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Student Employment Guide

Written by OnlineU Writers • Updated 12/28/2023

College students work hard — in every sense of the term. The most recent from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time students work at jobs in addition to going to school. In terms of hours, 40% of part-time students work more than 35 hours a week, and 25% of full-time students work 20 or more hours a week.

Knowing that most college students are either at work, thinking about their jobs, or planning to start building their careers in the near future, we've put together numerous informative articles and resources on employment. This comprehensive hub guides you to additional information and advice on working while in school, preparing for your career after college, and finding work when you need it. 

We also provide a wealth of career guidance if you're still undecided about your career path and want to know more about specific occupations.

Written by OnlineU Writers • Updated 12/28/2023

College students work hard — in every sense of the term. The most recent from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time students work at jobs in addition to going to school. In terms of hours, 40% of part-time students work more than 35 hours a week, and 25% of full-time students work 20 or more hours a week.

Knowing that most college students are either at work, thinking about their jobs, or planning to start building their careers in the near future, we've put together numerous informative articles and resources on employment. This comprehensive hub guides you to additional information and advice on working while in school, preparing for your career after college, and finding work when you need it. 

We also provide a wealth of career guidance if you're still undecided about your career path and want to know more about specific occupations.

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Working While in College

Some students work simply because of financial need. However, certain types of college jobs — internships, work-study jobs, and co-ops — may also double as part of your education, preparing you for the career you have planned for the future. The following resources may help you decide if you should work and, if so, what type of student work would benefit you the most.

Guide to Federal Work-Study Programs

Federal work-study programs, which are usually jobs for college students that are organized by the school, are a form of financial aid. Work-study students may be hired for on-campus or off-campus jobs to help pay for college. Discover how these programs work, how much you can earn, and how your financial status may affect your eligibility for a work-study job.

How To Balance Working Full Time and Going to School

Many undergraduates and graduate students alike struggle with managing their course loads, work schedules, and other commitments. This article provides helpful advice on balancing your class schedule with work, ways to save time when earning your degree, and options for saving money so you may not have to get a job in college.

How To Get an Internship

Getting an internship over a summer break or concurrently with a school semester is a great way to gain authentic work experience in your field. Internships are often considered so valuable that they're a requirement for graduation. 

How To Make the Most of Your Internship Experience

Internship experiences are more than just summer jobs for college students. They can be incredibly rewarding experiences that become an integral part of your career prep while in college. Here's how to ensure you learn all you can, develop great networking relationships, and contribute to the organization where you intern so that you leave with high marks — and possibly a job offer after graduation.

How To Save Money in College

It's a well-known fact that many students take out student loans to finance their college degrees and then end up paying off that debt for decades. We asked some financial experts to offer their insights on reducing the cost of a college education and finding additional ways to save.

Internship vs. Externship: What's the Difference?

Although they may sound similar, these internships and externships are dramatically different. Externships are usually brief — often just a day or a week — during which you shadow someone who works in the industry you plan to enter, while an internship is a part-time or full-time student job that lasts for three to four months.

Pros and Cons of Working While in College

College jobs offer several benefits, including valuable work experience and a paycheck, but there are some drawbacks as well. You may want to consider the factors described here to help you decide if working in college is a smart choice for your circumstances.

What's the Difference Between a Co-Op and an Internship?

A co-op is somewhat similar to an internship, except that it's usually a full-time job that lasts a year or more. The purpose of a co-op is to obtain thorough on-the-job training while attending classes in the same field. 

Career Preparation

Earning a college degree is a significant investment in your career, which you surely want to begin building as soon as you graduate. The following resources are designed to show you what you can start doing while still in school to set yourself up for career success when you're ready for that first big job search after earning your degree.

Career Prep for College Students

Taking courses in your major isn't the only way you can prepare for your career after graduation. There are many additional means of gaining experience and developing skills. This comprehensive guide explores these opportunities and provides plenty of additional career prep tips. 

From College Applications to Job Hunting: How College Students Can Manage Their Online Reputations

In recent years, it's become a fairly common practice for admissions counselors, human resource specialists, and hiring managers to review an applicant's social media profiles as part of their screening process. This guide on how to manage your online reputation takes you step by step through revising your existing online content if needed, as well as setting up your profiles and using them appropriately so that you make a great impression online.

Online Trade and Vocational Degrees

Not everyone needs a bachelor’s degree to build a great career. If you’re more interested in getting hands-on and entering the workforce quickly, trade school might be the perfect path. This guide for "Online Trade and Vocational Degrees" breaks down online vocational programs that prepare you for in-demand careers, like dental assisting, auto repair, coding, and even culinary arts. You’ll learn what these programs cost, how long they take, and how to choose the right one, so you can train for a stable, high-paying job without the long-term debt of a four-year degree.

How College Students Can Develop Soft Skills

Skills can be divided into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical abilities that you may learn in school, such as using a piece of equipment or writing a top-notch report. Soft skills, on the other hand, refer to the way you think and interact with others, and to hiring managers, they're just as important as technical skills. This resource will help you identify your core soft skills and develop more.

