There are several types of student employment available. Jobs can vary in terms of the number of hours you work, specific responsibilities, and whether employment is part of a university aid program. This means that different kinds of student jobs come with their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Part-time jobs are the most common form of employment for full-time college students, with a majority working between 20 to 34 hours a week. Students can find part-time employment on campus in areas such as library services or off-campus in settings ranging from hospitality and catering to tutoring and professional services. They may also find part-time work in the form of internships which can potentially turn into a full-time job once they graduate.
The biggest advantage of a part-time job is that it allows you to focus on your academic progress while also earning an income. This is especially important for full-time students who may be aiming to complete their education within a few short years. Employment within your educational field may also allow you to develop essential skills, making it easier to find a career relevant to your degree once you graduate. On the other hand, part-time jobs are unlikely to pay very well and may therefore cover only a few college-related expenses.
Students typically don't find full-time employment on campus, but they may explore opportunities in local businesses or establishments. These can include administrative or clerical roles as well as various entry-level positions. Full-time jobs may be a good option for online students or those taking classes part-time as they can continue their education while working.
These jobs can also cover a larger proportion of college fees and tuition expenses — especially when combined with financial aid. However, working 40 hours or more a week can be detrimental for those planning to take nine or more credits per semester. Furthermore, full-time jobs that are well compensated may require, at the very least, an associate degree or other academic qualification that some students may not have.
With many businesses and organizations shifting to a remote working model in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, fully-distanced employment is on the that is sometimes required to get a degree in fields such as business, nursing, or psychology.
Often, both on- and off-campus summer jobs are part of university programs, making them an attractive and less competitive option for many. They also typically permit students to work full-time, which increases their ability to pay for college expenses. However, on-campus summer jobs are usually only available to students enrolled in the institution. Additionally, some off-campus employment may not be directly related to your field of study, which can make building a strong post-graduation resume challenging.
Unlike other forms of employment, work-study opportunities are a kind of federal financial aid. Students receive this aid in the form of earned wages rather than a grant or scholarship. Additionally, they often apply for work-study jobs through their school's financial aid department.
This can make it difficult to find employment as it limits the number of jobs a student can apply for. Additionally, receiving a work-study award does not guarantee that you will receive employment. Instead, students must apply for jobs as they would for any other type of work opportunity.
Despite these disadvantages, work-study programs can help you develop relevant experience in your chosen field. Alongside gaining marketable skills, you can also continue focusing on schoolwork as work-study programs are typically limited to part-time roles. This makes them a suitable option for those who want to earn small amounts of aid without detracting from making progress toward their degree.
The type of employment you choose to pursue while in college is an important decision. In addition, however, you may also want to consider common factors associated with working while in school. For instance, while they allow you to earn money, many jobs
