Wednesday, May 13, 2009

College Students: Earn While You Learn

By Jim Dunn

Because of the high cost of higher education, most college students have to work to cover some of their expenses.

Unfortunately, students...including those in online degree programs...have a tough time finding a job which will not conflict with their academic obligations. But, there are exceptions. Among them are the jobs below.

1. Security guards are nearly always in demand. And, some security guard jobs are such that you can intermittently read or do academic assignments on your laptop while at work.

2. Virtually every college and university in the country offers work-study jobs to students. They are generally not very difficult, and often they are fairly interesting.

3. If you are comfortable on the telephone, consider a customer service job. Duties generally include order taking, and resolving customer problems.

4. College students are well aware that there are many jobs to be had in restaurants. In the university town where I live, for instance, at least 75% of restaurant employees are students. But, only a few students know that they can make as much money, or more, doing the same kind of work, on weekends only, for caterers. Those willing and able to work at catered events on weeknights are often in even greater demand.

5. Consider going into business for yourself. Some students have successful websites. Some sell on eBay. Some do interior painting. I even know of a group of students who made considerable money picking up the laundry of fellow students, transporting it to a laundry, and bringing it back. Find a way to fill a need and you'll have a business.

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to limit your work hours so that your grades do not suffer and so that you do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself.

About the Author:

No comments: