Student Loan Dodgers

For some students, the economic realities of higher education mean working at least part-time while going to school. A part-time job offers the ability to earn extra money for tuition or living expenses. But can you really work and go to school at the same time?

Most decidedly, yes! Working a part time job can consume as many as 15-20 hours per week. It’s important, therefore, to make the most of your working time. Minimum wage jobs tend to require a flexible schedule, and the shifts are relatively short. Also, don’t assume that the only jobs you’re “qualified” for are minimum wage jobs. Plenty of entry-level work will get you more than the minimum wage. There’s yet another reason to avoid minimum wage jobs: you will maximize the amount of money you earn for the time you have available if you can avoid minimum wage work.

If you plan to work part-time, you’ll need to get serious about scheduling time to complete your studies and class assignments. Schedule all of your classes on the same days of the week, even if it means that you’re in the classroom for six or eight hours on those days. If you can go to classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you can work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You’ll find better-paying part-time opportunities if you can regularly devote a two full eight-hour days per week to work. You’ll also have a better, more meaningful work experience that contributes to your education. You’ll still have evenings and weekends to complete your school assignments, and spend time with your friends.

Choose the most interesting part-time opportunities you can find. Look for jobs that will enhance your studies, work skills or that will provide meaningful experiences once you are ready to work full-time. Look at a part-time job as a non-credit co-op experience and it will become more than just a paycheck for you.

Don’t expect to be given a corner office, but there are some important benefits to working your way through college. If nothing else, part-time work gives you the chance to make contacts, earn positive references and learn how to work well with others in a business environment.