Part-time jobs can be a great way to put a dent in helping pay for your college education or just give students some extra cash.
Flickr user Bill Smith
Depending on your skills and interests, there are a wide variety of options when it comes to finding part-time work. In fact, the changing employment trends that are having an impact outside of colleges and universities are also bringing new opportunities to students.
If you’re a student who could use the extra money, here are some part-time jobs to consider. We’ve grouped them into broader categories so it’s easier for you to explore specific types of opportunities, depending on your preference.
1. On-Campus Part-Time Jobs for College Students
The federal work-study program is a great option if you qualify and prefer working on campus. These jobs are part of your financial aid package, so you won’t pay federal income taxes on earnings up to your maximum award. Other on-campus jobs include:
- Student Newspaper: Contribute to campus media and gain writing or editing experience.
- Cafeterias: Work in food service and earn money while meeting fellow students.
- Bookstores: Help manage inventory or assist customers.
- Maintenance Department: Assist with campus upkeep and repair tasks.
- Library: Help with shelving books and providing research assistance.
- Research Assistant: Support academic research and gain relevant experience.
- Museum Assistant: Engage with exhibits and visitors if there’s a museum on campus.
- Computer/Science Labs: Provide technical support or assist with experiments.
Graduate students may also explore:
- Teaching Assistant (TA): Gain teaching experience and some income, although it may not be substantial.
2. Traditional Part-Time Employment
Traditional part-time jobs are popular among college students due to their flexibility and lack of degree requirements. Consider these options:
- Restaurants and Bars: Potential to earn tips and accommodate various schedules.
- Retail Stores: Jobs in grocery stores, clothing stores, and big-box retailers.
- Fulfillment Centers: Amazon and similar companies offer competitive pay.
- Warehouse/Factory Jobs: Often pay more than minimum wage.
- Animal Shelters: Jobs at these types of shelters involve tending to basic care duties and socializing with animals while they’re waiting to find their forever homes.
3. “Help Wanted/Help Needed” Jobs
Jobs are not limited to those that involve working for establishments or small businesses. As a college student, you can find lots of opportunities to make money like:
- Babysitting: Great for those who are reliable and have experience.
- Pet Walking/Grooming: Ideal if you love animals and have a trustworthy reputation.
- Housesitting: An easy way to earn money and trust.
- Housecleaning: For those not afraid to get their hands dirty, housecleaning can be in high demand and earn you a good wage.
Families living around college campuses and even college faculty need these services, whether on a regular basis or occasionally. The only qualification required for these jobs is trustworthiness.
Start by asking campus staff if they are looking for a babysitter or dog walker and tell them you’re available. You may need to build a rapport with them so they know you can be trusted. Ask for testimonials that you can use to prove to new families that you have prior experience and can be trusted.
4. Part-Time Entrepreneurship/Hands on Work
You don’t have to work for someone else to earn a living. A part time job can also involve starting your own business. If you like the idea of being able to control your own time and not having a boss to answer to, how about starting your own little enterprise? History is littered with stories about world-renowned businesses that started out small in a college dorm.
Lucrative businesses that students can start depending on their skills include:
- Lawn Mowing and Landscaping
- Planning Children’s Parties
- Housekeeping and Cleaning
- Home Maintenance and Repair
- Packing and Moving
- Deliveries and Personal Shopping
- House Painting
Remember, as an independent business owner, you’ll also be responsible for marketing your business and availability, keeping track of finances, and paying your taxes.
5. Online Freelancing
Want to make money as a college student but prefer to do it from the confines of your own room? Freelancing is the answer! There are endless freelancing opportunities available for every skill set.
Do you get rave reviews for your writing skills? You can earn a decent income as a freelance writer. Within this broad niche, you’ll find opportunities that include:
- Writing: Content creation, copywriting, editing, or resume polishing.
- Graphic Design: Design marketing materials or social media graphics.
- Web/App Design: Develop websites or apps for clients.
- Social Media Management: Help businesses build their online presence.
- Data Entry: Perform tasks like inputting information into spreadsheets or databases, which often requires attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Translation: Translate documents or communications between languages.
- Virtual Assistance: Provide administrative support remotely, including scheduling, email management, and more.
Your earnings as a freelancer will depend on your experience and availability. The best part is you will be able to set your own schedule and take on as much or as little work as you want. Even better, there aren’t geographical restrictions when it comes to online work. You could be working with a client halfway across the world while sitting comfortably in your dorm room.
6. Tutoring
Who better to teach students than other students? You’ve been through the material, and you understand it. Not every student knows the subject as well as you do, and many could use additional help outside the classroom. Chances are, the knowledge is still fresh in your mind, and you can actually earn some money by passing that knowledge on to people who need it to succeed. Types of tutoring opportunities include:
- Online tutoring
- Language tutoring
- Math tutoring
- Science tutoring
- All subject tutoring
- Tutoring/mentoring for younger children
Look for tutoring opportunities on campus and online as well. Decide which works better for you. If the scope on campus is limited, consider online tutoring. There are several platforms that enable potential tutors and prospective students to get in touch with each other.
