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What are the Best Types of Jobs for Students?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

The best types of jobs for students are jobs that allow for flexible scheduling, as most students will need to work around classes and studying. This is not to say a student cannot get a job that is well-paying or meaningful; being in school full or part time, however, can limit the types of jobs for students that will work well for both the employer and the employee. If possible, a student should seek out a paying or even unpaid internship that pertains to the field in which they wish to seek employment after their schooling is completed.

Many jobs for students are low-responsibility positions with flexible schedules and generally low pay. While this may seem unfair at first, the perks of working a low responsibility and therefore low paying job often outweigh the downsides. Students can work shorter shifts between classes, night shifts, and part-time positions that do not require the student to take on additional responsibilities beyond the work day. Jobs for students should be low stress, since studies should be a priority over work at that stage in the student's life.

Pizza delivery is a common job students take on.
Pizza delivery is a common job students take on.

Some colleges and universities offer work-study positions. Such jobs for students allow the student to work on campus for a certain number of hours per week, usually on a very flexible schedule. Pay may be minimal to moderate, and some colleges and universities will reduce the student's tuition in addition to paying a moderate stipend. These jobs are convenient, but sometimes difficult to obtain. The limited number of available jobs combined with the high number of students applying for such positions can make securing a work study job a highly competitive process.

Students should list their availability on a job application.
Students should list their availability on a job application.

Internships may be paying jobs or unpaid positions; either way, these are good jobs for students who plan to enter the workforce in the field in which the internship has been offered. A finance student may, for example, seek out an internship with an investment firm. That firm may not pay the student, but they may offer other incentives such as the experience of working in the field and the connections a student will need for finding work once school has finished. Internships are often offered during summer breaks or other school breaks, and many companies pay interns a small or moderate sum for their time. Companies may also pay room and board instead of or in addition to regular payment.

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    • Pizza delivery is a common job students take on.
      By: auremar
      Pizza delivery is a common job students take on.
    • Students should list their availability on a job application.
      By: Karen Roach
      Students should list their availability on a job application.
    • Students often work at movie theaters on a part time basis.
      By: Iuliia KOVALOVA
      Students often work at movie theaters on a part time basis.
    • Many students work as cashiers to gain experience.
      By: Kadmy
      Many students work as cashiers to gain experience.