College Tips: Five Jobs for College Students

Having a job while you’re in college isn’t always the most fun in the world, but it can help you a lot. For one, you’ll be able to have spending money that all your other friends don’t, and you won’t have to go into debt using a credit card all the time. Plus, juggling classes and a job looks good on future job applications because employers know you can be responsible and handle some pressure. Here are some great job ideas you may not have thought of yet:

1. Writing

It’s actually true. You can earn money writing while you’re in college. If you major in English or communications, this will be even better for you. There are plenty of places to find freelance web writing jobs, and writing for the web doesn’t require a ton of skills you don’t already have. The great part about this job is that it gives you a lot of flexibility because you work like you do for classes: to deadlines. Instead of having a set schedule, you just do what you need to to meet deadlines.

2. Handyman work/car repairs

This is something you can do part time on campus. If you know how to do more than just change a tire, you can do many minor auto repairs in the campus parking lot. This can be a bit expensive up front if you have to buy your own tool kit, but you can make tons of money just by charging lower prices than your nearest auto mechanic. You can also post handyman jobs in the area where your school is located; there are likely landlords and homeowners in the area who wouldn’t mind paying a knowledgeable college student to fix a pipe or paint a room.

3. House cleaning

If you are detail oriented and like to work on your own, cleaning houses could be a great option for you. Advertise in your school’s classifieds and in your area’s classifieds, and be sure to check your local listings on Craigslist and so on. You’ll probably have to provide references, but that should be it, especially if you show that you can work fast and well. You’d be surprised how many people would hire someone to clean their houses if the service is available, and you can make anywhere from $10 to $25 an hour depending on where you’re cleaning.

4. Childcare

This is usually a job you plan to do while you’re in high school, but it can also be great for college students. If you go to a school with a lot of non-traditional students, chances are other students in your area will need an occasional or regular babysitter. Again, check out the classified listings for ideas for this. Sometimes you can even land great overnight babysitting jobs where you essentially get paid to serve dinner, get the kids ready for bed, and then do homework or stay in front of the TV.

5. Landscaping

These days, people who know what they’re doing with a lawn mower and a bag of mulch can make a killing. You could work for a landscaping company in the summer, but bring your skills back to school part-time, especially if you live in an area that stays warm most of the year. That nice old lady down the street from campus would probably love to have someone mow her lawn once a week, and she’ll probably pay you pretty well, too.