7 On-Campus Jobs You Really Want

It's no secret that finances can be tight as a college student. Here are seven on-campus jobs to maximize your earnings without eating up all your free time.

College students are always looking for new ways to earn money. But when you're busy taking classes, studying, and enjoying extracurricular activities, how are you supposed to find time for a part-time job? There's an easy solution—find a job on campus! Having an on-campus job has many benefits. Aside from helping you earn a little extra money and boosting your résumé, it's a great way to stay connected with the college community and meet other students. Check out our list of seven unbeatable on-campus jobs to apply for today.

1. Barista

Student cafés are bustling with excitement and activity. If you love the fast-paced environment of your school’s coffeehouse, apply for a position as a barista. You'll learn valuable skills such as customer service and how to work a register. With some experience under your belt, you could even get a job at a local coffee shop, bistro, or café after you graduate to earn some extra money while applying for full-time jobs or preparing for post-grad studies. Starting out at your school’s cafe may help you land other gigs in the service industry too, like higher paying jobs as a host, waiter, or bartender. These positions often offer evening and weekend schedules, making them perfect for college students.

Related: Campus Jobs: Why They're Smart and How to Get One

2. Teaching assistant (TA)

Think of that one class you love or that one professor you have a special bond with. Wouldn't it be great if you could turn that relationship into a job? Ask your professor if they’re in need of a teaching assistant. As a TA, you'll gain valuable experience, especially if you want to become an educator yourself. Just make sure you know what the job entails before you sign up. TAs can be responsible for simple tasks such as proctoring exams, but you might also have to hold seminars or assist in test and essay grading.

3. Research assistant

This is a great résumé builder and allows you to dive deeper into your education. Research assistants learn skills that are useful in a variety of professional careers. Look for research assistant opportunities in your field of study. They’re a great way to network and build connections with professors and faculty members. Contrary to what many people believe, research assistant jobs extend far beyond science and medicine. Your English professor may need help researching historical data for an upcoming book. Your history professor might need a presentation fact-checked for a seminar. Your psychology professor may need you to find statistics to include in their next article. No matter what area of study you enjoy, research assistants are always in demand.

4. Group fitness instructor

If you're passionate about Pilates, yoga, or Zumba, inquire about the steps needed to become a fitness instructor at your school’s recreational center. As a fitness instructor, you can make money while you stay in shape and connect with others who share the same passion for fitness. As a bonus, you may even be able to receive free or discounted classes at your gym. Gyms and fitness also fall under the field of health sciences, so if you're in a health sciences program, having a part-time job that's related to your studies isn't only smart but also beneficial to your future career.

Related: 6 Part-Time Jobs Good for Your Resume and Your Major

5. Lifeguard

If you're a certified lifeguard, this is the job you should be looking for. Since it requires specialized training, there’s often much less competition. Plus, the special training often results in a higher hourly rate than other on-campus jobs. Not every university has a pool, but if yours does, a lifeguard job can provide great opportunities! And lifeguarding can help you hone important skills that employers will look for after you graduate, like communication and critical-thinking skills and working well under high-pressure situations.

6. Resident assistant (RA)

No matter what type of dorm you live in, every residence hall has an RA. Being a resident assistant is a great way to meet and get to know your peers, and it's perfect for upperclassmen who want to help new students adjust to college life. Freshmen often experience an adjustment period to their new surroundings; as an RA, you can be their mentor and guide them through the process. You may also receive benefits as an RA, such as free room and board, discounted meal plans, and/or stipends. Working as an RA does more than pay—it makes you feel good. Knowing you're helping other students transition to college life can be rewarding. One potential downfall? You may need to live in a freshman dorm, even as an upperclassman.

7. Tour guide

If you've got ample school spirit, this is the perfect job for you! Tour guides show prospective students and parents the lay of the land: you can point out your favorite spots on campus; talk about the sports teams, clubs, and organizations your school has; and show off all the college has to offer. As a tour guide, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on new students. Your enthusiasm can make a prospective student decide whether to attend your school, and you can make new students fall in love with the campus just like you did when you took your tour.

Related: Part–Time Jobs and Money–Making Ideas for Students

Having a job while working toward your degree has many invaluable advantages, like boosting your résumé and showing off your skills to future employers. There are many on-campus opportunities available for students looking for part-time work. Talk to your college employment office and see what jobs are available. Do your research so you know the expectations of the job and prepare for the interview. And make sure your work schedule doesn't conflict with your class schedule.

Tired of reading blogs and articles? Check out the videos on the CollegeXpress YouTube channel!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About THRIVE Lubbock

THRIVE Lubbock is the newly renovated apartment complex for Texas Tech students located in Lubbock, Texas. A brand new clubhouse, pool, and gym are just a few of the reasons to come check us out today!

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Maurice Whan

Maurice Whan

$2,000 Spring Scholarship Contest Winner, 2021

This year has been tough for my family and myself, so receiving this scholarship has been a blessing in disguise! CollegeXpress has been an excellent resource in helping me prepare financially for college. Thank you again for this amazing opportunity!

Maliha

Maliha

High School Class of 2019

My college search began at CollegeXpress. Due to this helpful tool, I was able to gather a lot of information to guide my college planning decisions. Through CollegeXpress, I was also able to apply to several scholarships to help pay for my tuition. I would definitely recommend this website to anyone who wants to explore colleges and get more information from admission experts, counselors, and real students.

Asia Stockdale

Asia Stockdale

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress helped me overcome a huge hurdle. Because of the small town I live in, I felt like I would never achieve more. I felt like I could never go beyond because of costs. I feared I wouldn’t be able to find scholarships. I had no idea of where to start. With CollegeXpress, I easily found scholarships—they came to me. It was a helper, and I was instantly matched with opportunities to go above and beyond educationally.

Jessica Rinker

Jessica Rinker

Student, Fairhaven High School; CollegeXpress Student Writer

My high school counselor introduced me to CollegeXpress freshman year. It has made such a difference in high school, and I plan to continue relying on it in college. CollegeXpress is my go-to because it addresses each aspect of being a student. There are the articles you’d expect regarding college applications and financial aid, but you will also find advice on things like de-stressing and maintaining relationships while balancing a heavy course load. CollegeXpress will also keep you updated on current scholarships through e-mails each Saturday. (They don’t harass you with any product promotion like so many other sites do.) CollegeXpress is a lot like an older sibling who has already conquered the challenges you are facing. Now, they are reaching out a helpful hand. I say take it.

Jeff Parsons

Jeff Parsons

Counselor

Thank you so much for this valuable information about these opportunities. I truly appreciate the CollegeXpress communications and use them to keep my high school seniors informed about their opportunities!

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Goldey-Beacom College

Wilmington, DE

Transylvania University

Lexington, KY

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA

Goldey-Beacom College

Wilmington, DE