Tips for Student Part - Time Jobs

It is not unconventional for students to seek part time employment during their academic programs. Below is a list of part jobs as well as tips to have in mind while searching for the right part - time job.

Tips

#1 - Off-Campus vs On-Campus Jobs

On-campus jobs tend to be convenient and flexible. Your job and lecture are in the same campus location hence no need for commuting. For example, if you work in the campus book store and your lecture hall is on the second floor of the same building then all you need to do is walk down. 

In addition, campus work tends to take into account your course schedule for the day. In some cases campus employers are known to give student employees a flexible time schedule that fits the lecture time-table. This comes in handy during exams and when you need extra time off for projects and presentations. 

Off-campus job as the name implies are jobs that are located outside of the campus vicinity. They may not be as flexible and convenient because it may require some type of commute. Imagine trying to catch a bus in the winter to work after your lectures. And if even though you have a car, you still have to deal with traffic and gas bill. Furthermore, your employer may not necessarily give you that extra time off when they need arises. 

According to CIC, full time international students on a valid study permit may work for a maximum of 20 hours per week off campus. Some employers may have an issue with the 20 hours cap. There is no cap on the number of hours a student can work on campus. 

#2 - Weekend vs Weekday Jobs

At the beginning of the semester make sure you get a hold of your course syllabus so you can understand your course breakdown and the amount of time you will need to put in. This will help you choose between weekend or weekday part time job. 

If you choose to work on weekends. Make sure you do most of your academic work on the weekday. If you leave your academic work for the weekend you might find it hard to accomplish anything by Monday morning due to work.

If you work on weekdays (after lectures) then take your weekend seriously to catch up on all academic work.

The amount of extra time you will  have available to yourself will depend on your course load and the amount of hours you allocate to your job. 

#3 - Pros vs Cons

Pros: Learn how to manage your money early - allocate money for bills, rent, groceries and learn to stay within your budget. 

You will learn how to prioritize what matters to you most because of the little time available to you. Hence you will pick up time management skill. 

You will pick up all sorts of work experience as well as how to deal with co-workers. This is vital for when you start working full time in your field. 

You learn how to be independent. Once you know how to make your own decisions concerning budgeting, time management and planning you are slowly starting to take control of your life and steering it where you want to go. 

Cons: Some jobs can be physically or mentally exhausting. Watch out for the hours you signup for and gauge how much work you can actually do so you don`t become too exhausted to study. 

Some people cannot combine work and study. If you start to get poor grades, stop working and focus on studies.

It is easy to get side-tracked with a high paying part time job. Make sure you don`t abandon your academic work completely. 

#4 - No Canadian work experience?

If you have been rejected due to a lack of Canadian work experience, then consider volunteering with local organizations near you. You can volunteer with your professors, salvation army, religious institutions, hospitals, student union, etc. Let your volunteer work experience reflect in your resume. 

#5 - Begin job search on campus

Look into your student union website for jobs on campus first before looking off campus for jobs, especially if you want to enjoy the convenience and flexibility discussed above. 

#6  - Use job sites

Use job sites like indeed , workopolis, monster to search for all kinds of jobs. 

#7  - Networking

Talk to other students in your various small student groups about part time positions that maybe floating around. Expand your friend circle and learn more about new opportunities. 

Lists of student part-time jobs

Library Attendant

Food counter clerk

Classroom technology assistant

Book store cashier / sales associate

Teaching Assistant  - mostly for graduate students

Campus Security

Campus Bar Jobs - bouncer, security, waitress, cook, 

Student Union Positions - President, VP academics, VP student life

Pizza delivery driver - will need a working vehicle

Grocery chains (walmart, superstore, safeway, etc) - look for cashier, janitorial and merchandise associate positions. 

University call centre - Out bound and inbound call agents or telemarketers are always needed. Also look for other call centers off campus. 

Retail Stores (clothing stores, electronic stores, etc) - search for sales associate and customer service positions, etc. Make sure you are a people person.

Courier stores - look for positions in DHL, Fedex and UPS stores

Campus gym attendent 

Tutoring - recommended if you are good at a particular subject. Speak to your student union about this.

Fast food clerk - look for opportunities in your local mall and university centre food court, etc.

Coop/internship/summer jobs - if you can secure a 4 - 16 month industry placement, you will gain work experience as well save lots of money upon your return. In some cases, you make enough money so you don't have to pick up a part time job in the regular semester.

Uber cab driver - will need a working car

Baby sitter

Dog walker

Local Cinema jobs (Landmark, Cineplex, Empire, etc) - cast member, cashier, games host, cinema host

There are many more part time jobs out there. It really boils down to what you can lay your hands on and the skill set you bring to the table.