Last-Minute Strategies for Finding College Jobs

September is a month when college students typically need an extra infusion of money. Fortunately, it is also a month when new opportunities for student employment arise.

Here are some proven strategies that can help college students start the new school year with new jobs.

At the job/career office . . .

Many area employers do not list jobs until September is near, so encourage your son or daughter to call, make contact with someone, and then stop by on the first day of school. By being pleasantly persistent and asking about jobs, a student can increase the chances of landing a job.

All around the campus . . .

Encourage your son and daughter to ask coaches, librarians, professors, campus security officers, the staff of the computer support office, and everyone else, about working for them. Not all available campus jobs are listed in the job office. Some can be found by knocking on doors.

Assist professors with their research . . .

Many professors need assistance conducting research. The work could include helping with phone surveys, inputting data, setting up websites and social media pages to support research projects, and more. Many researchers like to hire students who are majoring in their field, so a student should not hesitate to ask.

Consider taking a campus ambassador job . . .

If you do an online search for “campus ambassador,” you will find companies that hire students to represent their products or services on campus. They include companies that sell apparel and school rings, that sell or service computers, and more. The jobs they offer might pay only commissions, but they can provide a dose of extra income when needed.

Get a job with a nearby catering company or event venue . . .

These companies like to hire students to wait or bus tables at weddings and other events, to park cars, to clean up, and more. Their part-time, as-needed jobs can be ideal for students who would like to earn extra income on weekends.

Drive for Uber, Lyft or another transportation service . . .

While it pays to be mindful of security and insurance issues, driving for these companies can mesh well with a student’s schedule.

Get that entrepreneurial spirit going . . .

Resourceful students can earn extra money providing airport transportation to their fellow students, servicing computers, tutoring, and more. Students who have entrepreneurial drive and imagination can often create money-making opportunities right on campus.

And if you need more financial aid in the form of scholarships or loans . . .

Visit the college office of financial aid and renegotiate the packet of financial aid you already received. Offices are usually staffed by people who will listen and offer more aid in the form of scholarships and loans, if a parent or student makes a good case. Call, make an appointment, and arrive prepared with prior years’ tax returns, paycheck stubs and other documentation. And if you have recently had a change in financial circumstances, explain it and document why your need has changed.

Apply for the Student Research Foundation’s Personal Achievement Scholarship Too . . .

The Student Research Foundation offers high school students and their families up to $15,000 in college scholarship funds. Be sure to learn more.

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