more likely they are to remember you. It doesn’t take much for a future boss to take notice of you. Even a few hours can make you memorable. Go talk to someone at your dream workplace about volunteering. Tell them that you want to gain perspective into how the specific field works in the real world. Once you are in; work hard, be the asset they need, and don’t forget the power of a smile! Even if you only gain insight and a letter of recommendation, these can make the difference in a future job interview.

Now go out there and set the world on fire! Get that dream job and pay off those debts! You’ve worked too hard to let fear stop you now.

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Taking the Path Less Traveled - Working Full Time During College

(Monika, Illinois)

As I stared blankly at the tuition information that the University of Illinois at Chicago had sent me, I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. Thirteen thousand dollars printed as a lump sum on my Student Aid Report stared back at me, and I have never felt more frightened at the sight of such a large amount of money. At that time, I had graduated high school and was preparing to embark upon my college bound journey; however, I was unprepared at the sight of the actual dollar amount that it was going to cost me. I weighed my options, and after realizing that my parents could not afford to send me to the college of my choice due to their unemployment, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Instead of taking out loans, a path commonly traveled by college bound students, I decided to look for a full-time job that offered a flexible schedule while I attended school as a full-time student. After weeks of searching, I was fortunate to find a full-time job as an Insurance Agent which allowed me to attend school full-time as well. I made sure to let my supervisor know that I was a college student, and reiterated the fact that my work schedule had to be structured around my school schedule. This is very important when attempting to work full-time while attending school, and should be explained to one's supervisor in detail. Although at first this type of school and work schedule was difficult to adjust to, the human mind can adjust to any type of situation when it is in survival mode. That is what it was all about, surviving through brutal college tuition by hard work and determination.

It is also wise to inquire through your Financial Aid Office if the school offers any monthly payment options, as most schools typically do. I was able to enroll in a monthly payment program, and by the end of the year, I had paid off my yearly tuition by working at my full-time job. Many may speculate that my grades or academic performance suffered due to working so much, however, with dedication to this route, anything is possible. I still managed to graduate college with a 3.44 GPA through the University's Honors Program, and I am living proof that success in school and at work can coexist at the same time.

My advice to entering college students and to parents is that one should not fear the opportunity of a full time job while attending college. It is a great way to avoid student loans and it offers valuable life experience which looks spectacular on the student’s resume. It opens up many doors after graduation, as employers are impressed at the ability to work full time while in school during such a young age. Entering college students and parents should consider this method as an alternative to taking out huge amounts of student loans, as my experience shows that it does indeed work.

The day that I graduated from my University with Honors, I was glad to walk out of their doors knowing that I was absolutely debt free. I cannot lie, the path I had chosen was indeed a strenuous one, however, it was well worth it to know that I was not a financial burden to my parents. Working full time while tackling a full time school curriculum is a path less traveled by college students, but it is a path I highly recommend to all incoming college freshmen.

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More College Financial Aid Tips

Student jobs are just one way to pay for college. Continue reading for more college financial aid tips.

College Financing

Money Tips for College Students

College Admissions Help

Scholarship Money for College

College Loans for Students

Student Jobs

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