Although on-campus and work study jobs are very flexible and easy to get, some students venture off campus to find college jobs. In addition to typically paying better than on-campus positions, off campus jobs also usually allow you to delve into your potential career more, especially in terms of internships, but that's another story entirely. Read on for tips on how to make an off campus job work for you.
Typical Off-Campus Student Jobs
Most students will find off-campus jobs in the food service industry. You don't need much experience, the hours rarely coincide with classes, and there is a lot of money to be made waiting tables. However, it is hard work. Students also find jobs working in retail on the weekends or in between classes.
Some students choose to work as receptionists or in other office-related capacities. This is especially the case if you want to gain experience working in an office, but don't have the qualifications to hold other positions. As an assistant or receptionist, you will learn how an office is run and gain first-hand knowledge that would have otherwise been impossible to obtain had you not taken this job.
Like on-campus jobs, these jobs are not glamorous, but you will learn some valuable experience on how to interact with people, gain knowledge of computer programs and build on your resume.
And sometimes, you can even land a job in your field. I had a friend in college who wanted to be a lawyer, and he took an office assistant job at a lawyer's office. He gained invaluable experience and learned lawyer lingo in a real world environment. Law schools looked upon this favorably when he applied later!
How to Look for Off-Campus Jobs
The first step is to speak with your careers services office. They should have valuable sources of employers in your community looking for workers. Some universities, like the University of Texas-Austin, have programs where employers will only post jobs for those students. UT has a program called Hire a Longhorn, which lists jobs from businesses who want to hire a student. This will narrow down your competition to just those at your school!
Next, try local job boards, such as Monster, Indeed.com, CareerBuilder, and most importantly, Craigslist. Craigslist has become one of the most popular job posting sites because it is free to use in most cities.
Lastly, try networking. This will give you practice when you're looking for a job post-graduation. Hit up your friends if there is an opening at their workplace.
You want to look for a job where there is some flexibility in the work hours. On-campus jobs will work around your class schedule, but off-campus jobs are not quite so kind. Make sure you have enough time to attend classes and study, as you will also find it harder to sneak in some study time at these jobs.
Build a positive work history
While you may not be getting a job that will propel you into being a future lawyer or doctor, you are learning how jobs in the real world work-this is something that is easy to forget in the bubble that is college. You will be able to meet people who can give you great recommendations if you are a hard worker. Plus, you will be able to use the skills you acquire-answering phones or making spreadsheets-to apply for jobs after you graduate.