Looking for a high-paying job while you’re in college? This Pocketbook Agency guide covers all the best options, with information on everything from entry-level positions to internships and beyond. Whether you’re looking to start your career or supplement your income, we’ve got you covered.
College life can be stressful — from classes and exams to extracurricular activities and even having a social life. It may not seem like it at the time, but the hard work you put into your studies and the connections you made during your college years will come in handy when you’re looking for a job after graduation.
For those seeking extra funds to pay for tuition or living expenses, many jobs make great fits for those pursuing a college degree. The 20 best jobs for college students listed provide flexible hours and ample opportunities for whatever major or field of study you’re pursuing.
Working while in school not only can help with financial aid (and paying off student loans) but also provide an opportunity to learn more aspects of your chosen field through hands-on experience.
What’s not to love? So pick a job (or two) and get the extra cash trickling in.
As a server, you can enjoy flexible hours that fit your class and study schedule while developing important skills and gaining valuable experience in the hospitality field.
Restaurant servers are often required to engage with customers, effectively communicate with colleagues, handle difficult situations, and work in a fast-paced environment — all of which are skills that can be applied to any number of jobs after college. Plus, you can make a lot in tips on the weekends.
Working as a bartender offers many advantages that can help you both during your college career and beyond.
Bartenders are typically paid an hourly wage plus tips, which can add up to a substantial amount. This extra income can be used for day-to-day expenses and the occasional splurge. Since many college students live on a tight budget, having this extra money on hand is invaluable.
Working as a bartender can also help you hone your customer service skill set. You’ll learn how to communicate with customers and provide excellent service. These skills are essential for any job in the hospitality or retail industry, and many employers value employees with strong customer service experience.
Finally, being a bartender can be an excellent platform for meeting new people and making connections in the industry. You’ll be surrounded by customers, both regulars and those just passing through. Getting to know them can help you build your network of contacts, which could come in handy in the coming months and years.
One of the best jobs for college students is working as a barista at a coffee shop. Learning about the coffee industry teaches you about different brewing methods and espresso preparation, developing customer service skills, and performing under pressure, among other things. Working in a café environment can also offer a great chance to socialize and make new connections.
Being a successful barista takes dedication, a good work ethic, and an understanding of customers’ needs and preferences. You’ll need to be able to:
You’ll be responsible for various cleaning and maintenance duties, such as wiping down counters and restocking supplies.
Working as a rideshare driver is a great way to make some extra money while in college. You can work as many hours as you want, and the pay is decent. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new people and get to know your city better.
The flexibility of this job is especially beneficial to college students who may have class or other commitments during the day. You can work on your own schedule and make money while also studying, attending classes, and doing extracurricular activities.
Uber and Lyft are some of the most popular rideshare companies to drive for. To become a driver, you’ll need to meet certain requirements set by the company. These include: having a valid driver’s license, passing a background check, and providing proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Once you’ve met the criteria, you can start earning money immediately.
Receptionists are responsible for greeting and helping guests, answering phones, and handling other administrative tasks. This job can be demanding, but it also offers exceptional growth opportunities, not to mention a decent wage while you earn your degree.
If you’re interested in working as a receptionist, here are some quick tips to help you get started:
Becoming a personal assistant is perhaps one of the best jobs for preparing a college student for a career after graduation. Not only does it offer an opportunity to apply knowledge from the classroom in practical scenarios, but it’s also a valuable source of income. Working as a personal assistant will help you sharpen your communication, problem-solving, organizational skills, and other essential professional skills.
For students looking for a full-time or part-time personal assistant role in college, the job description depends on the employer’s needs. Many companies are even hiring virtual assistants, which means you don’t need to go into an office.
Common responsibilities may include data entry, answering phones, scheduling appointments, running errands, filing documents, and managing projects. In addition to providing administrative support, you might be asked to provide general customer service and manage customer inquiries.
Research assistants are an important part of any college research team. They help professors with their research, perform experiments, and gather data. They also learn a great deal about the research process and how to work in a lab.
What’s more, most research assistants (excluding undergraduates) get paid for their work. But even if you don’t qualify for a work-study, you may be able to receive compensation via course or research credit.
Talk to your professor or contact the department head of your school’s science or engineering department if you’re interested in becoming a research assistant. There may be openings for assistantships, and if there aren’t, they can often point you in the right direction.
Pet sitting and dog walking are ideal jobs for those who love animals, as they allow you to spend time with furry friends and make money at the same time. These jobs also offer college students flexible hours that can fit into their studies and extracurricular activities.
