Get that Money : On-Campus Jobs

Learn how to find money-making opportunities on campus...

Money,Money, Money…. all we want is money!

Just kidding… but really in college, you look for ways to get money. We all know tuition, food, books, and everyday expenses can add up to be a bit much. And depending on your financial situation, you may not have the money to pay for all that stuff on the spot…. I know I don’t. The best way to go about paying for these expenses or just surviving the outrageous bill called college, is to get a job, specifically an on-campus job. On-campus jobs have a lot of advantages like:

• Being flexible with schedules, since they know their employees are students first.

• Most offices and jobs close/ end at 5:00pm, so you don’t have worry about working late evenings.

• You can build relationships with administrators and playmakers on campus that can possibly help you later in your college career.

• If you live on campus, or stay on campus for most of the day, you don’t have to worry about finding a ride to your job

Now where are these jobs? Literally...everywhere! When I came to college, I didn't realize how many offices or businesses on campus depend on student-employment. There is always a new job available on campus, so there should be plenty of opportunities for you to find a way to make money on campus. These jobs are usually popular on campus, and sometimes have a more competitive hiring process:

1. Working at the gym/recreation center : Great motivation to stay fit because you literally stay in the gym all the time. Trust me, the Freshman 15 is real, so try your best to stay active.

2. Working in the bookstore : Very fun job because you get interact with a lot of your fellow students, but it does have some warnings. Some schools hire a bunch of students for the beginning or end of semesters, but then let those students go during the rest of the semester. Be careful that you try to secure a more permanent position, or be willing to work and plan for a more temporary position.

3. Working at the main help desk in your student union : Usually a decent job as you provide answers to questions about directions and the university as a whole. Usually provides a lot of time to sit down and do some homework when not interacting with guests or students.

4. Campus tour guides : Great job to have because you get paid to be friendly and an ambassador for your school.

5. Becoming an RA : Becoming an RA has great benefits. Depending on your school, RA’s get benefits such as : free/discounted housing, monthly stipend, discounted meal plan,etc

Since these jobs are usually pretty popular, I would advise to periodically look for openings in these positions during the semester or during breaks before school starts, so you can apply early. If your school usually don't post openings in these positions because they are so popular, just ask for openings in person, and you should still be okay. Some jobs that are just as good, but not usually thought of, are :

1. Working in the library

2. Working in the library’s computer lab

3. Working at the university call centers

4. Work as front-desk assistant in academic and administrative buildings

5. Become a tutor

6. Work at the restaurants on campus

And honestly, the list could go on and on..... Really, I just want you to see that there are many options for getting money on campus. So, next time your bank account is looking a little low, check out your options around you.