6 Job Ideas For College Students

Everyone knows that, while college is pretty essential for making it in certain careers, it can be expensive and puts people at a disadvantage if they're trying to enter the job market in a good financial position. That's why many college students opt for taking on a part-time job or two while they're still in school. Here are a few ways you can start making money before you've even graduated.

1. Freelance Work

Thanks to the rising popularity of remote work, there are tons of options for freelancing these days, even if you don't have a degree. Many people have paid off student loans by taking on work as SEO copywriters, caption writers, product testers, and more. There are tons of online forums where you can browse for entry-level remote work that you can do right from your dorm room. And it's even possible that the work you do in college could set you up for a future career once you've achieved your degree.

2. Dog Walker

Depending on where your college is located, you may be in an area that has a high demand for dog walkers and pet sitters. This is one of the best jobs for college students because you'll get a lot of flexibility and can usually make a good chunk of change in a short amount of time. A regular weekend gig walking dogs or house-sitting for someone could pay for more than just a few textbooks over time. Try browsing your local paper or advertising your services on a local Facebook page. 

3. Coffee Shops

It's kind of a cliche for college students to work as baristas, but there's a good reason for that. Coffee shops make for a more laid-back, flexible version of the usual food service job. You can make an hourly wage on top of making good tips if you're wowing your customers. Plus, it's possible that your job would hire you back every semester, or you could stay on to work for the summer if you're living locally. 

4. Receptionist

If you're looking for a more office-type job for weekends and evenings, there are almost always businesses hiring for part-time receptionists. You might see listings for urgent-care offices or even banks with extended hours that would work for your schedule. This can be a great job for college students because it gives them experience in an office environment that could help them land similar positions later on.

5. Tutoring 

Many colleges offer students the option to become tutors in areas that they excel in - many of your peers may need help editing papers or getting their math credit out of the way. If you think you have something special to offer, such as detailed notes from a notably difficult course, you could create your own private tutoring service and advertise on student Facebook pages or on fliers around campus. You might be surprised by how much students are willing to pay for the chance to make better grades.

6. Babysitting and Nannying

For college students who are skilled at getting along with children, babysitting and nannying can make for lucrative jobs. A nannying job could have you working several hours every day and weekends, while babysitting is usually more occasional and less of a commitment. Nannies can expect to make up to $20 per hour, meaning that you could be making a decent salary while you're in school. 

While working in college isn't ideal for most students, it's a choice that can pay off big time in the long run. Not only are you keeping yourself from falling into dire financial circumstances, but you're also fleshing out your resume and letting future employers know that you're a hard worker.