Five Work-Study Jobs That Won’t Interfere with Your Studies

Updated December 5, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Work-study jobs are an excellent way to either defray the cost of college, or earn extra money while in college. Here are five manageable work-study jobs.

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Work-Study Jobs

  • Tutoring
  • Computer Lab Monitor
  • Library Clerk
  • Assistant Secretary
  • Admissions Assistant

The lives of modern students are hectic, to say the least. Academic programs have become more rigorous, and in addition, living has become much more expensive - requiring students not only to spend more time on their studies but also to work in order to support themselves.

Work-study jobs are often chosen by students who are anxious to avoid debt, as work study funding now replaces loans in a student's financial aid portfolio. For students who are genuinely dedicated to their studies, work interfering with their studies is a harrowing concern. However, some work-study jobs gel neatly with academic study and permit students to continue to dedicate the majority of their time to their classes. Here are five work-study jobs that won't interfere with your studies.

Tutoring

Tutoring is a fantastic work-study option, particularly those who are aiming for the education or non-profit sectors. Tutoring may take place in a one-on-one setting where appointments are scheduled for you and the tutee dependent on schedule, or you may work in a learning or tutoring center, which is even more ideal. Tutors working in learning or writing centers usually receive students on an as-needed basis, which means at least a little bit of downtime between assisting students - leaving you time to get your schoolwork done while you're on the clock.

Computer Lab Monitor

Another job with a lot of downtime, computer lab monitors oversee appropriate conduct in the computer lab and assist students with technical troubleshooting when required. Many students come to the lab already equipped with basic computer literacy skills - and even if they don't, many college campuses now offer classes and free seminars in computer literacy either as academic courses or sponsored by student or academic affairs departments. During shifts in a computer lab, there will be long stretches of time where no one needs anything, and there will also be relative quiet - giving you more of a breather to do your homework or write a paper.

Library Clerk

Library clerks may not only shelve books; they may also be on circulation or reference desk duty, assist with data entry, or, if the campus has one, assigned to duty in the learning commons area where they will monitor other students studying or working on projects. The job of a library clerk is certainly busier than that of a computer lab monitor, but there will still generally be time to work on your studies while you're at work.

Assistant Secretary

Another fairly comfortable desk job, students assigned to assistant secretarial positions will generally work in the department that serves their major and support the departmental administrative staff. This might include organizing or looking up files, answering phones, and answering student or faculty inquiries or emails. Between phone calls, though, you'll likely find yourself with some spare hours to do schoolwork.

Admissions Assistant

Comparable to the role of the assistant secretary, admissions assistants will work in their college or university's admissions center to answer student and parent questions and provide other administrative services such as answering phone calls, filing, faxing, and assisting in the organization of admissions events. Certain times of the academic year will be very busy, but all the same, there will usually be a spare hour or two in your shift to work on a paper, complete a homework assignment, or do some reading.

Balancing school and work can be difficult, especially for dedicated students. However, each of these work-study roles suit a variety of personalities and academic interests, and will lend themselves well to staying on top of your grades.

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