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what is the best type of places to work during college ?
I will be needing a job when I head off to college.
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12 answers
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Kelly’s Answer
Any work experience is good! What are you majoring in? You can get experience in a related field. I was pre-nursing (later changed majors) and I volunteered at the local hospital one day a week. I also had a job at the basketball arena because it was Convenient and had flexible hours.
Maggie Morgan-Butcher
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist, Nonprofit Professional in Residence
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Maggie’s Answer
Hi Danessa,
Congratulations on the start of your college journey!
To answer your question, something I really wish I'd known about before going to college was the importance of internships and building experience in your intended industry (or working in an role or industry that will help you build transferable skills). Although it might seem like a financial burden right now to opt for an unpaid internship, they present huge opportunities and will get your foot in the door at exciting companies. Internships can also help you build your professional network and gain invaluable early experience that really sets you apart.
If you need to earn money while you're in school, I would highly suggest looking at some job postings for roles you'd like to apply for after obtaining your degree and making a list of requirements and skills it would be good to cultivate before applying. Next, look for part-time positions that will allow you to build valuable skills now so you can hit the ground running when you graduate!
I know this seems like a lot of work now and I'm sure you have a ton going on with school, but I would highly recommend that you make your next move with your future career in mind.
Best of luck!
Maggie
Research internship options at companies you'd like to work for or in industries that appeal to you
Research jobs you'd like to apply for once you graduate, then create lists of skills and requirements corresponding to those positions
Look for part-time employment opportunities that will allow you to build those transferable skills in the meantime while you're a student
Congratulations on the start of your college journey!
To answer your question, something I really wish I'd known about before going to college was the importance of internships and building experience in your intended industry (or working in an role or industry that will help you build transferable skills). Although it might seem like a financial burden right now to opt for an unpaid internship, they present huge opportunities and will get your foot in the door at exciting companies. Internships can also help you build your professional network and gain invaluable early experience that really sets you apart.
If you need to earn money while you're in school, I would highly suggest looking at some job postings for roles you'd like to apply for after obtaining your degree and making a list of requirements and skills it would be good to cultivate before applying. Next, look for part-time positions that will allow you to build valuable skills now so you can hit the ground running when you graduate!
I know this seems like a lot of work now and I'm sure you have a ton going on with school, but I would highly recommend that you make your next move with your future career in mind.
Best of luck!
Maggie
Maggie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Danessa,
When I was in school (Ohio State University), there were a lot of on campus jobs for students that do a great job of making sure you have a nice school/work balance. My first campus job was working as a Building Manager for our Student Union. I worked anywhere between 15-30 hours a week depending on my school work, was able to make some money and also not worry about falling behind on my school work.
I would suggest looking for a job on campus or just off campus (in walking distance at the very least) so that you're able to find something that will help you manage your time while being a full time student.
When I was in school (Ohio State University), there were a lot of on campus jobs for students that do a great job of making sure you have a nice school/work balance. My first campus job was working as a Building Manager for our Student Union. I worked anywhere between 15-30 hours a week depending on my school work, was able to make some money and also not worry about falling behind on my school work.
I would suggest looking for a job on campus or just off campus (in walking distance at the very least) so that you're able to find something that will help you manage your time while being a full time student.
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Katherine’s Answer
I agree with some other answers here too. If you're in your first year and adjusting to college-level courses, find a job that's on campus because it'll be easier to get from class to work (and potentially back to class). Make sure you're realistic about how much free time you will have to work while keeping up with your classes. I worked at the campus bookstore in college, and because it was on campus, I was able to work between classes. I know other students that worked at the campus restaurants/cafes, as tutors in the academic services department, in the athletics department as a tennis instructor, and as research assistants in labs (science majors). Check your college's job listings.
Personally, I'd recommend some low key work during the school year while balancing school. Keep an eye on internships during the summer that will give you experience in your desired career. Start building your resume; it's also an opportunity to get insight into different careers/roles to get a better understanding of what you do or don't want to do in the future. Once you're in your junior and senior years of school, the work experience you've gained earlier in college might help you get part time roles at a company (vs at a cafe or the bookstore).
