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Is working a part time job while in college a good idea?
I'm wondering if the workload of college will be too much to handle a job. I wonder if there's more or less homework and classwork in college than high school because I know there's more leniency in the amount of classes you can take.
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Only if it does not interfere with your class schedule and of you achieving your academic goals.
The most successful students, that I have seen, are the ones working on the actual college campus, either in a part time position or in a federal work study positions.
These are the preferred jobs because you have educators and college staff managing your hours and making sure that you are attending class, and that nothing interferes with your education. So, they have an interest in your success as a college student, which is better than an off campus job in which the supervisor has no interest in your education and is only interested in how many hours you can give him each week, no matter what your class schedule it.
So, on campus positions and work study jobs are definitely the best option.
The most successful students, that I have seen, are the ones working on the actual college campus, either in a part time position or in a federal work study positions.
These are the preferred jobs because you have educators and college staff managing your hours and making sure that you are attending class, and that nothing interferes with your education. So, they have an interest in your success as a college student, which is better than an off campus job in which the supervisor has no interest in your education and is only interested in how many hours you can give him each week, no matter what your class schedule it.
So, on campus positions and work study jobs are definitely the best option.
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Amy! It's a great question to ask, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer! Here's a breakdown to help you weigh the pros and cons of a part-time job while in college:
Pros of a Part-Time Job:
* Financial independence. A job can help cover expenses like books, food, or entertainment, reducing financial strain on you or your family.
* Practical experience. A part-time job can teach you valuable skills like time management, teamwork, customer service, and handling responsibility.
* Networking. You might meet people in your field or gain valuable contacts that could lead to future opportunities.
* Balance and structure. Having a job can provide structure to your week and keep you grounded, especially if you're adjusting to college life.
Cons of a Part-Time Job:
* Time management. Balancing college work with a job requires excellent time management and prioritisation skills. It can be demanding, especially in demanding majors.
* Academic performance. If you're struggling with coursework or have a heavy workload, a job might add unnecessary stress and potentially impact your grades.
* Missed opportunities. You might miss out on extracurricular activities, social events, or internships if you're constantly working.
College Workload vs. High School:
* Less Leniency in College: While you do have more freedom to choose your course load, college courses are generally more demanding than high school courses. Expect more reading, writing, research, and critical thinking.
* Varying Class Sizes: Some college courses are smaller and more discussion-based, while others are lecture-heavy. This can impact the amount of individual work and preparation required.
* Major-Specific Demand: Certain majors, like science, engineering, or business, often involve more coursework and labs, making time management even more crucial.
Here's how to approach the decision:
1. Can you manage your time effectively? Are you organised and disciplined?
2. How challenging is your major? How many courses are you taking?
3. Are you reliant on a job to cover your expenses?
4. Some colleges offer work-study programs or campus jobs that can be flexible and accommodate your class schedule.
5. If you're unsure, start with a few hours per week and see how you handle the workload. You can always increase your hours later.
A part-time job can be a valuable experience in college, but it's crucial to be realistic about your time commitment and prioritize your academic success. If you're concerned about the workload, start with a few hours and see how it works out. Be open to adjusting your schedule if needed to maintain a healthy balance. With love, Darya
Pros of a Part-Time Job:
* Financial independence. A job can help cover expenses like books, food, or entertainment, reducing financial strain on you or your family.
* Practical experience. A part-time job can teach you valuable skills like time management, teamwork, customer service, and handling responsibility.
* Networking. You might meet people in your field or gain valuable contacts that could lead to future opportunities.
* Balance and structure. Having a job can provide structure to your week and keep you grounded, especially if you're adjusting to college life.
Cons of a Part-Time Job:
* Time management. Balancing college work with a job requires excellent time management and prioritisation skills. It can be demanding, especially in demanding majors.
* Academic performance. If you're struggling with coursework or have a heavy workload, a job might add unnecessary stress and potentially impact your grades.
* Missed opportunities. You might miss out on extracurricular activities, social events, or internships if you're constantly working.
College Workload vs. High School:
* Less Leniency in College: While you do have more freedom to choose your course load, college courses are generally more demanding than high school courses. Expect more reading, writing, research, and critical thinking.
