By: Mariah Briones, Her Campus at Texas PB Senior Editor
When it comes to college, we all know what it’s like to want cute decorations for our dorm room, but may not have the funds. If you’re seeking ways to gain some extra money in college, whether that’s for dorm decor, a safety net, food, a night out with friends, or cute new fall sweaters, then this is the blog for you!
I am currently a senior here at UTPB and have had a fair share of different jobs throughout my university experience. I began my academic career at UTSA and had the luxury of being able to work in a very flexible environment, doing something I love. If you know me or have seen me around campus, you’d know that I play tennis here at UTPB on the women’s team! I enjoy playing tennis and am fortunate to have had my very first job in college at a tennis center. This brings me to my first point:
- Do something that you truly enjoy doing
It is difficult to remain in a positive headspace if you are taking multiple college courses and trying to juggle a job that you don’t even enjoy doing. From personal experience, it drains you more than you could think. It almost makes you feel as though you don’t belong at the university you are at, because your job just drains the fun out of the college. At the end of the day, it’s important to understand that college doesn’t last forever, so make it count!
My next point goes along with adding work to your academics. Selecting a job that is not high in demand of time and energy is very important. My next job was after I had transferred from UTSA to UTPB. I was a writing tutor at the success center! This job is honestly perfect for a college student. Getting paid to help others with their assignments, and while not helping students, being allowed to work on your own homework! Talk about a balance!
- Flexibility and the opportunity to work on your own school work – On Campus Jobs
You can find a job like this here on campus at UTPB. There are many positions of being a student worker that allows you to work on your own homework when not having to assist. The Success Center offers jobs such as a tutor, mentor, SI, and front desk. Other jobs on campus include working at the gym, library, and the SAC. These jobs require work as the role of supervision and some tidying up.
Another job I can give a recommendation for as a college student is a pet/baby-sitting. It’s important to be aware of your actions on and off-campus, as they contribute to your trustworthiness and credibility in the eyes of those with possible job offerings. It can be difficult to enjoy “College Life” with this in mind, but that’s where you have to set your own priorities.
- Paid in Cash – Networking Possibilities
Recently, I have babysat for quite a few of the members of my community, and I love it! It’s quick, it’s easy (for the most part), it’s fun, and it’s paid in cash! I highly recommend posting yourself on job websites, making fliers, or reaching out to your community members and just putting yourself out there and asking. The worst that could happen is they say no. If that’s the case, just move on to the next to ask! In addition to the earnings in cash, baby/housesitting allows for you to network with other individuals that could potentially lead to another opportunity for your career! From my experience, I babysat for a mom, and found out that she works in fashion, which is what I want to do! This job opened more doors for me! I strongly recommend sacrificing going out some weekends, for a side job like this