Personally, I'd recommend some low key work during the school year while balancing school. Keep an eye on internships during the summer that will give you experience in your desired career. Start building your resume; it's also an opportunity to get insight into different careers/roles to get a better understanding of what you do or don't want to do in the future. Once you're in your junior and senior years of school, the work experience you've gained earlier in college might help you get part time roles at a company (vs at a cafe or the bookstore).
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Matt’s Answer
Great question! One thing to consider is to head over to career services at your school. When I was in college, I was able to work for the College of Business Administration as a student adviser. A lot of the business offices in each department have the need for part time work, which a lot of times, students can fill during their down time.
Working on campus is great and will get you more connected to the school as part time employee. I'd encourage you to seek opportunity even in the area in which you are studying. So if you are aspiring to be an LPN, then maybe seek out a part time position with that department. You will get exposed not only to how the department works but also make some great connection to faculty and staff.
Be persistent and find something, it's out there, you just need to be persistent to find the right opportunity!
Working on campus is great and will get you more connected to the school as part time employee. I'd encourage you to seek opportunity even in the area in which you are studying. So if you are aspiring to be an LPN, then maybe seek out a part time position with that department. You will get exposed not only to how the department works but also make some great connection to faculty and staff.
Be persistent and find something, it's out there, you just need to be persistent to find the right opportunity!
Updated
Yasmine’s Answer
For your first year, I would recommend finding an on campus job. There should be websites at the school you attend with listings for all of the on campus jobs. It will be a great way to meet other students and become better acquainted with the university. After your first year, try looking for any on campus jobs that align with your major or I would recommend a job that includes mentoring other students. It's a very rewarding experience and provides really great leadership experience.
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Noelle’s Answer
You could look for an "on campus" job. If that is not a possibility, something near campus or where you live that will be flexible to work around your school schedule
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Nathan’s Answer
When I was in college I worked in retail. Retail can be good since they can be flexible on hours when you have classes. I know my manager was awesome with that for me. Now I did have a friend work on campus like the bookstore and had the same experience. But once you are hired or even in the interview make sure to provide the days/time you have classes so they can schedule you ahead of time.
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Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Danessa, this is an excellent question. If you are looking for employment during your senior year and on into college, I would suggest that you choose your job not by looking at different company's but by the hours of operation. When you get to college you will need to have very flexible hours. The reason this will be better for you is if you can set your own schedule and you will have your class schedule in advance so you can plan your work hours. One last thing you might try working online when you're trying to go to school and save money every little bite helps, best of luck
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Peyton’s Answer
Something with flexible hours! Although you will need a job you have to make sure to prioritize attending classes, homework and studying for tests. College is a lot of work so in order to balance school and work a job with flexible hours is something you should look into. Maybe working as a host/hostess or as an after school nanny. These jobs typically can take place in the afternoon after you've attended your classes. Make sure you plan when you will do homework or study ahead of time.
You can do this!
You can do this!
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H’s Answer
Many colleges have jobs available on campus. I would check with your advisor or the university you plan to attend. This is a good option because they work around your class schedule.
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Lan’s Answer
what is the best type of places to work during college ?
- Interning at corporations which can help you open up opportunities
- Try different things to figure out what you like
- Try to find a job where it supports your passion/interest
- Service/retails jobs are great to learn customer service skills
- Entrepreneurial opportunities like dog walking, baby-sitting/nanny which can offer flex schedule
- Ride share jobs for flexibility and understand the business model
- Interning at corporations which can help you open up opportunities
- Try different things to figure out what you like
- Try to find a job where it supports your passion/interest
- Service/retails jobs are great to learn customer service skills
- Entrepreneurial opportunities like dog walking, baby-sitting/nanny which can offer flex schedule
- Ride share jobs for flexibility and understand the business model