* Varying Class Sizes: Some college courses are smaller and more discussion-based, while others are lecture-heavy. This can impact the amount of individual work and preparation required.
* Major-Specific Demand: Certain majors, like science, engineering, or business, often involve more coursework and labs, making time management even more crucial.
Here's how to approach the decision:
1. Can you manage your time effectively? Are you organised and disciplined?
2. How challenging is your major? How many courses are you taking?
3. Are you reliant on a job to cover your expenses?
4. Some colleges offer work-study programs or campus jobs that can be flexible and accommodate your class schedule.
5. If you're unsure, start with a few hours per week and see how you handle the workload. You can always increase your hours later.
A part-time job can be a valuable experience in college, but it's crucial to be realistic about your time commitment and prioritize your academic success. If you're concerned about the workload, start with a few hours and see how it works out. Be open to adjusting your schedule if needed to maintain a healthy balance. With love, Darya
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
Hi Amy,
Working a part-time job in college can have pros and cons. On the con side, you may have trouble balancing both a job and your studies. You will also need to work for an employer that accommodates your class schedule and if you are going away to college, they need to be also willing to let you travel home during your breaks. Many employers in college towns are accustomed to this so it's not hard to find flexible employers.
That being said, there are some definite pros to having a job. First of all it may help you have spending money or even cover your educational expenses. It also can be good experience to have on your resume. Finding a position that compliments your intended career field would be a bonus even if it's loosely related. For example if you are going into marketing, a job in retail will expose you to the basics of merchandising.
My son is currently a Junior at Georgia Southern and he has worked at a local restaurant while at school. Being in a college town, the employer is very flexible on scheduling and allowing him time off to travel home for breaks. Having a job has afforded him spending money and being able to do things like going to concerts that his Mom isn't willing to pay for :). He limits his hours to what he can handle and has maintained Dean's List status while working so it can be done successfully without impacting your studies.
I would suggest you are up front with any potential employer on your needs and expectations in order to realize success in employment!
I hope that helps!
Lynn
Working a part-time job in college can have pros and cons. On the con side, you may have trouble balancing both a job and your studies. You will also need to work for an employer that accommodates your class schedule and if you are going away to college, they need to be also willing to let you travel home during your breaks. Many employers in college towns are accustomed to this so it's not hard to find flexible employers.
That being said, there are some definite pros to having a job. First of all it may help you have spending money or even cover your educational expenses. It also can be good experience to have on your resume. Finding a position that compliments your intended career field would be a bonus even if it's loosely related. For example if you are going into marketing, a job in retail will expose you to the basics of merchandising.
My son is currently a Junior at Georgia Southern and he has worked at a local restaurant while at school. Being in a college town, the employer is very flexible on scheduling and allowing him time off to travel home for breaks. Having a job has afforded him spending money and being able to do things like going to concerts that his Mom isn't willing to pay for :). He limits his hours to what he can handle and has maintained Dean's List status while working so it can be done successfully without impacting your studies.
I would suggest you are up front with any potential employer on your needs and expectations in order to realize success in employment!
I hope that helps!
Lynn
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Amy !
This is a very good question and your timing is great because you should have the information about this before you apply to college and apply for financial aid.
Yes, it is advisable to work part time while in college, but I would suggest that you do it through a financial aid program called Work Study. I will also share my experience with you of my Work Study time which was an excellent way to work on campus while being in college. Work Study is one of the options students have when applying for financial aid. You will check the boxes for grants, scholarships and specialized aid and WORK STUDY. This means that you will be given an allotment of money to be worked off at a site on campus. It can very well be in your major department, too, which will really be beneficial. Working on campus will save you time and you can work around your class schedule with no issues about that. With an outside employer, they may need you when they need you and it may be hard to balance school and work. So make sure to check the Work Study option when you apply for financial aid. Once you receive it, go to any department or building on campus and let them know you're there for a work study job and they will tell you positions that are available.
