What are the 9 Best Part-Time Jobs for College Students?

When you are a college student, there are many things competing for your time and attention. Yet at the same time, now is the time to set yourself up for success and financial freedom in the future. That’s why a part-time job is a great opportunity: It allows you time (unlike a full-time job) and earns you money.

Yet at the same time, just because you haven’t graduated doesn’t mean you can’t start building your career now. A part-time job can help you jumpstart your career and give you invaluable experience, which you can highlight on your resume and speak about in future interviews. Why not start creating a career you love with your part-time job?

Consider your Career Goals

The best part-time jobs for college students are the ones that will help you grow and develop skills that will be useful in your future career. So consider your career goals when looking for a part-time job, and ask yourself: What part-time job now can contribute to my future career?

The first thing to consider when choosing a part-time job is what career path you want to take after graduation. Do you want to work in an office? Or maybe something more creative? A good way to figure this out is by looking at what skills are needed for the jobs you're interested in, and seeing if those skills can be used in other places.

For example, if you want to be an architect, it might be worthwhile to work at a construction site. You'll learn about building materials and how they relate to one another. If you're interested in becoming an engineer, it might be helpful to work as a salesperson at an electronics store or a cashier at a hardware store.

The goal is to have the job give you experience that will help prepare you for your future career goals.

Career Goals: When You’re Not Sure

Not every student knows exactly what career they want. After all, “undecided” is a popular major for young college students. So how do you find a great part-time job, when you’re not sure what career you want? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What am I passionate about?
• What kind of work do I enjoy doing?
• What’s my favorite subject in school?
• What did I always want to be growing up?
• Where do I see myself living in five years?
• What kind of work would allow me to live there?
• What are the top 5 jobs that I think I’d be happy in?

Use these questions to journal some responses. Don’t judge or limit yourself. While you’re journaling, any career path is possible. These should help you find what career path you might like to take.

When you find even a vague field you’re interested in, it’ll be easier to narrow down your options. Get creative and think about how entry-level jobs relate to your career goals in the long-run.

Some Examples of Part-Time Jobs for College Students

Each student is unique. There's no part-time job that will be perfect for everyone—and there's no one way to find a job that's right for you. You'll want to consider your skillset, career goals, and financial needs as you search for a position that fits your life and your budget.

But we’re here to help. Here are some part-time jobs that are great for college students:

1. If you want to be a teacher, consider tutoring at your college in your favorite subject matter.
2. Want to be a childcare professional? Babysit or work at a local daycare.
3. If you know you want to be working in an office, consider being an administrative assistant.
4. If you’re interested in working in management, consider a customer service job.
5. If you want to be a doctor, work in emergency medical services (EMS).
6. If you want to be a vet, consider being a dog-walker.
7. If you’re passionate about coaching or teaching physical education, make sure to work on a sports team.
8. Want to be a librarian? Work in a bookstore!
9. If you want to work in a lab, become a lab assistant.

No matter what, it all circles back to you and your career goals.

Final Tip: Look for Jobs on Campus

Although you may be tempted to get a job off-campus, getting an on-campus job is a great idea. Your campus will typically have prestigious jobs in the field you’re passionate about.

Many colleges offer resources like career centers or career fairs where you can find information about available positions within each building or department on campus. There may still be some positions available elsewhere throughout your university's community too, so don’t be afraid to ask your professors if they know of any openings.

Going off-campus for the summer? Your professors or career center might still be able to help you find a relevant internship or opportunity that relates to your career goals. They’re more than happy to help — it’s their job, after all.

Always be Building your Resume

When you’re picking your part-time job throughout college, always be thinking about your resume. Every job is an opportunity to build your career and resume. Of course, so many students change their mind, but check in periodically with yourself to see if your part-time job is still aligned with your career goals.

If you’re looking for part-time summer jobs for college students, but you’re not sure how to land one, we can help you easily create a resume. Rocket Resume will generate a professional, well-written resume to help you find the job you want.