On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs offer students convenience and flexibility, often aligning well with academic schedules. These positions, like those at the Indiana Memorial Union, can range from marketing to event management. Off-campus jobs provide a wider variety of opportunities, from retail to internships at local businesses.
- On-campus jobs at IU: Approximately 9,735 positions (618 being work-study)
- Off-campus options: More diverse and career-oriented
Work-study jobs, part of the federal financial aid program, help students with financial need work part-time while studying. These roles, often on-campus, can include:
- Library assistants ($13.10 to $27.56 per hour)
- Research assistants ($35,935 to $87,019 annually)
Non-work-study positions are open to all students and can be found in various university departments. Off-campus work provides real-world experience, with roles like:
- Restaurant servers ($11.21-$17.07 per hour plus tips)
- Delivery drivers ($25,690-$32,300 per year, plus tips)
The gig economy offers another flexible option, with platforms like TaskRabbit or rideshare services providing earnings typically from $10 to $20 an hour. Professional roles like research assistants or tutors ($14.79-$29.94 per hour) can be particularly rewarding, contributing both financially and to academic experience.
Resources like Jobs at IU or Handshake help students find positions that fit their needs and schedules. While on-campus jobs offer convenience, off-campus jobs can provide varied experiences and sometimes better financial incentives.
Best Jobs for Skill Development and Flexibility
Several roles offer flexibility and valuable skill development for students:
- Barista: Develops multitasking, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Pay ranges from $11.42 to $14.99 per hour plus tips.
- Library Assistant: Offers a quiet workspace and improves organizational and research skills. Pay ranges from $13.10 to $27.56 per hour.
- Tutor: Reinforces knowledge while helping peers. Flexible hours with rates typically ranging from $14.79 to $29.94 per hour.
- Research Assistant: Provides hands-on experience in your field of study. Salaries range from $35,935 to $87,019 annually.
- IT Support Specialist: Builds a foundation in high-demand tech skills. Pay ranges from $39,941 to $71,686 per year.
Some companies offer additional benefits like tuition reimbursement. Starbucks partners with Arizona State University for online degrees, while Chipotle offers up to $5,250 per year for educational expenses.
Food delivery drivers can choose their shifts, earning $25,690 – $32,300 annually plus tips.
When choosing a part-time job, consider aligning it with your interests and career goals. Each role offers unique advantages that can help balance your academic life with professional growth.
Maximizing Income with Additional Perks
Students can maximize their income by targeting part-time jobs that offer additional benefits:
- Amazon's Career Choice: Provides up to $12,000 over four years for associate degrees or vocational certificates for part-time workers (20+ hours/week).
- Taco Bell's Live Más Scholarship: Offers awards up to $25,000 for employees aged 16-24, requiring only three months of employment.
- Chipotle: Covers $5,250 annually for classes at accredited institutions and subsidizes select business and technology degrees.
- Gig economy jobs (TaskRabbit, Uber, Lyft): Offer flexibility and earnings of $10-$20 per hour.
- On-demand jobs (Postmates, DoorDash): Allow students to earn during free time.
- Retail and hospitality: Some offer tuition assistance. Starbucks partners with Arizona State University for online undergraduate degrees.
- UPS and FedEx: Offer tuition assistance programs. UPS provides up to $25,000 for part-time employees.
- Online tutoring (Preply): Allows setting your own rates and working from home.
- Freelance platforms (Fiverr, Upwork): Provide opportunities to sell creative skills globally.
- Paid internships: Offer industry experience and sometimes educational stipends or tuition reimbursements.
By exploring these opportunities, students can ease financial pressures while gaining valuable work experience and skills for their future careers.
Both on-campus and off-campus jobs offer valuable opportunities for students. Whether it's the convenience and flexibility of working on campus or the diverse experiences available off campus, each option supports students in their academic and professional journeys.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. 2021.
- National Association of Colleges and Employers. Job Outlook 2021. NACE. 2020.
- College Board. Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020. College Board. 2020.
