Holding Down A Job In College
Should I get a job while in college?
It's very important to consider whether or not to get a job while you're a college student. Many times I suggest that students take a semester or two while they are first year students to really acclimate first to being a student. So that means not necessarily getting a job in your first semester. However, I do believe that sometimes part time employment, less than 20 hours a week, for a full time student who is already going to class for 12 to 15 hours in addition to doing homework, can be a nice balancing effect, and can really give you an opportunity to try something new and meet people, especially if you work on campus.
What kind of jobs are good for college students?
College students many times have to work in order to help pay their tuition, or they also work just to have some extra-curricular opportunity. The kinds of jobs that are available to students are varied and range from those that are available on-campus to those that are available off-campus in the local community. The benefits of an on-campus job are that they are oriented around student life. It's very nice to be able to tell your boss, "I have a test tomorrow that I have to study for and I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave a little early today". Many times an on-campus boss is going to say "Okay, you can make it up a couple of days later". Off-campus bosses are many times not that generous. So an on-campus job is a great opportunity, but students also pursue many off-campus jobs. The best off-campus job is one that doesn't interfere with your life as a student and that can actually supplement your income in a way that allows you to still be able to participate in extra-curricular events and can help you to be able to make the money that you need to have those extra expenses fulfilled.
What is a 'work study' program in college?
Work study is a federally funded work program for students that is available for those who qualify based on an application process. It is not a work for credit program, but a program that allows students to be able to earn money up to a certain awarded amount while they work on an on campus job such as the library or an office.
Is it better to get an on campus or off campus job?
It depends upon the kind of work that you are interested in and what you'd like to do. I encourage students to get a job, no matter what. An on-campus job is one that's located right where you work and go to school and it can be very convenient. But an off-campus job also offers certain benefits, such as working in local restaurants or in a theatre. And so I would say that it's important to work, part time, and remember that you're a student first.
Is it a bad idea to get a credit card during college?
I would say that it really depends upon how comfortable you are with using credit. There are many expenses associated with higher education - laptop computers, books - a lot of unanticipated things that do require the need for cash or, in this case, some line of credit very quickly. It depends on your comfort and your ability with using credit cards. I think that college students should be particularly careful about credit card companies that make available certain teaser rates or other information that encourages students to apply. Be savvy, read the material, and know that while it might be very important for you to have some line of credit, be sure that it best fits your needs and your ability to be able to make the payments.
