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What are the Best Jobs for College Students?

M. Walker
M. Walker

Jobs for college students are numerous and include work study jobs, internships, telecommuting jobs, babysitting and tutoring, and jobs in the retail and service industries. When choosing a job as a student, it is important to consider your financial needs as well as your interests. Many students will look for college jobs that mesh well with their career paths, hobbies, or academic interests.

Work study jobs are some of the most common jobs for college students since they are specifically designated for students who have demonstrated financial need. Each university’s work study program will vary, but almost all schools offer a wide range of work study jobs and place a cap on the number of hours a college student can work each week. Some students enjoy working in the library or mail room, where hourly wages are generally low, but there is often free time to work on homework or study. Others will want to work in a research lab or departmental office where the workload is greater, but the opportunities to learn about their fields of interest is also greater.

Some college students babysit to earn extra money.
Some college students babysit to earn extra money.

There are also many jobs for college students who do not qualify for the work study program or who are interested in working off-campus. It is possible to find paid internships with local companies or organizations who will usually offer an hourly wage or a stipend. Many of these jobs can be beneficial to students because they allow student interns to learn relevant skills, form a relationship with the company, and possibly become hired full-time by that company once they graduate.

Telecommuting allows employees to work from a remote location.
Telecommuting allows employees to work from a remote location.

Telecommuting jobs for college students are also a popular choice due to the freedom that they offer. The ability to work from home or in the school library, the flexibility of scheduling, and the freedom to choose the workload are all appealing aspects of telecommuting. International students frequently benefit from telecommuting jobs, especially if they have difficulty finding an off-campus job in the country in which they are studying.

Paid internships are a great job for college students.
Paid internships are a great job for college students.

Babysitting and tutoring jobs are very popular choices for students who are interested in teaching or counseling after they graduate. These jobs are viewed by many students as broadening experiences because they offer the chance to work with children or younger students. Some babysitting and tutoring jobs require a car but many are flexible about transportation, and some will even provide transportation for the student.

Many college students work in the food service industry.
Many college students work in the food service industry.

Sales associates and food service positions are also common jobs for college students. These jobs generally pay more than work study jobs, and they offer unique benefits like discounts at the store or restaurant where the student works. Some students also enjoy the experience of working with other employees who aren’t current college students because it offers a temporary break from the college campus environment.

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    • Some college students babysit to earn extra money.
      By: Syda Productions
      Some college students babysit to earn extra money.
    • Telecommuting allows employees to work from a remote location.
      By: David Gilder
      Telecommuting allows employees to work from a remote location.
    • Paid internships are a great job for college students.
      By: Adam Gregor
      Paid internships are a great job for college students.
    • Many college students work in the food service industry.
      By: mertcan
      Many college students work in the food service industry.
    • College students may take on seasonal jobs during semester breaks.
      By: The Photos
      College students may take on seasonal jobs during semester breaks.
    • Work-study jobs are one of the more common options available to college students.
      By: seandeburca
      Work-study jobs are one of the more common options available to college students.
    • Some graduate school programs allow students to earn extra money teaching undergraduate lab courses.
      By: markos86
      Some graduate school programs allow students to earn extra money teaching undergraduate lab courses.
    • Many college students can work as a sales associate.
      By: jura
      Many college students can work as a sales associate.
    • College students often find work at local coffee houses.
      By: winston
      College students often find work at local coffee houses.