Get an Off-Campus Job

Waiting tables at high class restaurants can mean big tips.

The most basic way to make money in college is to simply get a job. While on-campus jobs have their advantages (refer to my article here), they are not for everyone. There are also more jobs off campus, so you might have better luck looking off campus anyways. Here are some things to look for when looking for an off campus job.

Tips

Serving in an off-campus restaurant can be one of the best ways for a college student to make dependable money because of one word: Tips. It is a beautiful thing to be able to make money from tips as well as an hourly wage, and when looking for an off-campus job look for a job where you can get tips. Depending on how nice the restaurant is, you could end up making $25-$30 an hour on weekends after tips.

Career Experience

Working off campus provides you with the opportunity to do more than answer phones or brew coffee. Try to work with a company relating to your major when looking for a job off campus. Finance majors try to get a job at a nearby bank. If you are studying to become a teacher, try to get a job at a local grade school. Doing this will make your job more enjoyable and earn you valuable experience in your field. It also gets your foot in the door and could even turn into an internship or a full time job post graduation.

Proximity to Campus

When looking for a job off campus, keep in mind how far away it is. Will you be able to walk to work after class or will you have to drive? If you drive is it worth the money you spend on gas or could you find a better job closer to school? These seem like basic questions to ask yourself, but you would be surprised how many students actually overlook this when applying for jobs.

Good luck finding off campus jobs! Let me know if this guide helped, or if you have any questions.