Joanna Hughes :
Just because you’re in school doesn’t mean you can’t give back. In fact, students have a lot to offer when it comes to helping their communities. Not only that, but some opportunities are a perfect fit, depending on your field of studies. Read on for a roundup of student-friendly part-time gigs.
If you’re studying law….
Freelance Journalism
Do you love to write? If so, a background in law can uniquely qualify you to write about topics pertaining to all things government and the law. Not to mention that people are always in need of legal advice. Check in with your local newspaper to see if they’re looking for fresh voices.
Legal Blogging
While starting a blog may not make you money, it can have a positive impact on readers while simultaneously positioning you for job market success.
Says the University of Law blog, “There are surprisingly few good UK law student blogs. The last one of real quality, Law Think, helped secure its co-founder, Leon Glenister, a pupillage at top commercial barristers’ chambers Hardwicke Building. As Leon explains in a recent podcast, legal blogging takes a lot of work, but if you have a real passion for the law it can be a very fulfilling way to spend your time.”
Don’t want to start your own blog? Many law firms hire bloggers to create content for their websites. Your law background will give you an inside edge.
If you’re studying education….
After School Teacher/Teacher’s Aide
While you may not yet have the qualifications to be a lead classroom teacher, the requirements are not usually as strict for after school teachers. Both preschools and elementary schools are often looking for teachers to run programming before and after school. In addition to working with kids, you’ll also gain classroom experience and leadership skills.
Campus Tour Guide
Teaching involves a lot of public speaking. Get some practice in while serving as an advocate for your university by becoming a campus tour guide.
If you’re studying STEM….
Virtual Math Teacher/Tutor
Depending on your degree, there are several options when it comes to sharing your talents and interests with others.
If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you are likely qualified for virtual math teaching jobs. If you’re working on your bachelor’s degree, a less formal tutoring position may be more appropriate.
In today’s gig economy, meanwhile, there are an abundance of online jobs for people with STEM skills, such as creating course materials, editing content, testing educational software, and even creating quizzes for online learning platforms.
Research Assistant
If you’re interested in research, then working as a research assistant is an ideal way to learn more about the process while helping advance knowledge. Many research assistant positions are posted via schools’ online job board. Or, if you already have a connection with a professor-or are interested in establishing one-inquiring directly will put you first in line.
If you’re studying medicine…
Medical Assistant
If you plan on being a doctor someday, understanding the ins and outs of how a medical office works can be extremely useful. According to Monster.com, “Duties can include scheduling appointments, training staff, operating new office technologies, ordering supplies, preparing letters, arranging for lab procedures and helping physicians with reports.”
Caregiver
Given the aging population, caregivers are increasingly in demand. While many caregiving positions involve basic household responsibilities, such as doing laundry and preparing meals, others are more oriented toward providing companionship.
Or, consider becoming a “grandkid for hire,” a phenomenon which was recently covered in The Washington Post. Says Andrew Parker, who runs a company that links college students with seniors in need of light housekeeping and other chores, “There’s so many seniors and so many college students out there….We are specifically a service that links two generations.”
If you’re studying veterinary medicine….
Animal Care Worker
If you’re going into the veterinary field, you’ve already got an interest in animal welfare. Animal shelters are often in need of part-time workers to help with everything from feeding and walking to cleaning and transportation.
Pet Sitter
Can’t find a job at an animal shelter? Considering hanging out your own shingle as a petsitter. People are always looking for trustworthy people to care for and/or walk their dogs when they’re unavailable. And thanks to your veterinary studies background, your services will be particularly in demand.
Are you a student with a fun or fulfilling job that also allows you to contribute to the greater good? If so, please share it in the comments section.
Just because you’re in school doesn’t mean you can’t give back. In fact, students have a lot to offer when it comes to helping their communities. Not only that, but some opportunities are a perfect fit, depending on your field of studies. Read on for a roundup of student-friendly part-time gigs.
If you’re studying law….
Freelance Journalism
Do you love to write? If so, a background in law can uniquely qualify you to write about topics pertaining to all things government and the law. Not to mention that people are always in need of legal advice. Check in with your local newspaper to see if they’re looking for fresh voices.
Legal Blogging
While starting a blog may not make you money, it can have a positive impact on readers while simultaneously positioning you for job market success.
Says the University of Law blog, “There are surprisingly few good UK law student blogs. The last one of real quality, Law Think, helped secure its co-founder, Leon Glenister, a pupillage at top commercial barristers’ chambers Hardwicke Building. As Leon explains in a recent podcast, legal blogging takes a lot of work, but if you have a real passion for the law it can be a very fulfilling way to spend your time.”
Don’t want to start your own blog? Many law firms hire bloggers to create content for their websites. Your law background will give you an inside edge.
If you’re studying education….
After School Teacher/Teacher’s Aide
While you may not yet have the qualifications to be a lead classroom teacher, the requirements are not usually as strict for after school teachers. Both preschools and elementary schools are often looking for teachers to run programming before and after school. In addition to working with kids, you’ll also gain classroom experience and leadership skills.
Campus Tour Guide
Teaching involves a lot of public speaking. Get some practice in while serving as an advocate for your university by becoming a campus tour guide.
If you’re studying STEM….
Virtual Math Teacher/Tutor
Depending on your degree, there are several options when it comes to sharing your talents and interests with others.
If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you are likely qualified for virtual math teaching jobs. If you’re working on your bachelor’s degree, a less formal tutoring position may be more appropriate.
In today’s gig economy, meanwhile, there are an abundance of online jobs for people with STEM skills, such as creating course materials, editing content, testing educational software, and even creating quizzes for online learning platforms.
Research Assistant
If you’re interested in research, then working as a research assistant is an ideal way to learn more about the process while helping advance knowledge. Many research assistant positions are posted via schools’ online job board. Or, if you already have a connection with a professor-or are interested in establishing one-inquiring directly will put you first in line.
If you’re studying medicine…
Medical Assistant
If you plan on being a doctor someday, understanding the ins and outs of how a medical office works can be extremely useful. According to Monster.com, “Duties can include scheduling appointments, training staff, operating new office technologies, ordering supplies, preparing letters, arranging for lab procedures and helping physicians with reports.”
Caregiver
Given the aging population, caregivers are increasingly in demand. While many caregiving positions involve basic household responsibilities, such as doing laundry and preparing meals, others are more oriented toward providing companionship.
Or, consider becoming a “grandkid for hire,” a phenomenon which was recently covered in The Washington Post. Says Andrew Parker, who runs a company that links college students with seniors in need of light housekeeping and other chores, “There’s so many seniors and so many college students out there….We are specifically a service that links two generations.”
If you’re studying veterinary medicine….
Animal Care Worker
If you’re going into the veterinary field, you’ve already got an interest in animal welfare. Animal shelters are often in need of part-time workers to help with everything from feeding and walking to cleaning and transportation.
Pet Sitter
Can’t find a job at an animal shelter? Considering hanging out your own shingle as a petsitter. People are always looking for trustworthy people to care for and/or walk their dogs when they’re unavailable. And thanks to your veterinary studies background, your services will be particularly in demand.
Are you a student with a fun or fulfilling job that also allows you to contribute to the greater good? If so, please share it in the comments section.
(Joanna worked in higher education administration for many years at a leading research institution before becoming a full-time freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire with her family).
