How to Find a Job While in College

Having a part-time job while you are in college will give you greater financial independence and "real world" experience. Because working during college is a necessity for many students, you should expect competition for even minimum wage positions.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Printers
• Newspaper Subscriptions
• Computers
• résumé paper
• résumé software

1. Determine your available hours and the minimum salary you need.

2. Prepare your résumé before you even begin to look for a job. You will then be able to apply immediately when you find a job opening.

3. Check the student center for a list of part-time jobs on-campus, including clerical, bookstore and cafeteria positions.

4. Ask the managers of stores near your campus about possible job openings. Consider working for establishments where you can get food or clothing at a discount.

5. Go through the classified employment ads of your school's paper and the local paper.

6. Consult with your departmental advisor about any available paid internships. Many majors require internships anyway, so it makes sense to combine part-time work and experience in your future field. But be aware that many internships are nonpaid.

7. Apply immediately when you discover a promising job opening. You should carry a copy of your résumé at all times.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that on-campus jobs generally pay low hourly wages. However, they offer the convenience of being close to your classes.

• Don't wait until well into the semester to look for a job. The good ones will get snapped up early.

• Avoid jobs that would involve a long commute.