Finding a job as a college student can be difficult, but there are options available on-campus or off-campus so the first step is figuring out where you’d feel comfortable working while also prioritizing your education and keeping up with your grades. I currently work on campus and in my experience on-campus jobs are more convenient and flexible, and offer opportunities for professional development and networking with faculty and staff members. Another reason, I chose to work on campus was due to the flexibility and compassion of the program I work for. I work part-time and scatter my hours throughout the week in between my breaks in classes which have been extremely helpful when practicing time management. While working on campus I was able to open up my network and meet staff members who have become such a great support system and motivator for my future career aspirations. That being said, everyone will have different experiences and what works for me may not work for you. For people interested in working on campus, I’d recommend speaking with the programs in your institution and asking if they have any openings available. Additionally, I’d also recommend attending career fairs, workshops, and networking events. While establishing an income is important students should also focus on developing a work schedule that allows them to devote sufficient time to studying, attending classes, and completing assignments while simultaneously satisfying employment commitments which can be an adjustment at first. In my sophomore year of college, I began working 2 different part-time jobs and although the income was higher I was significantly burnt out and it ultimately affected my ability to concentrate and do well in my classes- so I made the decision to leave one of my jobs so that I could have more flexibility with my time and also allot some time to self-care and my mental health. Knowing your limits is a crucial factor when thinking about adding extra commitments to your daily life.
