Many students feel the need to earn extra cash while in college. In fact, as many as four out of ten full-time college students work while enrolled in classes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You may be considering a part-time job to help cover tuition, fees and any additional costs like textbooks. After all, there are a number of benefits to working in college, including learning crucial career skills and building professional relationships. However, time constraints and concerns about being overloaded may lead you to second guess if you should apply for a job as a student.
With so many factors to consider, it’s important that you take the time to examine all your options and weigh the pros and cons before applying.
Here are five essential questions to ask yourself while considering working in college.
1. Do you need the extra funds?
The first thing you need to determine is how much money you will need to cover all of your costs. You will want to calculate the price of tuition, housing and any additional fees to figure out how much you will need. Also take into consideration how much you plan to receive in scholarships, grants and loans that will help offset the cost. Be sure to talk to your parents to see if they will be contributing to your college expenses.
Once you determine the cost, you can figure out the number of hours you will need to work each week. If you can, try waiting a semester or two before starting your position to give yourself time to adapt to your new environment.
2. Will it enhance your career?
Finding a part-time job or internship in your desired field of study can increase your chances of getting hired upon graduation. Many companies prefer candidates that have prior experience, and some hire interns into full-time positions upon graduation.
Instead of just looking for a job to pay the bills, find something that can help you develop skills in your desired field. Doing so will give you an opportunity to work alongside industry experts and get expertise that can help you in your future career. Even if you can’t find something that fits exactly with your intended career path, having a job in college can teach you essential skills for the future like working on tight deadlines, interacting with difficult people and learning how to work with a team.
3. Will it distract you from your studies?
It’s important for students to consider that work can interfere with their classwork. One 2023 study showed that working part-time caused students to take longer to complete their degree. Although working in college can be a great way to gain experience and earn money, it could take time away from your studies and hamper your ultimate goal.
For some students, having to juggle classwork and a job could lead to more stress and anxiety. Be sure to know your limits and evaluate the benefits of having a job in college. You need to consider that even if you have a great job, if your grades suffer you could end up being in school longer and it could cost you more by the time you graduate.
4. Are there employment incentives and opportunities?
There are several fast-food companies that offer tuition reimbursement, tuition discounts and scholarships. For example, Chipotle offers employees $5,250 a year toward their education through their tuition assistance plan and free degree options through their debt-free degree program. Other companies also have grant programs and even offer financial assistance toward purchasing textbooks or other supplies.
Some employers will offer anywhere from $500 to upwards of $3,000. Other companies include Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, and McDonald’s, to name a few. Your company may require you to work there for a minimum time period or work a certain number of hours, so be sure to check out how you can qualify for these programs.
5. Can you work on campus or nearby?
As you decide whether or not to pursue a part-time job in college, you will also want to consider the location of the job. You should be able to find out what jobs are offered on your college campus or nearby by talking to your career services office.
If you live on campus, you may want to apply for an on-campus job so you don’t have to worry about a commute. Although a part-time job off campus may have its perks, you will want to calculate the distance to determine how much it will cost you to drive to the job.
It’s never too early to determine if working in college is right for you. Start by checking your university’s website to see what jobs are available. Many colleges will post positions for the semester a few months before it begins and may hire students early. If you’re still uncertain, remember you have options — you can always wait a semester or two before applying, or wait to work over the summer to give yourself time to adjust.