When considering a job as a pet sitter or dog walker, remember to research the market in your area and determine what kind of services are available and whether there is enough demand. You’ll also want to learn about any regulations and insurance requirements that may apply.
One of the biggest benefits of being a babysitter is the flexibility it provides. You can choose to work as much or as little as you want, and you don’t necessarily need to commit to a long-term contract.
Babysitting is also an excellent way to build relationships with families that could potentially lead to future job opportunities. By establishing yourself as an experienced professional who is reliable and responsible, you can build a network of contacts to assist you when it comes time to find a job.
As a babysitter, you’ll need certain skills and qualities to succeed. You need exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to be a good babysitter, in addition to being patient, reliable, trustworthy, and organized. Further, you’ll want to learn as much as possible about child care, development and safety, first aid, and CPR.
There are many paths to becoming a graphic designer, and you can make good money doing it. You can attend a traditional four-year college, or you can take advantage of the many online and correspondence courses available. You can also find certificate programs at local trade schools and community colleges.
No matter which route you choose, it’s essential to have a good foundation in art and design principles (many of which you can learn before you graduate college).
Many graphic designers start as artists, working in various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. Others may start as web designers or advertising professionals. The most important thing is to have a passion for graphics and design and to be willing to learn new techniques and software programs.
Freelance writing can provide you with invaluable experience and help you develop skills that advance your career for many years to come. This online job allows students to use their knowledge to create content for clients and receive payment for it (you can often charge a by-word or an hourly rate), which is often more beneficial than the income from a part-time job on campus.
In addition to the financial benefits, you’ll work independently as a freelancer and hone your writing skills in a professional setting. Working with clients on projects will give you insight into the different aspects of the business world and help you understand what it takes to write professionally.
Freelance writing may also provide you with the opportunity to network and make connections that benefit your career after college.
When looking for potential freelance writing opportunities, it’s important to focus on finding clients who are a good fit. You want to ensure that you have the skills necessary to write quality content that meets their expectations and requirements, whether it’s for a business website, social media platforms, or other channels. You should also make sure that the client pays a reasonable rate for your work and that there is a clear agreement in place to protect both parties.
Getting an internship is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and career advice, build your resume, and start networking with potential employers. Networking is especially important when it comes to finding internships since people in your network may be aware of opportunities that are not likely to be publicly advertised.
Start by asking people you know if they know of any openings or companies that may offer internships. You can also research opportunities on job sites and attend networking events related to your industry. To ensure a successful internship experience, confirm all your employer’s expectations before starting the job, and follow through with your commitments throughout the internship.
You never know — your internship could lead to a great full-time job with the same employer, and even if it doesn’t, it will look good on your resume in a competitive job market.
After graduating from college, it can be difficult to know where to start your career. Some entry-level jobs offer higher pay and better opportunities for newly minted graduates than others.
Entry-level positions in accounting, business administration, and finance often provide an ideal launching pad for newly hired college graduates. These roles typically involve working on projects with a diverse group of staff and require skills in communication, problem-solving, and multitasking.
Many organizations also offer positions in marketing, communications, and project management, which provide a strong first step into the corporate world. By providing insightful advice and the practical implementation of new ideas, such roles can help kick off a successful career path in the future and provide you with invaluable experience right out of college.
Regardless of the field you pursue, identifying the perfect entry-level job is a critical part of positioning yourself for success after graduation.
To start, do some research on local companies that are hiring. Then, build your contacts by networking with colleagues who work in those companies or are related to you through family and friends. Most jobs are found through other people who can recommend you or provide a referral.
Maintaining a professional, up-to-date resume, displaying confidence during interviews, having solid references, and showing employers your enthusiasm will help to land the ideal paying job after leaving your college campus.
You might also consider going back to school to learn specific skills if it’s necessary for your chosen profession. Ultimately, remain true to your goals by believing that you can achieve them and working persistently to make those dreams come true.
Finding a good-paying college job can be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
Start by doing your research and networking with people who work at the company you want to work for. Reach out to expert recruiting firms like Pocketbook Agency to explore top-notch employers in your desired field. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and polished, and always display confidence during interviews. Most importantly, remain persistent in your job search, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Sources:
7 Brilliant Hacks To Help You Make More Money Driving for Uber | The Penny Hoarder
The Best Bank Accounts for Freelancers and Side Hustlers | Money Crashers
How To Get an Internship in College | US News & World Report