Finding The Perfect College Job

Whether you’re working to pay off your student loan, start saving for the future or just to have some extra cash in your pocket, finding the perfect college job that won’t get in the way of your studies can be challenging.

No worries, though; we’re here to help! We’ve compiled this handy guide that will help you go from hopeful to hired – at that perfect position.

Most of your likely college job options will fall into one of three categories:

On-campus jobs

The obvious benefit to working on campus is having your workplace just steps away from your dorm. And there are lots of employment opportunities on campus.

It you’re a math whiz or a history buff, you can tutor struggling students. Hang up flyers announcing your services or advertise online. You may be able to tutor via Skype or Facetime.

You can also represent a brand by promoting its products and handing out free samples. This is a terrific option if you’re working towards a career in marketing, sales or social media.

If you’d like to gain valuable experience while broadening your knowledge in a subject, you can conduct research on behalf of your professors. As a bonus, you’ll also earn a future recommendation for employment opportunities.

Local jobs

If you need a little breather from college life, look into any number of local jobs. College towns are usually full of fast food joints, coffee shops and nightclubs. Check sites like Craigslist and look through the help-wanted ads to find openings.

These jobs are great if you like social interaction and a fast-paced environment. Even within this narrow category, you can still find a job that fits your specific skill set and interests.

For instance, if you’re a fashionista, consider working in a clothing boutique. If you’re looking for a career in the food industry, search for openings at local restaurants or catering businesses. Working the front desk at a local gym might be the perfect job for you if you’re into fitness. And, if you’re a night owl, look into local bars for late-night shift openings.

Online jobs

If you want to stay put but don’t want a job that involves class work, you might want to consider an online position. The sky’s the limit with today’s mobile workplace. You can write, edit or evaluate content for businesses. You can manage social media accounts. Find companies looking for blog posts on any number of topics by searching Squidoo, Hubpages and About.com. Offer your services in a variety of categories on sites like Fiverr to build up your reputation – and your pay grade.

Before you get started on your hunt, hold up any job you’re considering to these questions: Is the pay worth the time and effort? Is the schedule compatible with your studies? Does it leave any room for a social life? Is the position in any way related to your field of choice? It’s best if your job of choice fits most, if not all, of these criteria.

It only takes a bit of planning to find the perfect college job!

Did you find the ideal college job? Share your choice with us in the comments!