I was an out of state student during my first semester only and I had a job off campus. I liked the job and the people very much, but once I started college, I liked the feel of academia and wanted to be there all day. My second semester saw me being eligible for financial aid and work study because I fulfilled the 12 month residency requirement in that state at that time. So I obtained a work study job in the academic counseling center and met great people there, especially my best friend who remains so till this day. Back in the old days when I was a student, we had what was called an Audio/Visual Department at which professors took out films and slide shows to show to their classes. That was my second work study job. It was excellent and I became friends with my manager there. Then I had a gap year and worked off campus, traveled to my home state to see family and friends, went back to my college town and enrolled as a junior and got the work study position that actually led to me obtaining my first career job after college. It was in my major department - Theatre- and I ran the prop rental department at which students and community theatre people would rent furniture and props that I set the prices for and arranged time limits, etc. It was awesome. It worked wonders for me on my resume after I graduated. So work study has so many benefits the least not being the outstanding people that you end up meeting.
Yes, there is much more expectation in college as far as the work and projects. Most likely you will have to determine if you want to work evenings, how far you'd have to travel and allow time for studying and projects if you work a regular job off campus from a company employer. It may be hard, but since I did mostly all my college path through work study, I just know it was extremely convenient and had a job in my field before I applied for that first career job. There is a LOT of reading and writing in college, at least at the college I went to decades ago, so I would venture to generalize that nothing has changed over the years about that. The best thing about work study is that you do it during the time you can. I used to go to classes and after my last class of the day, go straight to my work study job and put in my hours. If I had more free time, I'd work. If I had less free time, I would work one or two hours that day. My experience with it was very, very flexible and depending on what department or building you work at, your experience may be just as flexible. It's something to discuss during an orientation at the college you plan to attend. I did work study carrying as little as 12 units (of credit) and as much as carrying 19 units (of credit) and it worked out great for me.
I hope this is insightful and something to consider. I wish you all the best !
This is a very good question and your timing is great because you should have the information about this before you apply to college and apply for financial aid.
Yes, it is advisable to work part time while in college, but I would suggest that you do it through a financial aid program called Work Study. I will also share my experience with you of my Work Study time which was an excellent way to work on campus while being in college. Work Study is one of the options students have when applying for financial aid. You will check the boxes for grants, scholarships and specialized aid and WORK STUDY. This means that you will be given an allotment of money to be worked off at a site on campus. It can very well be in your major department, too, which will really be beneficial. Working on campus will save you time and you can work around your class schedule with no issues about that. With an outside employer, they may need you when they need you and it may be hard to balance school and work. So make sure to check the Work Study option when you apply for financial aid. Once you receive it, go to any department or building on campus and let them know you're there for a work study job and they will tell you positions that are available.
I was an out of state student during my first semester only and I had a job off campus. I liked the job and the people very much, but once I started college, I liked the feel of academia and wanted to be there all day. My second semester saw me being eligible for financial aid and work study because I fulfilled the 12 month residency requirement in that state at that time. So I obtained a work study job in the academic counseling center and met great people there, especially my best friend who remains so till this day. Back in the old days when I was a student, we had what was called an Audio/Visual Department at which professors took out films and slide shows to show to their classes. That was my second work study job. It was excellent and I became friends with my manager there. Then I had a gap year and worked off campus, traveled to my home state to see family and friends, went back to my college town and enrolled as a junior and got the work study position that actually led to me obtaining my first career job after college. It was in my major department - Theatre- and I ran the prop rental department at which students and community theatre people would rent furniture and props that I set the prices for and arranged time limits, etc. It was awesome. It worked wonders for me on my resume after I graduated. So work study has so many benefits the least not being the outstanding people that you end up meeting.
Yes, there is much more expectation in college as far as the work and projects. Most likely you will have to determine if you want to work evenings, how far you'd have to travel and allow time for studying and projects if you work a regular job off campus from a company employer. It may be hard, but since I did mostly all my college path through work study, I just know it was extremely convenient and had a job in my field before I applied for that first career job. There is a LOT of reading and writing in college, at least at the college I went to decades ago, so I would venture to generalize that nothing has changed over the years about that. The best thing about work study is that you do it during the time you can. I used to go to classes and after my last class of the day, go straight to my work study job and put in my hours. If I had more free time, I'd work. If I had less free time, I would work one or two hours that day. My experience with it was very, very flexible and depending on what department or building you work at, your experience may be just as flexible. It's something to discuss during an orientation at the college you plan to attend. I did work study carrying as little as 12 units (of credit) and as much as carrying 19 units (of credit) and it worked out great for me.
I hope this is insightful and something to consider. I wish you all the best !