Where Should I Work While Going to School?

Are you wondering what positions to look for while being a student? Are you worried working will negatively impact your academic performance? When looking for a job in college, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Proximity to school/home: Although it may obvious, travel time to work is very important. Gas expenses, toll booths and time spent on the road add up very quickly!

In addition, the more you drive your car, the more repairs it will need. Start your search in your city and expand if necessary.

Another option is looking for jobs on campus, since you will already be at this location for classes. If you’re running late to work, you do not want to be stuck in traffic for long.

I have also found that employers prefer candidates who live nearby, since you can quickly get on site (and earn some extra hours) if your manager needs extra hands.

Relation to major: Are you looking to make some extra cash or start working on your career? Whichever you choose, make sure it enhances your resume and/or personal traits in some way.

For instance, I started out working at a clothing store, then became a tutor, a laboratory technician and now I am a pharmacy intern.

These jobs increased my communication, inter-personal and technical lab skills. Sparking conversations with strangers, and helping them understand their medications has now become a passion of mine.

Use the different jobs you have to fine-tune what you really want to do. As a bonus, you will connect with colleagues and supervisors who can recommend you in the future.

Ask yourself this question: Who do I want in my professional network in relation to my overall life goals?

Time Management: Finding enough time to both work and go to school may appear overwhelming. However, once you establish a routine and stick to it, everything falls into place.

Personally, it wasn’t until I started working that I realized how much time I wasted every single day!

Think about how much time you spend sleeping, eating, in class, studying, etc. during your average weekday.

Then slowly but steadily cut down time spent on activities that are unnecessary and do not contribute to your goals.

Once you add a work schedule, it will be easier to get everything done.

Perhaps start by working weekends and then try adding weekday shifts.

When you treat your time with the respect it deserves, focusing on what matters most becomes second nature.

Job Requirements: When looking for jobs, make sure to read the job descriptions very carefully to see if your skills and experience match what the employer is looking for.

Remember that you can make up for slight differences in requirements with great inter-personal skills and the ability to learn quickly.

On the other hand, do not lie about having experiences you do not since employers can quickly figure this out.

A common pathway for students is starting an internship which requires little to no experience, and then getting hired as an employee at the same site.

Remember to be honest with employers as to how much time you actually have to give the company so everyone is on the same page.

Can you balance working while going to college? The answer is Yes!

Although it may seem daunting, it is absolutely doable and many people are successful.

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your professors since they may have insight into industry jobs.

Be patient with yourself during the transition into life as a working student. The skills and experience you will gain at work will make you a better student!

Where Should I Work While Going to School?

Be the first to reply

Leave a Reply