If you want to work while attending college, you have a few categories of jobs to consider. You can also look at direct sales jobs or internet-based assignments.
Here are some things to consider when comparing working on- and off-campus.
On-Campus Jobs
Private companies who operate on campus usually hire students for part-time work. These are usually in the food service, maintenance or retail sectors. Because they hire numerous students in similar positions, they can be flexible in scheduling hours.
A convenient location makes these jobs attractive. Working close to your dorm or classroom building makes it worthwhile to show up for three-hour shifts, for example.
The work may be less-than-challenging, or even boring. However, some students like the mental break from the stress of academics. Working with peers is fun and a way to meet new friends.
These jobs start at minimum wage. Few of them involve tips; exceptions would include serving in sit-down dining rooms or coffee shops. Food service workers might get free meals or reductions in their food plan bills for shifts worked.
University departments also hire students and the work may be more academic major/career-related. Work is available in laboratories, maintenance shops, libraries, publications offices, housing, health centers and visitor centers.
Jobs can include clerical, administrative, research or maintenance positions, such as:
- Computer lab assistant
- Information desk receptionist
- Campus tour guide
- Storeroom clerk
- Parking lot attendant
- Alumni webmaster
- Childcare worker
- Sports photographer
- Workout center attendant
The advantages to these types of jobs can include higher pay for more skilled positions, networking opportunities with department heads and school dignitaries, and more interesting fodder for your resume. Working hours might be less flexible if you are working in a “9 to 5” office, since Saturdays and Sundays will not be available to you.
Off-Campus Jobs
Obvious jobs in a college town center on retail, restaurants, bowling alleys and movie theaters. It is easier to find evening and weekend shifts in off-campus businesses. Bartending or serving in restaurants that sell alcohol can provide higher income due to tips.
Childcare centers, tutoring companies, and sports associations hire college students. They may require a consistent schedule, such as 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. every day; you would want to make sure your class schedule fits around that.
Alumni who have local businesses like to hire students majoring in related fields. Even if the jobs are clerical, having someone who is familiar with the terminology and buzzwords of an industry can be a plus for them.
Transportation is a factor in deciding whether to accept an off-campus job. If you have to wait for busses in each direction, that adds to your commuting time. If you have a car, consider not only driving time, but also parking; availability, proximity, and price of parking are important.
Work-Study Programs
Be aware that most of the choicest on-campus jobs go to work-study students. Many of the best off-campus jobs do, too. As part of the Federal Work-Study program, employers get subsidies for hiring work-study students. So they may hire someone at $10 per hour and only have to pay $5 of their own money.
Students who are eligible for these work-study jobs as part of their financial aid package are paid at least minimum wage, often more. The award package will specify the maximum amount of work-study aid, such as $3,000 or $4,000 per academic year.
Don’t be discouraged if you are not work-study eligible, just realize that you will have to try harder to get hired – especially on-campus. The best advice is to research possibilities and apply early. Once you have a job that suits you, you can probably keep it all four years.
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