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So you've just arrived at school and realize that scholarship or summer savings is not going to stretch as far as you've thought.

Act fast. The job scene varies from campus to campus, so don't rely on the views of friends studying in other cities. Check with your school's job placement office or online service, go door to door -- and update your resume.

Despite the doom and gloom of the economy, "things are picking up," said Jeff Janas, job placement coordinator for Anoka-Ramsey  Community College.

Just don't be too picky. Many jobs out there pay $7.25-$10, according to a survey of Web sites and several Minnesota schools. And you'll have to hustle for those.

"If a student just checks the (jobs) Web site just once a week and doesn’t really proactively approach the job hunt or follow up, it will be tough," said Vicki Decker, director of career services at Winona State University.

Off-campus jobs are your most likely option. That's because some schools have most of their on-campus  jobs set aside for those already in a work-study scholarship program -- and the others get snatched up fast. Some schools don't have  centers for those looking for part-time work, so students there have to look around themselves.

The main thing is to have a strategy, Janas said.

So keep these things in mind when you look:

With those things in mind, it's possible to be optimistic.

"I think someone new can definitely find a job off campus," said  Hartmann-Turner.

Two writers on the Web considered that, compiling lists that took into account pay, benefits and non-pay perks. The first is from 

I've condensed the lists, so click on the links for the full details.

What do you think? Does anyone know of other good part-time jobs for schools?

Walletpop:

 $11/hour on average, plus health and dental after 400-800 hours worked.

: Usually minimum wage, but you can get some studying on the clock.

 $10/hour starting. Walletpop tells of  two University of Minnesota students who worked at Maplewood Imports.

 Apple stores offer  tuition  assistance, depending on the position, location and time spent with   Apple, and a generous discount on computers, iPhones, iPads and iPods.

 $15/hour: One Fargo woman worked as a dance  instructor while attending MSU Moorhead.

 Often minimum wage, but tips may double the pay.

 $5,000-$36,000/year. Bonuses range  from $1,000 to $4,000 for some above-average workers.

 When you can find one, it can be a good gig. Pay depends on the field, but it's often $10-$15 per hour, plus possible college credit.

NextStudent:

 (on-campus): $8–$11/hour, often depending on tech skills. Lot of time to study. 

(on-campus): $12–$13/hour plus possible discounts.

 (on- and  off-campus):$7-$10/hour depending on experience.

Education News

On Campus Blog

Alex Friedrich

Author

So you’ve just arrived at school and realize that scholarship or summer savings is not going to stretch as far as you’ve thought. What next? Act fast. The job scene varies from campus to campus, so don’t rely on the views of friends studying in other cities. Check with your school’s job placement office or…

The best part-time jobs for college students (and tips for the search)

Go Deeper.

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