BY LESLIE CAMPOS, WELLPARENTS.COM
According to data, university tuition rates in the United States have increased between 144% and 211% in the past decade. With costs continuing to climb, it is no wonder that many students need a job to help make ends meet. This is particularly true of adult students who may also have a family to support. These tips can help you find a job as a college student.
1. Improve Your Resume
It is rare for job seekers to mail a resume to a company in the modern job market. However, resumes are still important in finding a job in the digital age. Fortunately, the internet makes it easier than ever to create a stellar, professional-looking resume. You can choose from a library of professionally designed templates using a free resume builder. Make your resume unique by adding photos, images, and copies, and choosing a color scheme. Take advantage of other opportunities for virtual professional development.
2. Find the Right Job
Some jobs are not practical for college students because the schedule is too rigid or the hours are too long to accommodate working and going to school simultaneously. Most colleges have resources to help students find jobs, with employers specifically seeking college students who are willing to work with their class schedules.
Ideally, choose a job that will help you improve the skills you need to enter the workforce in your chosen career. Some companies may offer paid internships that can be a pathway to a full-time job after graduation. Consider remote work and gig work. These jobs often have more flexible scheduling options.
3. Know Where To Look
Local businesses that are hiring college students often post jobs on campus or in the school newspaper. Your school's career center probably has resources you can take advantage of. You may want to check for job openings at your school as well.
Talk to your classmates. They may know about job openings at their place of employment that haven't been posted yet. If you aren't taking classes over the summer, consider seasonal jobs. Search online job boards, particularly those specifically aimed at college students.
4. Start a Business
Starting a business may not be the fastest path to making money, but it puts you in charge of your schedule, which is ideal when you are balancing work and school. Additionally, starting your own business will look impressive on your resume.
Consider structuring your business as a limited liability company. LLCs protect your assets, are more flexible than other business types, require less paperwork, and have tax advantages. Different states have different rules, so research your state's rules before you start.
5. Find the Right Balance
It can be challenging to balance work and school, and family obligations with everything else you need to do. It helps to create a schedule. Set aside specific times for work, study, family, and other activities. Avoid studying when you should be working or working when you plan to spend time with your family.
Working and going to school simultaneously isn't easy, particularly if you also have a family or other obligations. However, steps like creating a professional resume can set you up to succeed in both endeavors.