how can students get a part time job essay

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The Best Part Time Jobs for Teens

Jamie Kingham / Getty Images

• Part-Time Jobs
• Pros and Cons
• Signs of Readiness

Although an after-school job seems like a time-honored tradition, the number of teens who work has actually fallen in recent years. This decline may be due to the difficulty many teens have finding work. Other teens may be opting out of working because their schedules are already overflowing with after-school activities and long hours studying.

While there are some potential perks to working while in high school, research shows there are some drawbacks as well. For instance, teens who work longer hours may have lower grades and are at greater risk for problem behaviors such as drinking and smoking.

Clearly, an after-school job isn't going to work for all teens. If you're thinking of letting your teen enter the workforce, you should consider the potential risks as well as the benefits.

Good Part-Time Jobs for Teens

Consider what your teen's goals are. Do they want to gain experience for or try out a future career path, do something they enjoy, or simply make money for future college expenses?

With their goal or goals in mind, your teen can look for part-time employment that will help them reach those goals. You also should consider your specific state's labor laws. This will help you determine age limits as well as the number of hours your teen can expect to work per week.

It's also important to consider the requirements or experience needed for the position as well as the location and schedule. Aside from typical part-time jobs like working as a barista, delivering pizzas, serving in a restaurant, or working for a fast-food chain, here are some other part-time job ideas for teens.

• Babysitter : Many teens like to make extra money babysitting . In most cases, they can control when they work and parents often pay well, especially if your teen has a first-aid and CPR certification. Additionally, this type of part-time job helps teens who plan to go into education learn how to work with children, especially if they are helping with homework and planning activities.
• Catering staff : Teens with an interest in the culinary arts may want to look into working for a catering company. Although they will likely help with set up, serving, and clean-up and not much cooking, they will get a feel for what the industry is like.
• Dietary aide : Some nursing homes will hire teens to work in their kitchens serving food or washing dishes, while other facilities will have teens do minor housekeeping duties. If your teen is interested in becoming a nurse or a doctor, positions in these facilities can be great learning experiences.
• Grocery store stocker or cashier : Grocery stores very often hire teens to stock shelves as well as check out or carry out groceries. Some stores even hire teens as young as 14 years old.
• Lawn care or landscaping assistant : Cutting lawns is a time-honored teen job. If your teen doesn't want to try to drum up business in your neighborhood, they also can look into working for lawn care and landscaping companies where they will do everything from weed and put down mulch to cut grass and trim.
• Lifeguard : Many teens enjoy working as a lifeguard at their local pool or beach . Although they must go through a special training program to be certified, many teens find this position rewarding, especially if they enjoy being outdoors (of course, indoor pools also hire lifeguards, if your teen is looking for work beyond the outdoor swimming season).
• Receptionist or customer service representative : Teens looking for consistent employment in an office setting may want to search for receptionist or customer service representative positions. Rates vary depending on the employer, but most teens can expect to make at least minimum wage.
• Referee : For kids who love sports, they may want to look into becoming a referee. For instance, in Ohio the Ohio High School Athletic Association allows teens to become licensed referees. They can officiate for recreational sports leagues as well as at middle school contests and can expect to be paid about $11 to $25 per hour.
• Retail sales associate : Many kids enjoy working in retail, especially if they have an interest in marketing, retail planning, or fashion design. Although they may start out at minimum wage, they often get an employee discount, which can add up if they tend to shop in the store a lot.
• Tutor : If your teen is particularly gifted in math or science and taking advanced courses, they may want to start a tutoring business. Parents of younger children, and even some high school parents, like to hire students to tutor their children because it's not as expensive as hiring a teacher or a professional tutor. As with lawn care, if your child doesn't want to be their own boss, they can apply to work at a tutoring center.
• Veterinary assistant : For teens who love animals, they may want to check with local veterinarians to see if they hire teens. Often, these doctors will hire teens to clean kennels or walk dogs. They may also ask teens to assist them by calming pets while they evaluate them.

Statistics on Teen Employment

Each year, teen and young adult employment increases between April and July as teens and recent graduates begin looking for employment. However, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds employed in July 2020 was down 56.2% compared to July 2019, reflecting heightened unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were fewer teens employed in July 2020 (peak teen working season) than in February 2020 before the pandemic officially began to take its toll in the United States. Employment rates were lower across the board for different races, with Whites experiencing 49.5% lower rates, Hispanics at 42.6%, Blacks at 39.2%, and Asians at 32.0%.

