20 Manageable Part-Time Jobs for College Students

With the next academic semester coming up, the job market surrounding campuses will be filled with developing resumes as young students seek jobs in order to increase the amount in their bank account to anything above the $2 they already have.

Whilst there are pros and cons of managing a part-time job alongside your studies, as outlined by U.S. News, accepting a part-time job at this point in your life will help your development and adjustment into adulthood as you begin to take on more responsibilities.

If you happen to find yourself in the position of looking for a part-time job, here are twenty examples of part-time jobs that are perfect for the full-time college student:

1. Barista

Working as a barista at your local coffee shop or Starbucks can have its perks; wide availability of shifts, time management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. If there is a coffee shop on campus then this is a perfect opportunity to cut travel costs and stay close to your studies, all whilst making money.

2. FWS Positions

The FAFSA will let you know if you are eligible for this placement. Federal Work Study allows many students to find jobs on their campuses within their field of study, perfect to add to the resume. The guarantee of hours helps students rest a little easier knowing that they have a guaranteed form of income, not to mention the flexibility of hours that on-campus jobs are known for.

3. Internships

One of the best foot in the door techniques to help you land the dream job within a specific major is an internship. Whilst this field is known for being competitive, make sure that the internship hunt begins early in order to find the perfect position for you.

4. Writer

English and communication majors generally want to test the waters and confirm that this is the best industry for them before they complete four years of school. Freelance writing will help you find out which specific concentration you enjoy the most and want to pursue, both academically and career-wise.

5. Volunteering

Whilst this isn’t a paid part-time job, it is something that you can do in your free time and in-between studies. As a bonus to the feeling of self-fulfillment, there is also the added benefit of networking opportunities. As they say in many industries; “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.

6. Brand Ambassador

Social media continues to grow as a business industry each and every day. Local and large businesses are constantly looking for campus ambassadors and representatives for their social media platforms, it’s an easy way to make money, network yourself and keep on top of your studies.

7. Server/Host

This is a very common job for college students. Many restaurants close to campus are always searching for more servers and hosts. Not only will you develop great communication skills, but also good time management as you turn over those tables.

8. Taxi driver

The flexibility and ease of driving for a private company, such as Uber or Lyft, is a popular choice among college students for both its accessibility as a service and also as an employer.

9. Sales associate

Another popular option for many college students starting out in the employment industry. Sales associate jobs provide a great confidence booster and also the option of working on either a commission or hourly-based wage.

10. Photographer

Turning your Instagram side hobby into a side career can almost seem too good to be true. Within the freelance photography field, there is also a photo shoot that could use a great photographer. Building a portfolio in your college years can set up a photography business after graduation.

11. Lifeguard

A very impressive part-time job on a resume. Not only does it showcase competency with first aid, but it is also a great talking point during interviews due to any previous experiences that you can use to show leadership or decision-making skills.

12. Tutor

A position that is known for those who excelled at the SAT or ACT in high school. The possibility of tutoring peers on campus, or other high school students near to campus can help identify strengths and the willingness to help others around you. Sometimes there are even opportunities to help on campus, double check your library website for information.

13. Mystery shopper

Sometimes a position overlooked, however key for those wanting to enter the field of entrepreneurship later. Identifying gaps and weaknesses among competitors can ensure that your own business does not make the same mistake. Think of it as healthy competition.

14. Babysitter/Nanny

Whilst this may be overlooked as a job for middle school or high school students, if you are fortunate to be studying close to home this could be a recurring job for the rest of your academic years.

15. Office assistant

An example of a potential Federal Work-Study job, however, it is not limited to just those who are eligible for Federal Work Study. Once again, another perfect example of getting a foot in the door within the desired industry of choice.

16. Cashier

An easy job to search for with plenty of positions available at the start of every semester. Not only do you receive reliable hours, but also the benefit of locality as you are, more than likely, close to campus.

17. Teacher’s assistant

If teaching is your passion, or you want to ensure that your field of study is right for you, becoming a teacher’s assistant is a great start. Not only will you form great connections with teachers who you can use for professional references further down the line, but also a greater love for your studies as you help other peers.

18. Campus tour guide

This position is sought after by many, many students, yet only a handful ever find themselves in that position. Not only is this a flexible job based on the daily timing of tours, it also provides the opportunity to stroll around your campus every day and appreciate it to a greater level.

19. Resident assistant

Whilst this is not a paid position, costs are greatly decreased by the fact that you are provided with on-campus housing in compensation for 24/7 position of resident assistant.

20. Delivery driver

Similar to working as a taxi driver, delivery drivers can save on excessive gas expenditure through tips from delivering to campus dorms and nearby complexes. With plenty of opportunities to deliver in the nearby area, there will always be a tip waiting in exchange for food.

Obviously, there are hundreds of other positions available based on where your college is located. Many of these positions are only stepping stones into the workforce, but they are not positions to be overlooked during your college years.

Finding the right part-time job for your schedule depends on your work ethic and your enjoyment of the position. College is a trial and error period, try out a handful of jobs and find what’s best for you.