7. Sell Your Handmade Crafts
If you have a creative flair, selling handmade crafts can be both fulfilling and profitable. Whether you knit, draw, sew, or create unique jewelry, there’s a market for your talents. Here’s how you can turn your hobby into income:
- Craft Fairs and Markets: Showcase and sell your creations directly to customers.
- Online Platforms: Use websites like Etsy and Amazon Handmade to reach a broader audience.
- Local Stores: Partner with local shops or boutiques that sell handmade items.
- Custom Orders: Offer personalized or custom-crafted items to attract more buyers.
Although online competition can be fierce, marketing your brand effectively can help you stand out and generate steady income.
8. Gig Work
Gig work or side hustles are relative new ways for students to earn money in addition to traditional jobs or instead of them. The ability to work when you want is appealing. Here are some ways to dive into gig work:
- Ride-Sharing and Delivery: Consider driving for Uber, Lyft, or delivering groceries with Shipt or Instacart. These roles offer flexible hours and the potential to earn more based on the demand.
- Online Task Platforms: Websites like Fiverr and TaskRabbit provide a range of opportunities, from running errands and completing office tasks to minor maintenance and cleaning jobs. These platforms can help you find gigs suited to your skills and availability.
- Microtasks: Amazon Mechanical Turk offers online part-time jobs like completing surveys or performing short-term tasks. These jobs are generally easy to do and can be completed from anywhere.
- Local Gig Listings: Sites like Craigslist feature a ‘Gigs’ section where you can find temporary jobs that usually last a day or two. Examples include:
- Event Setup and Tear Down: Help with organizing and dismantling events like weddings and concerts.
- Bartending and Concessions: Work at various events and venues.
- Parking Lot Attendants: Assist at sporting events or concerts.
- Moving and Assembly: Help with moving furniture or assembling items.
- Minor Car Repair and Maintenance: Offer quick car repairs or maintenance services.
- Modeling or Acting: Participate in local casting calls for various roles.
Gig work can often be more lucrative than traditional employment due to the urgent nature of these tasks, with employers willing to pay a premium and offer tips for a job well done. Make sure to research into the hiring person or company and set up a secure payment arrangement beforehand to ensure you get compensated properly.
9. Paid Internships
Not long ago, the vast majority of internships were unpaid. Today, an increasing number of companies are opting to pay their interns. This may be to ensure that they stay within the bounds of the Department of Labor regulations. This is good news for students who can now enjoy the benefits of an internship while also earning a bit of money. Consider these options:
- Company Internships: Look for opportunities within companies related to your major or career goals.
- Industry-Specific Positions: Seek internships in sectors like marketing, engineering, or finance.
- Campus Resources: Use your college’s career services to find paid internship listings.
- Networking: Reach out to professionals or alumni for potential opportunities.
Students who intern can pick up valuable skills and experience related to their field of choice. They can also make important connections with employers, future coworkers, and others. These are invaluable during the post-graduation job search.
Your advisor can help you find paid internship opportunities if this is something you’re interested in. You should also check job boards or consider reaching out to companies they are interested in working with.
10. Summer Part-Time Jobs
Summer employment may not technically be its own type of employment but is still worth mentioning. Some college students are unable or unwilling to work during the school year so summer jobs are the only way to make extra money. If you have rigorous class schedules that don’t leave time for work or you attend a school where jobs just aren’t readily available, summer employment is a viable option.
The summer season also brings more job opportunities. Many employees take their leave during summer to coincide with their kids’ school holidays, leaving plenty of vacancies that need to be filled temporarily.
These are some places where you can start your search for summer jobs:
- Amusement Parks, Museums, and Zoos: Look for various temporary positions, including guest services, ticket sales, and ride operations.
- Movie Theaters: Opportunities might include concessions, ushering, and ticket sales.
- Summer Camps: Positions can range from camp counselors to maintenance workers and office support staff.
- Construction Companies: Temporary roles may involve general labor, canvassing, or administrative support.
- Landscaping Companies: Jobs might include mowing lawns, planting, and installing outdoor features.
- Recreation Centers: Look for roles such as camp counselors, lifeguards, and gym monitors.
If you live in an area where tourism is high during the summer, many traditional employers such as restaurants, hotels, and retail shops have additional opportunities as well.
Should You Take Up A Job That Does Not Reflect Your Degree?
As a college student, don’t hesitate to explore part-time jobs outside your field of study. Even if the job isn’t directly related to your degree, it can still teach valuable skills like communication, customer service, teamwork, and attention to detail. Plus, it never hurts to be able to showcase more experience on your resume! With more opportunities available than ever before, you might find that one of the part-time options listed above is the perfect fit for you.
While you’re searching for part-time job opportunities, don’t forget to check out College Raptor’s scholarship search database. You can discover thousands of dollars in FREE scholarship money*.
* While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship.
