It’s pretty common these days for college students to work while studying. A 2018 study from Georgetown University showed that over 70% of students worked while in school between 1990 and 2015. This trend is on the rise as college tuition and enrollment continue to grow. So, whether you see the benefits or not, you might find yourself needing to work during college. But don’t worry, it’s not all bad. In fact, if you can keep your work hours under 20 per week, there are quite a few positives to having a job during college.
Why Work While Studying?
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Extra Cash: The "broke student" stereotype exists for a reason. Unless your parents are covering all your expenses, you might struggle to afford personal items and social activities. Financial aid packages usually don’t cover these costs. Having a part-time job can help you avoid relying on credit cards and give you some financial independence.
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Reducing Debt: College is expensive. The average annual cost of attending an in-state public college is $22,180, and it’s over double that for private schools. Many students take out loans to cover these costs. While a part-time job might not cover all your expenses, it can help reduce the amount you need to borrow.
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Learning Money Management: Managing your own money can be a new experience if you’ve never worked before. Having a job while in college can help you learn how to budget and manage your finances, which is a valuable skill for life after graduation.
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Time Management Skills: Balancing work and school can be tough, but it’s a great way to learn time management. This is a highly valued skill in the job market.
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Getting Ahead of the Competition: Working while in college can give you an edge when you’re looking for a job after graduation. Especially if you can find a job related to your field of study, this experience can make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
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Boosting Future Earnings: A study from Rutgers University found that students who worked in college earned $20,000 more on average than those who didn’t.
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Networking Opportunities: Working a job can help you make valuable connections with people who could help you in your future career.
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Improving Academic Performance: Interestingly, working can actually help improve your grades. A study published in the Economics of Education Review found that students who worked were more likely to graduate.
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It Can Be Fun: Not all jobs are a drag. Working in a field you enjoy or with people you like can make the experience enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to take a break from studying.
In conclusion, while working during college can be challenging, it also comes with many benefits. It can help you gain valuable skills, reduce your debt, and even boost your future earnings. So, if you’re considering getting a job while in school, know that it can be a worthwhile endeavor.
