As you enter your early twenties and seek more independence, getting a job next to your studies might be your next goal. Combining studies with a side job is more than possible so let’s explore several job-searching channels and see what are the best part-time jobs for students these days.
While finding a job seems easy in theory, you may be wondering where to start, which part-time job is best for students and what things to keep an eye out for. In this article, we will explore the most popular ways to search for a part-time job and the different employment options to fit your studies. Read further to get a head start on your job hunt.
Where to look for part-time jobs for international students?
Looking for a job can be discouraging. Sometimes, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why you should start by learning where to search for jobs. After you read these tips, the whole thing should seem much easier. So, here are several approaches you can take to get you searching for a part-time student job.
Check your university’s website
The best part-time jobs for students are often advertised on their university’s website. So start your search there. University faculties sometimes look for student employees who can help with administrative, research, or tutoring tasks. Check out the official university page for any open applications. Also, consider asking other faculty employees whether they know of any jobs at the university available for international students.
Search Online
Online search tools are also a great way to look for a job. Try searching for different types of part-time jobs in your area but be careful and selective in your search, and keep an eye out for any suspicious job offers.
Furthermore, job listing websites such as Linkedin and Indeed are a convenient way to view many employment offers in one place. These platforms also allow you to use filters to make your search more accurate. If you find a position you like, usually, you can apply directly through the websites.
Another idea is to find companies that you like and want to work for. Then, check their official websites for contact details. Prepare your resume and (or) cover letter and email them to the selected companies as an open application. Sometimes, employers haven’t had a chance to list their job offers yet and may appreciate your initiative to contact them first.
Search Offline
Going to the city and walking into local businesses is a great way to search for work in the catering and retail industries. To prepare in advance, print several resumes and bring them to bars, restaurants, cafes, and stores where you would like to work. When you’re there, ask the current employees or their manager whether they are looking for new colleagues. Finally, offer to leave your resume and contact information so that they can contact you if an open position becomes available.
Best part-time jobs for students
To give you some ideas of what kind of part-time work to look for, we have prepared some examples. Our suggestions for student-side jobs are listed below.
Babysitter
If you have experience in taking care of children and like to be surrounded by their company, you might enjoy being a babysitter. Try using well-known and trusted websites such as Sittercity (which operates only in the USA market) or Care.com to connect with families looking for a babysitter. Also, explore local babysitting communities through Facebook groups or use personal connections to find work. Babysitting can be a rewarding job and can be combined with your studies.
Pet sitter
Similarly to babysitting, pet sitting means helping pet owners take care of their furry friends. Looking after a cat while the owners are away or coming in once a day to walk somebody’s dog are just a few tasks that pet owners might need your help with. There are many online websites, such as Rover - an online pet sitters and owners community, where you can search for pet sitting jobs.
Server, Barista, or Bartender
These are three different positions within the same industry - catering. Working in this field can allow you to build a more flexible schedule and combine work with other activities. But keep in mind that the catering business can be exhausting for those who don't enjoy frequent communication or busy areas. Otherwise, working in this industry can be a fun and youthful side job while studying.
Deliverer
A deliverer is responsible for bringing mail, food or other packages to the designated locations. While some deliveries can be done on a bicycle or a scooter, other types of delivery may require you to possess a driver's licence and sometimes even a car. Explore your local food or package delivery services to see if this could be a suitable part-time job for you.
Tutor
If you’re good at a subject, why not teach it to others and earn some extra money? Tutors help other students at various education levels to understand specific topics, prepare for exams and answer their questions. If you have a passion for education, this side job might be the right choice.
Paid Internships
Many companies worldwide are looking for young individuals who aspire to gain professional experience. They offer internships within different business fields and sometimes even pay a monthly allowance in return for your help. To get an internship, the main requirement is to be enrolled in a higher education institution. Therefore, this is a perfect option not only to earn some extra money but also to gain professional experience.
Retail
Retail is a popular sector in which students look for part-time jobs. Examples of retail work are grocery store cashier, clothing store representative, bookseller, and many other positions in smaller or bigger retail establishments. To find the right fit job, you can start by working out what kind of products you would enjoy working with and then find stores that sell them.
Social Media Administrator
If you know how to navigate various social media platforms, you could seek a job as a social media administrator. This is one of the best part-time jobs for students online. Usually, this kind of work doesn’t require full-time employment; therefore, companies or individuals offer the position to students. The main responsibilities for this job include overseeing the company's social media presence and creating content for it. A great thing about this job is that social media administration can be done completely online and throughout the day.
Freelancer
Freelancing arguably can be called one of the most flexible ways of working. These days, your skills can be your best selling point. This means that if you are good in a specific area, for example, drawing, programming, video editing or many other things, you can offer your skills as a service to other companies. As a freelancer, you are free to choose your working hours, the amount of work you want to do and the location where you do it. For more ideas, check out popular freelancing sites such as Fiverr or Upwork. However, be mindful of the legal requirements for freelancing in the country you wish to perform it.
Before you apply for part-time jobs as an international student
As an international student searching for a side job, there are several things that you need to consider before accepting an employment offer. These three are the most important ones to keep in mind during your job hunt:
1. Legal requirements
As a foreigner, you must be aware of different legal standards that may apply to you. In most cases, international students need a study visa to study abroad. Beware that this type of visa may not always permit you to work in the country of your studies, or it may restrict you to the number of hours you can work per week/month. For example, in the EU, only Estonia and Lithuania have no restrictive work hours for non-EU students; meanwhile, other countries from Europe strictly regulate labour time (for more information, read the Schengen Visa page). To avoid having legal issues, make sure you know if you are allowed to work in the country of study and under which conditions you can do so.
2. Language
In the UK, Australia, USA, and other native English-speaking countries, most international students will not have a language barrier. However, in other countries, language may come in the way of finding a job. If you don’t know the country’s native language, consider learning some basics that may help you in simple work settings. Also, try applying for jobs within a more international environment to avoid language requirements.
3. Employment Contract
When you find a job, make sure to arrange your employment conditions well. Agree with your employer on the number of hours you will work per week and, if possible, adjust your working times to your studies. Also, remember to do prior research on the minimum wage regulation in the country and (or) the average local salaries for the positions you’re applying for. It will ensure you don’t get paid below the legal minimum wage. It will also allow you to set up accurate expectations and have more confidence to negotiate the salary you deserve.
When you’re searching for a job, it all boils down to your determination. The reality is that it may take several attempts before you find a suitable part-time position that fits well with your studies. But hey, that’s life.
You can also take into consideration what kind of job you want to get once you graduate and get a student job that gives you useful experience. As a starting point, read this article on 10 Best Jobs for the Future and the Master’s Degrees to Get Them.
For more information, study our other articles on finding a job in Scandinavia or in Canada. Furthermore, follow our tips, be creative in your search, and the extra effort in your job hunt will pay off.