As the economy improved in 2021, however, more teens were able to find jobs. One study found that 32.4%, or 5.3 million, 16- to 19-year-olds were employed in May 2021. This number reflected an encouraging drop in the unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year-olds. Whereas 30.7% teens in this age range were out of work in May 2020, only 9.5% were unemployed in May 2021.

It seems likely that the downward trend of teen summer employment will continue, though: while the nation had more teens of working age in May 2021 (16.4 million) than in May 2020 (15.9 million), fewer of them held a job. Researchers suggest that fewer entry-level jobs, more teens doing volunteer service, and more summer classes are among the possible reasons for this trend.

In July 2020, 24% of employed teens worked in the leisure and hospitality industry, which also includes food services. However, employment in this industry was down 21% or 1.1 million when compared to July 2019. Teens also were employed in the retail industry (20%) and in educational and health services (11%).

Pros and Cons of Part-Time Jobs for Teens

When determining whether or not a part-time job is right for your teen, it can help to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. You also should consider your teen's temperament as well as their existing time commitments.

Learn to manage money

Gain experience

Have less time for risk-taking

Build life skills

Acquire work skills

Have less time for studying

View workplace negatively

Interfere with activities

Might create stress

May lead to substance abuse

Pros of Part-Time Jobs

An after-school job can be good for young people. Here are some of the biggest benefits your teen might gain:

• Financial skills : With support from you, a paycheck can be an opportunity for your teen to learn how to effectively manage finances . Teach your teen to establish a budget so they can practice saving for big-ticket items. 
• Insight into a future job : A good job can give your teen valuable insight into what they may want to do after high school. They may discover they enjoy working with people or they might decide that they want to own a business. If nothing else, a part-time job gives your teen valuable work experience that they can list on future job applications.
• Less time to get into trouble : If your teen heads straight from school to a job, it shortens the amount of free time they have to engage in risky behaviors. They'll be less likely to be bored when a job keeps them busy.
• Life skills : A job could  instill confidence and independence in your teen. If they work with customers, it can teach them how to handle difficult situations and improve their communication skills. 
• Work skills : An after-school job will help your teenager gain work skills—such as how to complete a job application, how to do well in an interview, and how to work for a supervisor.

Cons of Part-Time Jobs

There are definitely some risks teens face when becoming employed. Weigh these drawbacks against the benefits and your teen's particular needs and other risk factors.

• Less time to study : Research shows that students who work more than 20 hours a week have lower grade point averages than students who work 10 hours or less a week. Your teen may have to stay up late to finish their homework or they might put less effort into school when they're employed. 
• Negative impression of work : Working for a disorganized employer or an untrained supervisor could give your teen a negative impression of employment. Unfortunately, studies show teens may become victims of sexual harassment when they become employed.  
• Missed opportunities : Being obligated to work a shift could take away from the high school experience. It could be difficult for your teen to participate in a sports team, drama production, or volunteer opportunity if they have a part-time job.
• More stress : Working too many hours could cause your teen to become stressed out. The purpose of a job is to give your child a little more freedom by earning their own money. If they never have time to spend that money having fun, what’s the point?
• Increased risk of substance abuse : Studies show kids who work are actually at increased risk of drinking alcohol or using drugs . The extra spending money and the added responsibilities may lead some teens to make poorer choices.

Signs a Teen Is Ready for a Job

Aside from having the time and the drive to find part-time employment, there are some additional characteristics that may indicate that your teen is ready for a job.

• Good time management skills : If your teen consistently arrives to school or after-school activities on time, budgets their time effectively, and consistently stays on top of school assignments, then they may be able to handle the added commitment of a part-time job.
• Strong communication skills : Entering the workforce requires the ability to be assertive when necessary. If your teen is confident in communicating with others, they may be ready for part-time employment.
• Sense of commitment and good follow through : Holding down a job requires that your teen be responsible and committed. If they struggle to follow through on projects or honor their commitments, they may not be ready for part-time employment.
• Willingness to be a team player : Having a job requires that your teen know how to get along with other people and complete tasks that they may not want to do at times. If your teen is able to work alongside others with minimal conflict or complaint, they may be ready for a part-time job.

A Word From Verywell

Deciding whether to let your teen get a job isn't a decision you should make lightly. Having a job while in high school is not right for every teen. You will need to determine if your child has the time, the maturity, and the responsibility to juggle a job along with their other commitments.

If you're on the fence, encourage your teen to start with a  summer job . Summer employment won’t interfere with school and it can keep your teen busy during the summer months. If a summer job goes well, your teen may be ready to work during the school year. 

