Most students struggle to survive on their student loans. Because of this, lots of students apply for part time jobs, which can help to supplement their income. This article takes a look at how to work part time through college.

Most students are permanently broke and having no cash is usually a fact of life when you decide to embark on a further education course. Unfortunately, trying to survive with no money is not good for your health since you will not be able to afford to eat properly – and in the worst-case scenario, not have enough cash to pay your rent. But there is an answer: working part time through college can help boost your bank account and provide lots of extra opportunities to make new friends and enjoy long term employment.

Will I Have Time to Work While I’m Studying?

Whether you will have time to work whilst at college very much depends on the kind of course you are enrolled in. For example, a degree in medicine is clearly going to have a much greater workload than a degree in fine art. But to a certain extent, only you can decide whether you will have time to take on a part time job, and if you can’t manage to work during term time, you could always work in the holidays instead.

What Kinds of Part time Jobs Are Worth Taking?

There are lots of part time jobs available to college students, but not all of them are ideal. The best sort of jobs are flexible ones that offer shift work, so you can fit a part time job into your study timetable without too much difficulty. Well-paid jobs are also worth taking, as long as they are not well paid because they are dangerous, illegal, immoral, or because your employer expects you to work full time hours.

Jobs that offer free food are also well worth considering – although you might wish to rethink this one if the ‘free meal’ is very unhealthy. Students often find themselves going hungry due to financial restraints, so having a job that ensures you get a good meal each day is always a bonus.

Finally, jobs that enhance your social life are also well worth considering. If you can secure bar work in popular pubs and clubs, do not turn this down as you are guaranteed a great social life whilst getting paid to enjoy yourself.

Jobs That Offer Work Experience

Any job that gives you valuable work experience in the field you are hoping to gain employment is also worth taking. In some cases, the job might not be well paid, but if it is likely to lead on to bigger and better things or gain you some useful contacts, it is definitely worth considering.

Many interns find that the company that they complete work experience for offers them a full time job after college, or paid work after a certain amount of months.

How Do I Find a Part time Job?

If you are a college student and looking for a part time job, there are a number of ways to go about this.

• Word of mouth is very useful for students looking for part time employment. You might hear of a job from a friend of a friend, or perhaps there is a forthcoming opening because one of your fellow students is leaving their job at the end of term. Either way, keep your ear to the ground and follow up any leads immediately.
• Check out college notice boards because some prospective employers advertise their vacancies there.
• Read the local newspaper the moment it hits the newsstands, so your name is top of the list when there is a vacancy.
• Don’t be afraid to be proactive and ask anyone and everyone if they need any part time employees. This is especially true if you are looking for work experience – write emails and letters, include a CV, and let these people know you are looking for work if a suitable opportunity arises.
• Take advantage of family connections and see if any of your relatives know of any jobs in the local area.

Depending on the course that you are taking, it is definitely possible to pick up part time work. Keep the above tips in mind, and you should find that your financial situation improves.