6 Tips On What To Look For In A College Job

Is having a job in college really a good idea?

Yes, if you pay attention to some key factors when job hunting. A job in college has the potential to open a lot of doors for you in the future by giving you real-world experience, strengthening your work ethic, anbuilding your connections. And then of course, if you have the paying off of those big scary loans looming in your future, it always helps to start saving early– an added bonus to having a job in college. But if you pick the wrong job, it can be overwhelming and damaging to your overall college experience. So here’s a list of what to look for in a college job if you want to reap the benefits and avoid the consequences.

Tips on finding a job that will enhance your college experience:

1. Look for a job that’s relevant to your field of study. Are you pursuing a career in accounting? Consider being a part-time bank teller. A career in law? You can often find jobs as an office assistant at a firm. Fashion merchandising? Look at openings in retail/sales at boutiques or clothing stores around you. Science or medicine? Research lab assistant jobs. The job might not be glamorous or exactly what you’re hoping to do in the future, but it’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at your field of interest and at least give you a starting place to build off of.
2. Make sure the hours are flexible. Being able to fit your job into your schedule instead of fit your schedule into your job is key. Before deciding how many hours you can work and on what days, remember to consider more than just when you have classes: think about what clubs you’re involved in, how many hours of homework you typically have, how much “personal” time you need in a week, your sleep schedule… Check with your potential employer to see if they’re willing to work with you and your hours around stressful times like midterms or finals.
3. Consider the location of your job. In general, it’s a bad idea to work anywhere that’s far away from campus– especially if you have to depend on public transportation. The commute time is time you’re not getting paid for, so it weighs on your schedule and is usually quite stressful. Plus, it’s a bonus to work on or around your campus because then you get to know the area better.
4. Factor in the life skill benefits. A job that involves writing, speaking, customer relations, organization, management, and the like will not only build your resume for future job positions but will also aid in you all areas of life — especially your school work. So even if you can’t find a job that perfectly fits with what you’re studying, a job with “life skills” can still be very beneficial to your college experience.
5. Don’t disregard the “work study”. Are you one of the many students with work study included in your financial aid package? Take advantage of this! It means you’re more likely to find a job because employers receive a large subsidy when they employ work study students. You’re also more likely to get a job because there are many jobs out there that are specified just for work study students, so that narrows the field in your favor. A work study job usually means that your employer will be considerate of the fact you’re a student and be more flexible. Another benefit of work study is that the earnings you receive will not affect your future financial aid eligibility, since it is a need-based program.
6. Pay attention to who you’re working with. A job where you meet a lot of people and can get to know your employers is great because it’ll give you connections and strong references for future jobs. It can also be an added benefit if you get to work with other people your age, because a job can be a place where you network and meet people interested in the same things you are.

Bottom line, it’s not all about how big the paycheck is.

Certainly, a job is important because of the funds it provides. But don’t just pick one job over the other because it pays more. There’s a lot more you can get out of a job than just money, so take your time and do your research in order to make the most out of your college job.