The “poor college student” mentality is more than a myth; it’s a painful reality. As delicious as Ramen noodles may be, it’s possible that students may be looking for jobs that offer a more desired salary and a far more interesting environment than from behind the snow cone kiosk.
Before applying for every job found on Craigslist and to avoid your soul being thrown into a local fast food joint, take some time to explore 10 on-campus options that don’t offer a permanent scent of French fry grease.
1. Campus Tour Guide:
If you have any sort of school spirit and an outgoing personality, giving tours around campus may be exactly what your energy can be used for. Becoming a guide can enhance public speaking skills as well as thrust students into meeting new strangers daily. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to be themselves?
Average Pay: $7 – $21 per hour
2. School Tutor:
It’s likely that your local high school and middle school have students that need academic help with a subject you may have slam-dunked. Although sometimes basic, the skills that are reacquired will benefit throughout your own courses, not to mention your study habits will seriously increase. Parents will pay top dollars to reinforce their children’s good grades and you’ll be helping someone along the way.
Average Pay varies depending on who you are tutoring.
3. Resident Assistant:
Who doesn’t want to go to work in their pajamas? RA’s are permitted to work from home, are offered free living space and a salary. These positions are usually highly competitive, so applying early will ensure a better opportunity to become an RA. According to Suzanne Horning from Cornell University, about 50% of applicants get hired.
Average Pay: $7.74 – $12.00 an hour
4. Recreational Center:
If you want to feel accomplished and fit while getting paid to lose the freshman 15, campus recreational centers hire students for a variety of jobs. ““It never gets boring and the hours are very flexible,” Texas A&M University lifeguard Cody McCarthy said. “Besides, having a job on campus is super convenient, because I can work before and after class.”
Average Pay: $16.50
5. Teacher’s Assistant
Professors often find themselves swamped underneath piles of papers and emails. Some professors have no other choice but to hire students to do tedious work — grading tests, assisting with research, and teaching supplemental instruction classes. If after doing well in a class, you have built a relationship with the professor, emailing them and asking about positions could be in your best interest. It will look great on a resume, offer practical experience, and allow for great letters of recommendation.
Average Pay: $7.86 – $14.60
6. Computer Technician:
If you’ve found yourself fixing your parent’s computer entirely way too often but have gained some serious experience, why not put those technological skills to good use? Computer technicians help students daily with their (maybe-not-so) complicated computer questions.
Average Pay: $8- $11
7. Mail/Print Center Attendant:
Working at the mail and print center may seem less thrilling, but during stressful studies becomes a simple and convenient paying job. Students are close to their residences and often get to meet new people who are also strolling on campus.
Average Pay: $12-13
8. Receptionist:
School offices are often looking to hire students to answer phones, schedule appointments and finish paperwork. Working at your departmen’ts office building will open doors to connections and land you onto good terms with your professors. Besides, you’ll be behind the scenes during all of your professors’ gossip sessions.
Average Pay: $8 – $10
9. Library:
Working where you study will undoubtedly improve your grades, claimed Tiffani Hernandez, Texas Christian University’s library assistant. As some students tend to have a less than promising work ethic, working at the library will force those time management skills to become polished.
Average Pay: $11.36
10. Brand Ambassador:
Becoming a brand ambassador is the holy grail of campus jobs. Your favorite brands (American Eagle, Victorias Secret, and Bud Light) use college students to promote their products by throwing parties and using their stuff. It’s fun, great for your resume and could even land you a job after graduation! (In a job posting for Colorado State University, Bud Light was offering $400 a week for a college brand ambassador!)
