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Career Alert! | The Ten Best Jobs to Have While in University

Students on a campus head to class

University is expensive. From textbooks, the courses fees, hidden school fees (there’s always one), and any additionalmaterials you may require for your field of study (like paints and film equipment, to expensive calculators), the cost for asemester of ‘higher education’ can come with a steep price tag. And although working a part-time job can help with theexpenses, it often doesn’t pay much or leave you much time to study. However we at Navut have found the ten best jobsto have while in university to help you get your degree without getting you in debt.

Campus Library Services

If you’re looking for a job close to campus then working for your school’s library services may be the perfect job for you.Not only will it allow you to be close to class, but it’s an easy job that pays well. Generally, employment offered bya university will pay above minimum wage in addition to offering steady hours. If job security for the semester wasn’tenough then know that working for your school’s library often comes with a lot of free time while on the job, meaning thatyou’ll find time to study while getting paid to work.

Bank Teller

Although not a job for everyone, working as a bank teller can be the perfect way to start a career in your ideal field. Ifyou’re studying finance in university then working part-time for a bank is a great way to begin networking with people in

your field, help build your résumé with relevant working experience, not to mention earning a salary that’s above minimumwage. Once you graduate from your program there’s also the chance that you may get promoted or given moreresponsibility, helping to bring your closer to your ideal career.

A student helping a peer.

Tutor

Tutoring can be a great way to earn extra cash without having to work in retail. It allows for flexible hours, as you’ll beworking according to your own schedule, it lets you set your own price (unless you decide to tutor through an agency), andit allows you to network with your peers. Although tutoring doesn’t come with guaranteed hours, you likely won’t have anywork until the middle of the year, you can normally count on picking up some work come midterms and finals. Perhaps theonly drawback to tutoring is that it may take a while to build yourself a client base as you won’t have an establishedreputation when you first start out.

Tech Support

If you’re technologically savvy then you might want to consider working for your school’s IT department, or a nearby techsupport company. Although the job can be frustrating (have you tried turning it on and off?) , it can be an easy way for youto make money if computers happen to be your thing. Unlike other jobs that are monotonous, working in IT can bechallenging and exciting when trying to solve a problem for a customer. In addition to earning above minimum wage, it canbe a great place to make connections and scout out potential job opportunities in your field for when you graduate.

University Administrative Assistant

Much like working for your school’s library services, working as an administrative assistant is a great way to earn anincome without having to do much. Although you will be answering emails, filing papers, and taking messages, unlessyou’re working full-time or you’re a certified administrative assistant, you likely won’t be asked to do the more difficult tasksthat come along with the job. Working as an administrative assistant for your department of study can also allow you tonetwork with professors who may be able to help give you guidance, or even mentor you, upon graduation.

Barista

Being a barista is a great job.

Working as a barista can be a great way to earn money while attending university. Although it’s a minimum wage job, it’s agreat way to meet people and, if you’re a coffee enthusiast, learn new ways to serve a classic cup of Joe. While mostcoffeehouses are open all day, you may be able to work it with your employer that you work the morning shift (which isgenerally the craziest) and get your work in before class starts. Plus, if you work on campus as a barista then you maynever have to work a late shift as most university coffee shops close early.

Babysitter

Although babysitting is a job traditionally held by high school students, it’s a great one to have once you move on touniversity. Not only will you already have a client base, who can refer friends to you, but it’s a job that can easily adapt toyour schedule. Like tutoring, you’re able to set the prices when you take on work, not to mention that you’ll likely have timeto study while on the job.

Bartender

Being a bartender can be either the best, or worst, job to have while in university. Although the job itself can be a blast,getting paid to serve drinks and party all night long, it takes a level of maturity to be able to do it responsibly. If you don’tknow how to control yourself when out, and find yourself hungover the next day in class, then it’s probably not the job foryou. However if you’re a night owl who has no intention of taking 8am classes, then this may be the perfect job for you.Plus, if you can land work on a campus bar then your friends may be able to kill some free time with you while you work.

Teaching Assistant

Working as a TA is great

Working as a teaching assistant can be an amazing opportunity. Not only does experience on a TA look great, but it canactually help get you into grad school. Showing that you’re good with responsibility, time management, and work well withothers can help persuade the admissions department that you’re the perfect person for the program. It’s also a job thatyou can work around your schedule (like grading tests on the bus or meeting with students during the times you’re freeand on campus) and offers more than just a minimum wage pay. Not to mention it allows you to network with bothstudents and professors.

Intern

If you’re looking to gain experience in the field of your choice and make money, then interning is the job for you. Although

paid internships are hard to come by, they can be the cornerstone to building a career for yourself. Job applicants withpractical and hands on knowledge can often land jobs that only those with a degree can get. While a paid internship canbe hard to find, when you do discover one it’s like striking gold. You may also want to consider the benefits of unpaidinternships too. While it may not help your financial situation any, it can be the difference from graduating with a degreeand graduating with a career. Just make sure it’s a reliable and trustworthy one first.

If you’re a student and you’re looking for work in Canada, make sure to check out some of the following resources, as wellas speaking with your university’s career planning and student employment offices for local job opportunities:

The Government Of Canada’s Youth Services

YES Montreal

Youth Employment Services Ontario

Get Youth Working

Next Steps

If you’re already employed on campus but are in need of housing, or are looking to finda place closer to your work or school, then be sure to check out Navut’s neighbourhoodfinder to locate the place that’s perfect for you.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4.