Deciding whether or or not you should be working while in college means assessing your personal situation. It can be a great way to gain experience, build your resume, and earn extra money—but it also means learning how to balance school, work, and your personal life. Will a job help or hinder your academic success? Should you prioritize experience over higher pay? What would it cost you to get an off-campus job?
For many students, working during college is common, whether it’s to cover tuition, save for the future, or have extra spending money. In fact, some studies even suggest that “the more you work during your first year of college, the more you earn after college.”
If you’re considering a job, you’ll need to decide between on-campus and off-campus work, each with its own advantages and challenges. Let’s break down the key factors to help you find the best fit for your needs and goals.
Working While in College: Off-Campus Jobs
Off-campus work is a great option if you are considering working while in college, particularly for commuters or for those who already have a job and are going to a local college. Let’s take a look at the reasons it may or may not work for you:
Off Campus Pros
- Networking. Networking is a common term thrown around in the business world. While it may seem nebulous or unimportant, know that you can network even if you are not working in your field of study! You never know what kinds of connections you develop that will push you toward the career of your dreams.
- Variety of Opportunity. With working while in college off campus, you have even more options at your disposal than on-campus work. Additionally, if you have a career trajectory in mind, you have more options at your disposal to find a relevant job or internship.
- Pay Options. When you have more variety in job options, you also may have variety in pay opportunity! Looking to get a couple extra bucks to take a friend out to coffee? Add a shift into your schedule this week.
Off Campus Cons
- Juggling Priorities. When you consider the time and energy for a job off campus, you always have to check in with your priorities. You have to factor in school workload, social life management, and other important things that an off-campus job could cause you to lose focus on.
- Complicated Schedule. Sometimes you may run into complications with a consistent work schedule if you work off-campus. If you go home for spring break, summer, or other school breaks, you might not have guaranteed job security when you return.
- Additional Expenses. Depending on your college’s and potential job’s location, you’ll have to factor in the cost of gas, meals, and time.
Working While in College: On-Campus Jobs
Sometimes, the best place to find a job is right in front of you. Colleges often offer jobs as student workers or interns in various departments. It can be a great way to earn some cash in a familiar place. But is on-campus work the right choice for you?
On Campus Work Pros
- It’s Right There. Travel expenses for an on-campus job will be minimal, if at all.
- Mentorship. In addition to the familiar environment, you can have a job working with professors or staff you probably already know or will get to know! This allows you to build relationships and further develop skills with those who know you better than others.
- Dependable. Some off-campus jobs may not offer as much flexibility when you go home for breaks—especially if you live farther away. Having an on-campus job where you prove to be a reliable worker often means you will stay on staff between semesters and summers!
- Earn Credits and Cash. Many times, on-campus work can count toward program internship credits or certain volunteer requirements, making it a great two-for-one deal!
On-Campus Cons
- You Have to Act Fast. If you wait too long in the semester, you might lose first-come, first-serve opportunities. Especially for freshmen, plugging into a job sooner rather than later helps set you up for success in the future.
- Less Options. On top of acting quickly, on-campus jobs may have less variety to choose from, especially if you want to work in a department or school that fits better with your major of study.
- Limited Skill Development. Some on-campus roles may involve routine tasks (e.g., scanning IDs at the gym, shelving books at the library) that don’t contribute much to career growth or experience.
Conclusion: Is It Wise to Be Working While in College?
Overall, whether you work on or off campus, having a job can add a ton of benefits to your personal, academic, and career growth. Ultimately, though, the choice of working while in college will rest on knowing yourself.
