For a full-time student, your most prized possession is time. The ultimate challenge is learning how to balance school, work, and a social life without overwhelming your brain. Luckily, there are many employers who understand the struggle and save spaces specifically for student.
The most ideal jobs for college students meet at least one of these three conditions: free up time, reduce tuition cost, or provide valuable experience.
Here are the best student-friendly jobs so you can work smarter and not harder this fall semester.
Paid Internships
Paid internships are the holy grail of employment for college students, but they’re highly competitive. Apply for at least 10 in a semester to be safe, or 30 to be a rock star. You get paid to learn what you’re most interested in, and your employer is invested in your growth. Internships usually work very well with your course schedule, but they are just as real as any job. The best part about paid internships is possibly landing a permanent position.
University Jobs
University jobs are convenient for many reasons. The hours are reasonable and you also have the advantage of proximity to campus so you have more time for late-night antics. University jobs also provide the opportunity to connect with faculty and students. Apply for your school’s work-study program to get priority placement for an on-campus job. Another bonus, some positions provide stipends to cover a small portion of tuition.
Freelancing
Have any skills you can capitalize on? Freelancing is a great side hustle because the opportunities are endless. You can submit your work to be published in a reputable publication as a writer, photographer, or graphic designer. If you want to make money quicker, start freelancing directly on campus. There is an abundance of clientele that needs writers, editors, hairstylists, photographers, and so much more. Create online flyers to market yourself on social networks—maybe even create a private account showcasing your work. Word of mouth travels fast, there is a possibility of turning a small side hustle into a real business.
Online Support
If you’re a homebody, a technical support job may be the right fit. There are so many companies like Apple that offer remote customer service jobs complete with training and tools specifically for college students. The hours are flexible, and you can make money from your bed. All you need to get started is a hardwired Ethernet connection and a quiet place to work.
Earn and Learn programs
Want to make money and get your tuition paid at the same time? Earn and Learn programs, with companies like UPS, repay your tuition just for being an employee. Apply for the program before the semester starts, show proof of your tuition, and the company pays a partial amount of the bill while you still get paid regularly. Though time and experience in your field of study isn’t guaranteed, you get to graduate owing less than you would if you didn’t take the job.
Babysitting
Part-time babysitting jobs are great for those who need a little extra money. Usit is one of many babysitting apps that use a matching approach to connect parents with students. If you have experience with children, outline your credentials in your bio, apply for a job, and the parent either accepts or denies the request. Babysitting allows students to make their own schedule similar to freelancing, so if you’re looking for convenience this is a great option.
Mom & Pop shops
If all else fails, sole proprietorships are the best place to work because it is much easier to forge a relationship with employers and your coworkers. Small business owners tend to be more lenient with scheduling preferences because they are aware of exams, events, and other obligations school imposes. Fellow collegiate employees are more likely to swap shifts with you, also. And with a smaller group of people working, your job may even become your home away from home.
Although our coursework comes first—after all, we are paying for school—we want to collect our coins, too. The number of jobs available to students are endless, sometimes it’s simply a matter of finding or creating them.