LinkedIn Tips for College Students and Recent Grads

Are you using LinkedIn yet? It's one of the best social media platforms to use for making professional connections and searching for jobs, even before you've graduated. If you'd like to learn how to use LinkedIn more effectively, follow these guidelines that include plenty of real-life examples.

Decoding Tuition, Fees, and Other College Costs

Trying to figure out what college really costs? You’re not alone. This guide breaks down why tuition numbers are so confusing — and what you can do to make sense of them. From hidden fees and misleading “sticker prices” to inconsistent terms like “instructional” vs. “designated” tuition, we explain it all with insights from financial aid advisors, CPAs, and legal experts. You'll learn how to compare actual college costs, spot red flags, and ask the right questions so you’re not caught off guard when the bill arrives.

Can You Go to College While in the Military?

Yes, you can go to college while in the military — and this guide shows you how. With flexible online programs, tuition assistance, and smart planning, active-duty service members are earning degrees that boost their post-military careers. We explore real-world strategies, branch-specific benefits, and expert advice from a Coast Guard lieutenant who finished his degree while serving. Whether you're stationed stateside or overseas, you’ll find practical tips to balance service, school, and your long-term goals, all while making the most of your military education benefits.

Top 10 Jobs with High Job Security

Worried about job stability? You’re not alone — and these careers offer real peace of mind. We highlight 10 fast-growing, future-proof jobs with above-average pay and high long-term demand, from nurse practitioners to wind turbine techs. You’ll learn what each role involves, how much you can earn, and the degrees or credentials you’ll need to get started, many of which can be earned online. Whether you're planning a career change or just starting out, this guide is designed to help you target careers built to last.

Is A Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?

Is a bachelor’s degree still worth it? For many, the answer is yes, but it depends on your goals. This guide discusses costs, earning potential, and the long-term value of a four-year degree, showing how it can boost job security, income, and career options. You’ll also learn about high-ROI majors, alternatives like trade schools or associate degrees, and how to decide what’s right for you.

Why College Students Should Network

Networking is essential for professionals, but it's equally important for college students. You can start building your network and enjoying the benefits of it while you're still an undergraduate or graduate student. 

Jobs After College

What do you want to do? Where do you want to work? These are just a few of the key questions you'll need to consider about your future employment opportunities, so we've gathered together informative data that may help you find the right answers.

Benefits of Working From Home: How Remote Learning Can Help You Get There

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more organizations are allowing their employees to work from home all or at least some of the time. Yet, working remotely can lead to an unusual workday and a different kind of work environment. Fortunately, college students who opt for distance learning may have a better chance of developing the right skills and mindset for remote work.

Highest Paying Trade Jobs

Given the significant investment of time and effort required to earn a four-year degree, you may prefer to prepare for a career in a skilled trade, such as construction, health care, or food preparation. Discover which skilled trades offer the best employment opportunities and highest salaries after a fairly minimal investment in targeted education. 

The 15 Happiest Jobs for College Graduates

You're probably dreaming of a career that's fulfilling, stable, and financially rewarding, right? We've tracked down the 15 most satisfying jobs — using data drawn from working professionals — and given you the job descriptions, growth projections, and median salaries for every one of them. This resource may help you identify your dream job.

Nine Associate Degrees That Lead to High-Paying Jobs

Want to land a high-paying job without a four-year degree? This guide highlights nine associate degrees that can lead to strong starting salaries, many with earnings that outpace bachelor’s degree holders early on. We dive into each field, from healthcare and tech to business and criminal justice, with salary data included. You'll find real income outcomes from actual programs, plus insight into job growth, employer demand, and how to make a smart, affordable start toward a lucrative career.

Student Employment Resources

In addition to all of the guidance, useful data, and information we provide on our website, we'd like to direct you to these resources that may help you land the perfect job.

Freelance Job Boards

Depending on your chosen occupation, you may prefer to be self-employed and support yourself by picking up short-term gigs. Sites like and help connect you with other professionals who need your services, whether you're a designer, writer, coder, or some other type of business service provider.

Handshake

is the leading online job search website designed exclusively for college students. You'll need your .edu email address to create an account and gain access to their job listings, many of which require only a limited amount of work experience.

LinkedIn

is the top social media platform for professionals, and it doubles as a job search website. After creating a profile, you'll be able to search for job opportunities, respond to job postings, and connect with other professionals in your industry.

Online Job Boards

Many online job search websites — including , , and , just to name a few — list thousands of job openings. Once you've joined and created a profile, you can set filters that help you locate open positions that match your qualifications and preferences. If you're looking for remote job opportunities, specializes in remote and contract work.

OnlineU's Career Guides

Part of your job search may include researching specific careers and occupations, how much they pay, where they are concentrated in the U.S., and what qualifications they require. Check our career guides for all of this information and more on dozens of different career options.

Student Employment Offices or Career Centers 

Your college or university probably offers career guidance as one of its free services for its students. Career counselors can assist you in many ways, from helping you determine the best career options for your skills and aptitudes to coaching you on job hunting and interviewing techniques. They may also organize job fairs, and they most likely keep lists of local job openings.

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