Life as a college student can be a rewarding and fun experience for the most part. However, many students find the costs of tuition, accommodation, and food prohibitive, forcing them to terminate their studies prematurely. For some of these students, getting a part-time or full-time job is the only way to successfully navigate the challenging financial times on campus.
Of course, a job while in college comes with more benefits than just the pleasure of additional income. Of course, a job while in college comes with more benefits than just the pleasure of additional income, like free money you can get at streakforthecash.com. According to a recent survey, more than 75% of working students attend four-year colleges. Also, more than 70% of college students report having worked at some point in their college lives. Here, we look at some insights to help college students navigate the challenges of working part or full-time.
Why Get a Job While in College?
College is already challenging without adding the pressure of employment and additional engagements. There are many assignments to complete, classes to attend, exams to prepare for, and social responsibilities to keep up with. So, why should a student get a job? Here are some notable reasons why working in college makes perfect sense:
You Earn Additional Income
One of the most apparent reasons college students get paying jobs is to earn extra income. After all, the high tuition and accommodation costs are some of the main reasons behind high college dropout rates. In other words, attending college is an expensive undertaking. While the money you make from the gigs won’t be enough to cover the significant tuition and related expenses, it will still help. The point is that a paying job will ease some of the financial stress associated with attending college. The fund can be helpful even if you just want some spending money or to kickstart your savings journey.
Also, the money you make working part-time can help you avoid student debt. According to recent surveys, one of the things college graduates struggle with is their student loan payments. Working while in college can give you the funds to reduce or avoid student debt. You can also use the funds to repay your student loans. Should assignments prove challenging, you can always hire an essay writing service to help with some tasks.
You Get to Build Your Resume
Working part-time provides the skills, knowledge, and experience that will look amazing on your resume. In essence, any job you hold in college, whether paying or volunteering, will look good on your resume. It shows hiring managers that you have the resilience and dedication to take on multiple roles and succeed. Remember, more than 91% of employers prefer candidates with previous work experience. Getting a job in college is the perfect way to build such expertise and boost your employability.
Besides getting the exposure and skills to your repertoire and boosting your resume, having a job of any kind in college allows you to connect and gain contacts that could influence your career. In addition, during the working experience, you can judge the workplace experience and make important career decisions.
You Get to Boost Your Grades
It may seem weird, but there is enough evidence linking part-time work with improved academic performance in college. When the job is related to your major, you get opportunities to practice and enforce the theoretical concepts taught in class. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, students who work for 20 hours less per week tend to perform better academically than their peers who didn’t work at all. Others experience improvements in their grades when they start working part-time. It is because working part-time teaches organization, forcing students to plan their study times more effectively.
An important point to note is that the amount of hours you work shapes the effect such employment has on your grades. For instance, experts warn that working more than 20 hours per week can be draining for students, negatively affecting their academic performance. Therefore, always prioritize your studies, and schedule your work engagements according to your classes and school obligations.
Opportunities for Socializing
One of the most notable benefits of working in college is that you get to interact with people with whom you share visions and passions. In addition, you interact with professionals who could influence your career prospects and academic decisions. Besides growing your social circles, the interactions will help you network and prepare for life after graduation. You never know who could shape your career. Furthermore, the part-time gig will teach you helpful time management.
Improved Budgeting skills
Working while studying not only adds you some regular income but also gives you crucial budgeting skills that could serve you elsewhere. It is improbable that you will have adequate funds to take you through college. Therefore, learning to be budget conscious with your little money can prove crucial for your survival on campus. Working allows you to appreciate every penny you make and spend, whether part or full-time. In the process, you practice your money-management skills.
Tips for Working While in College
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While working in college has numerous benefits, students often experience challenges like hectic schedules and deprioritizing free time. If you feel you are stretching yourself too thin, it may be time to reevaluate your priorities. You must also work on time management, balance, and stay disciplined. Most importantly, it would help if you mastered self-motivation and willpower to stay focused despite the challenges.
The Bottom Line
Whatever reason you have for studying while working, the experience can undeniably benefit your skills and future career. First, you will receive some decent income to help you afford college. Employers will value your persistence. You may even meet mentors and future managers at your part-time job.
Successfully working while studying allows you to accumulate experience, grow your skills, and earn extra income. However, you will need to improve your time-management skills and find a job that allows you to keep up with your academic obligations. Most importantly, work with a schedule, setting aside breaks for relaxing and having fun with your friends. Be kinder to yourself and practice more positive self-talk.
