Best Jobs to Have While You’re a Student

Given the demands of college, maintaining part-time employment as a student is no easy task. But there are a variety of flexible jobs out there that can pad your wallet and give you valuable work and life experience.

Approximately 70% of college students work while attending school, according to a recent study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education.

Whether it’s working on campus or off, some extra money can help pay for books and keep you afloat until you get that diploma.

Here are eight of the best jobs to have while you’re a student:

1. Tutor

Tutoring is a great side hustle, especially if you have high SAT scores or you enjoy teaching certain subjects. There’s also a possibility you can do it online, which makes the gig even more flexible.

Tutoring can pay well, as some expert tutors charge around $50 per hour, and the work experience will look great on your resume.

Your best bet is to refine the skill level of students you’ll be targeting. You can tutor grade-school kids or even fellow college students, but it’s smart to stick to a single demographic.

Check to see if your school offers tutoring jobs. You can also advertise your services online, or apply to an online tutoring website, like Tutor.com.

2. Bank Teller

Many bank tellers work part-time, so this is another job that offers good flexibility for college students.

As a bank teller, you’ll gain valuable customer service experience and a familiarity with numbers and basic math. It’ll also spruce up your resume because handling cash transactions shows you’re trustworthy.

Many students who are interested in financial careers get their start as bank tellers. Even if you’re not looking for a future in finance, working as a bank teller is still smart because it usually pays above minimum wage.

3. Barista

Working as a barista while in college is a bit of a cliché, but probably for good reason. Many campuses have multiple cafes, so you won’t have to travel far for work.

Barista jobs also come with the money-saving benefit of a free caffeine fix, especially if you love $5 lattes. Plus, the cash-handling and customer service experience you’ll gain may be handy after college ends and you need to work a retail or food service position for extra money.

4. Server or Host at a Restaurant

Working in a busy restaurant is a great way to make decent money, and you’ll learn valuable skills like dealing with stressful situations.

Like other jobs we mentioned, working as a server or host allows you to gain exposure to working with different personalities, teaches you how to handle customers, and will give you the necessary teamwork skills. Plus, restaurant work can be exciting, and you’ll meet all types of people.

You can also get a hospitality certificate to learn the necessary skills as well as get a bit of knowledge about customer service, work effectiveness, management, etc. Moreover, if you plan to make a career in hospitality, this can provide exposure to meet the right people who may help in improving your stance in the field.

All you have to do is pick your choice of serving job and shift that fits best with your schedule. You’ll make the most money on a Friday night at a popular spot, but you could also work mornings at the local diner.

5. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

Love animals? Then a side gig as a dog walker or pet sitter is an excellent way to earn extra cash.

Dog walking or pet sitting allows you to set your own schedule and work around your classes and other commitments. As a pet sitter, it also gives you incentive to focus on studies while you care for your new furry friend.

The money isn’t bad, either. Dog walkers earn between $15 and $60 per hour, depending on location and other factors.

6. Call Center Rep

Working at a call center is another flexible job that will highlight your skills on your resume. While making dozens of calls per shift, you’ll learn communication, problem solving, and negotiation skills that can pay off in the future.

These jobs pay relatively good wages, too. It won’t make you rich, but it will help you cover some expenses while you’re a student. Some companies even allow you to work remotely, which means you can do this without leaving your dorm.

7. Tour Guide

If you know your campus well, you can parlay that knowledge by becoming a tour guide for your college’s admissions department. Many universities look for bright, outgoing students to lead tours and talk to potential students.

It’s a fun job because you’ll meet different people and make connections. Plus, you won’t even have to leave your campus for work.

8. Gym Receptionist

Many gyms open early and close late, with some even operating 24 hours and seven days a week. This creates a scheduling flexibility that’s perfect for busy college students.

Getting an employee discount or even a free gym membership is another money-saving benefit that makes this an ideal part-time job for students.

These 8 student jobs mentioned above are a great way to earn some extra cash to help pay off your dreaded student loans and fund those expensive college books while getting your degree.