Painful fact: Your college education can run you tens of thousands of dollars per year. And, if you’re like most students, you’ll have to take out at least some student loans to cover the cost. That obligation could be a huge burden on your budget for decades to come. So, while your studies should be your top priority, it’s important to keep your financial future in mind. Luckily, you can reduce your post-graduation debt by working part-time while in school.
Here’s how to find a part-time job to help with those college costs:
Best Jobs to Consider
Not all part-time employment is created equal. You’ll need a job with a flexible schedule so that it doesn’t interfere with your classes, study sessions, or much-needed rest. Fortunately, there are lots of options - both on and off-campus.
On-Campus Jobs
Believe it or not, there are lots of opportunities just steps away from your dorm and classroom. (Not having a commute is good!) Think about it: Your school needs to staff the library, the cafeteria, the mailroom, and more. That’s where you come in!
Want a role that’s more closely tied to your academics? Check into becoming a tutor, research assistant, or teaching assistant. If you’re a natural leader that would love to have your room and board expenses covered in exchange for your services, apply to become a resident assistant. Or, if you’re a people person, consider becoming a campus tour guide.
Pro Tip: If you have a financial need, you may qualify for a work-study. Work-study jobs involve a wide range of roles and responsibilities and are typically on campus. For the best chance of getting one of these jobs, check off the work-study box on your FAFSA.
Off-Campus Jobs
If you can’t get (or don’t want) an on-campus job, look at industries that are known to accommodate college students. Retail and foodservice are two great examples. Jobs in these industries are generally plentiful, offer some advancement opportunities, and help you develop top-notch customer service skills.
But if you want even more flexibility, or want to try your hand at being your own boss, it’s time to explore the gig economy. You can be a rideshare driver, dog walker, or grocery deliverer in between classes or on weekends. If you’ve got a specialized skillset (think copywriting, graphic design, web development, etc.), you can freelance from your dorm room.
Pro Tip: Class load too heavy to have a job during the semester? Think about working over the summer.
How to Prepare
Before you actively pursue any opportunity, you need to do a couple of key things: determine your ideal job and polish up your resume. When you do both, you increase your chances of landing interesting and fulfilling work. (Seriously, don’t skip this step!)
Determine Your Ideal Job
You’ll spend a lot of time at work, so it makes sense to find a job that aligns with your skills, interests, and future career plans. Write down what you’re good at, what you like to do, and what you see yourself doing after college. Which jobs match up to what you’ve written? Which ones don’t make sense at all? Create a shortlist of your best options.
For example, if you’re studying hospitality management and want to own a restaurant someday, a role in your school’s cafeteria could be a great fit. Or, if you’re pursuing a marketing degree, providing freelance social media services to small businesses might be right up your alley. Though it would be ideal, don’t worry if you can’t find a job that supports your career aspirations. The main objective is to earn some cash without hating the experience.
Polish Up Your Resume
Now that you know what types of jobs to apply for, you need to work on your resume. Your resume is a snapshot of your academic and professional achievements. It’s OK if you don’t have a lot of (or any) work experience to include. Many college students are in the same position. Hiring managers will evaluate your potential and personality (which you can showcase in an interview).
If you decide to offer freelance services, you should create an online portfolio of your work that you can share with prospective clients. Your portfolio will demonstrate your skills and abilities. As a new freelancer, you may only be able to include work you’ve done for yourself or school projects. That’s OK -- everyone starts there!
Where to Look
So, where can you find the jobs that you want? It depends on the type of work that you’re looking for. Your college job board is a great first stop. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for flyers posted around campus, too.
If you’re looking for off-campus work, you can find job and gig listings on individual company websites. Or, you can do general internet searches for part-time jobs in your area. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you to paying freelance customers. Just be aware that using these platforms costs money, which eats into your earnings.
Pro Tip: Your campus career services office can help you find job opportunities, write your resume, and prepare for interviews.
Final Thoughts
The last thing you want post-graduation is a massive debt cloud hanging over your head. When scholarships, grants, and other funding fall short of covering your education costs, getting a part-time job is a smart move. Fortunately, you have plenty of options that line up with your class schedule and what you like to do.
Tell us: What part-time job would you like to have? Why?
Laura Gariepy is a freelance writer that specializes in personal finance, careers, and small business. She owns Every Day by the Lake, a written content creation company that helps busy business owners connect with their target audience. You can follow her on Twitter @EverydayLake.
