Tops Jobs for College Students

College is that time in every teens life where he or she has a chance to create new experiences: finding a major, pulling an all-nighter, doing laundry alone, going to parties, and so on. However, when the novelty of college wears off, or when students are hurting for extra cash, many students may need to look for a job either on or off campus. As a college student, there are a bevy of fun choices for employment. The following articles details some jobs that I had in college, along with some that my friends had as well. Any of these jobs will help a student to boost a resume, build social skills, and maybe even have some fun along the way.

First, students may want to consider becoming a tutor for the school's tutoring center. I worked as a tutor for two years in graduate school, and I loved the one-on-one experience that I could have with students. I also liked using various methodologies to help students solve their problems. I was a writing tutor, though there is the need for tutors in all subject areas. Students should pick a subject that they know a lot about and can discuss easily. There are also opportunities to privately tutor others, which can bring in additional income. Students could also consider offering private lessons in art, music, photography, or any skill that others might be interested in learning.

Along the same lines of tutoring comes babysitting or nannying. Many college campuses have employees and students who are in need of childcare while they are at work or at school. If a student is great with children, he or she might consider applying for one of these types of jobs. Most schools offer a daycare center for children, which also may need workers. Students studying education would be particularly suited for these jobs.

Some universities may also offer students the chance to take part in psychological experiments in exchange for pay. Many schools have a psychology department that needs participants, so if students are interested, this might be a way to go. Of course, students should never participate in an experiment that makes them feel uncomfortable, so it is important to listen carefully when the requirements for the experiments are explained. At my previous school, extra credit was offered in exchange for participation, so I volunteered a few times to boost my grades. The experiments were always interesting and, best of all, harmless, so it was a good experience.

On-campus jobs are also a positive experience for many students. Generally, on-campus employers understand a student's complex schedule in college and do not overextend students during the week. Some on-campus jobs also allow students to bring homework to do during downtime, which can be beneficial for the student. On-campus jobs offer all sorts of options, such as food service, working in the library, working in the bookstore, becoming a Resident Advisor for a dorm, and many other choices. Many of my friends worked on campus during college and had great experiences; they were able to work a few hours a week and make some extra money, they could meet other students on campus, and they could usually set their own hours based around their class schedules.

If a student has a good sense of school spirit and knows a lot about the campus, he or she may want to consider becoming a campus tour guide. Guides are responsible for giving prospective students and parents tours of the campus and answering any questions along the way. A guide should be social, enthusiastic, and have a good sense of the history of the college.

A final possibility is looking for a paid internship in the student's field of choice. Often times, internships are not paid, but there are some exceptions. Students should inquire within their departments to discuss finding an internship within the school or community. An internship would provide a student the chance to see his or her course of study applied in the work force and would help the student gain experience as well.

Above all, students should pick a job that suits them. The best aspect of college is that there are so many choices and possibilities for students, so finding a niche for employment also helps students build their respective identities. Four years in college gives a student many opportunities to try out different possibilities and see what interests him or her. Being employed in college will then later help students transition into the working world easily and readily.