College is truly the adventure of a lifetime for many students. Not only is it a time when students devote themselves to the academic studies that will enable them to pursue their dream careers, but it’s also a period where young adults get to experience the “real” world outside of high school, one where they’re able to set their own rules for the first time.
And for many students, college is also a great time to get a part-time job, whether to help pay for school or simply to add another new-experience notch to their belt. The tricky part can be finding one that not only compensates them for their time, but also provides flexibility to their demanding class and extracurricular activities schedule.
But there are actually plenty of jobs to choose from that are an ideal complement to a crazy college schedule—and they just happen to be the perfect practice for students considering entrepreneurship for the their post-college career path! Here are a few that will not only give you some extra spending money, but will also be a welcome break from the classroom and cram sessions and great prep for life as a business owner:
Walk adorable dogs
When you’re trapped in a classroom, library or even your own bedroom most of the day (or night!), there are few greater feelings than stretching your legs and getting some fresh air. Add the company of a four-legged friend and a paycheck, and you’ve got yourself a great part-time gig. Rover.com gives you the opportunity to walk dogs for a full afternoon or during that all-too-short hour you have to spare between classes and study sessions. It’s a great way to learn how to build your own client base.
Move other students into their new digs
As a student, you know what a pain it can be to move — not to mention how frustrating it is to take time away from your studies to do it. College Hunks Moving makes the ordeal easier by hiring students with time to spare (and dollars to make!) to help their fellow classmates get from A to B hassle-free. As a bonus, it’s an easy way to add some physical activity into your day and a great way to learn what it takes to satisfy stressed out clients!
Write for fun
Although some students probably think they have enough writing assignments in college to last them a lifetime, freelancing is a great way to set your own schedule and earn some extra money. By signing up with Elance, you can take on as many writing jobs as you like — ranging from creative to technical to editing work — and dedicate whatever free time you have to your jobs (even in the wee hours of the morning after pulling that all-nighter!).
Show off a brand
Some of your favorite brands know the power their presence on a college campus brings to their company, and you can get paid to help them. As a brand ambassador for CampusHero, you’ll help spread the word to local students about companies you already know and love, or help start-ups build their brand by passing out samples, sporting their logo, or helping out at local events. Acting as a CampusHero offers a great look at what it will be like when it comes time to promote your own business.
You can also check in with your guidance office to learn about other opportunities that may be available directly through your school. Remember, having a part-time job not only gives you financial support: These opportunities can also be a fun way to get a taste of what it’s like running your own business on a smaller scale, learn about what positions are truly interesting to you, and meet new people outside of the classroom!
Lexie Dy has always loved learning. In fact, even as a child, she would spend her free time at the library studying topics of interest. And today, she continues to spend countless hours at the library as a grad student. When she isn’t preparing for exams and research papers, she enjoys helping teens prepare for the job market through her work with ReadyJob.
