Let’s face it; most student jobs aren’t that great. If you are looking for a part time job that fits around your studies, chances are you will end up in the service industry. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with working a customer service based role, but there are other jobs out there that have so much more to offer.
These days, there are several ways you can earn money online as a student while earning valuable skills and experience at the same time. The best way to do this is to work for yourself, by starting your own business or selling your work online. These options give you a chance to develop key skills that won’t just help you earn money while you’re studying, but will also help you land a great job once you graduate.
Start a Blog
Starting a blog offers you loads of money making opportunities. Not only can you earn money, but you can also give yourself a competitive edge over other job applicants once you start looking for work. These are just a few of the monetization techniques out there today:
- Advertisements
- Sponsored posts or paid reviews
- Affiliate marketing
- Referral programs
- Selling products or services
While money is a big motivator, there are other reasons for students to have their own blog. Your blog can act as your portfolio, so that when you start applying for jobs you have something that will help you to stand out from the crowd. It gives you a platform to show off your work, while also demonstrating your hard work and determination.
It also gives you an opportunity to connect with industry professionals. Getting a job once you graduate can be difficult, so you want to get in touch with the right people and build up a reputation before you hit the workplace. With all the knowledge you gain from running you blog, you have valuable skills to take into the workplace. So, not only can you use it to earn some extra cash, but you can also use your blog to gain skills and make valuable connections.
Start Your Own Business
For those of you with an entrepreneurial spirit, there is no reason to delay starting your own business until after you graduate. There are lots of student entrepreneurs out there who have managed to create a successful business while still at university. It’s a great way to earn extra money, but more importantly, gain invaluable experience.
While it may seem like a difficult task while you are a student, there are plenty of ways you can use your university or college to your advantage. Not only are there entrepreneur societies you can sign up to, but there are also several other ways you can receive some much-needed support.
Three Northumbria University students managed to start their own company, Summer Takeover, as a part of their degree. They not only received valuable advice, but they also received free services such as legal mentoring and marketing. The placement gave them access to resources and services that you simply wouldn’t get access to if you weren’t a student
Use your time as a student to your advantage by signing up to relevant courses, finding a mentor and making use of the wealth of resources you have available to you. Speak to professors with relevant knowledge and expertise and use classmates to provide feedback on products or services.
Sell Your Crafts Online
Are you one of those people that’s constantly creating? Whether you like to draw, knit, make your own jewelry or sew your own clothes, there are plenty of ways you can make money online.
Etsy is one of the most popular online marketplaces for artists and crafters, but it’s not the only place to sell your crafts. Handmade items are becoming ever more popular, so now it the time to sell your creations online. There are plenty of guides to help get you started and you can make a decent amount of money.
The average Etsy seller makes about $3,400 a year, not bad for a student job. If you are studying an art degree, then this is a great place to sell some pieces that you don’t mind parting with.
Of course, you don’t have to sell physical products. You can also sell your digital creations on places such as Creative Market. This digital platform allows you to open up your own shop to sell your own graphics, photos and even fonts. Creative students have plenty of options to sell their designs and crafts, no matter what you’re creating.
Students face fierce competition once they enter the workplace. That’s why it’s so important that you make the most of your time at university. If you need to earn money while studying, then choose a job that’s going to give you valuable skills and experience. Working for yourself will help to show future employers exactly what you’re capable of, while giving you the freedom to build on the skills you’re looking to develop.