Mortimer JT. The benefits and risks of adolescent employment . Prev Res . 2010;17(2):8-11. PMID:20835367

Indeed Career Guide. How much do referees get paid ?

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment and unemployment among youth .

Pew Research Center. During the pandemic, teen summer employment hits its lowest point since the Great Recession .

Singh K.  Part-time employment in high school and its effect on academic achievement . J Educ Res . 1998;91(3):131-139. doi:10.1080/00220679809597533

Boles AM. Centering the teenage "siren": Adolescent workers, sexual harassment, and the legal construction of race and gender . Mich J Gender & L. 2015;22(1).

Monahan KC, Lee JM, Steinberg L. Revisiting the impact of part‐time work on adolescent adjustment: distinguishing between selection and socialization using propensity score matching . Child Dev . 2011;82(1):96-112. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01543.x

Greene KM, Staff J. Teenage employment and career readiness . New Dir Youth Dev . 2012;2012(134):23-28. doi:10.1002/yd.20012

By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, an international bestselling author of books on mental strength and host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. She delivered one of the most popular TEDx talks of all time.

Working While Going to College: Pros and Cons Essay

Introduction, reasons for working during college, positive effects of working during college, negative effects of working during college.

At the present day, the majority of students chose work while going to college, they take a part-time job and attend classes, or they chose a full-time occupation during the summer. Some students have a financial necessity to find work before graduation, while others are ready to sacrifice their free time, entertainment, and communication with group mates to provide themselves with a comfortable living and become adaptable, responsible, and mature. Like any activity, working while going to college has positive and negative effects on young people. The purpose of this essay is to examine the reasons that encourage students to work while studying and the impact of working during college.

Working during college has its reasons and may be highly beneficial. Although a significant number of students are frequently apprehensive about applying for a part-time or even full-time job during college, this possibility may be taken into consideration. However, a student should thoroughly evaluate his or her strengths, flexibility, and potential necessity of working. One of the most substantial reasons to work while going to college is the ability to earn money. A working student may independently pay for his or her classes, reduce the amount of money that was borrowed for education, or have the ability to afford a comfortable living. In particular cases, when companies offer students the benefits of a full-time job for the execution of part-time work, young people may start their retirement savings while they are still studying. Another reason for working while going to college is the improvement of personal and professional skills. Even if a taken part-time job is not connected with obtainable education and future profession, it will inevitably require time management and decision-making skills, or the ability to build understanding with a large number of diverse people. In general, working during college is a positive personal life experience, students may try various kinds of activities, test their abilities, or get acquainted and apparently form a friendship with a great number of people.

Working while going to college has a substantial number of positive effects. First of all, getting a job during college provides students with an income and helps them to make student loan payments. Student loan debt is a significant issue for many students, the necessity to pay it after graduation slows down life progress and postpones the essential ambitions such as homeownership and starting a family. Working during college gives young people the possibility to graduate without substantial financial obligations. Another positive impact of the combination of work with studying is the receiving of valuable job experience. Students who are working during college accumulate knowledge, improve self-discipline, and develop their professional and communicative skills. Finding a job that corresponds with a chosen profession may positively affect a resume and provide career development immediately after finishing the study. Even if job experience received during part-time work is not closely related to the field of study, working students learn work ethic, and get additional information that may be highly useful in the future. Such students obviously get more chances to fit a particular position after graduation compared with young people without any experience at all.

Despite the positive impact of working while going to college on students’ future career, self-development, and financial obligations, a job taken in college may influence students adversely. As young people who work frequently choose their jobs instead of study time and prefer practical skills to theoretical knowledge, it significantly affects their grades in a negative way. Students with work frequently have a serious risk of getting expelled, as the necessity to work effectively for extended hours eliminates the possibility of studying to the full extent. The constant receiving of low grades results in deferring or quitting courses. If a job takes much time and effort, it makes students distracted and influences their social life, insulating them from entertainment, communication, and activities with group mates. Negative effects of working while studying on grades, a lack of sleep and social life, and tension at work due to managing deadlines significantly increase the working students’ level of stress. One more potential though not inevitable negative effect of working while going to college is an elevated risk of students’ obesity. Working young people frequently do not have time for balanced and healthy meals, and the consumption of fast food and other high-sugar meals may lead to severe health problems, like obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.

Students have various reasons to work while going to college, the most substantial reason is the ability to pay classes, reduce the student loan debt before graduation, and start retirement savings in the case of full-time job benefits for part-time work from particular companies. Working while going to college improves students’ personal and professional skills and provides a positive life experience. Working in college has both positive and negative effects on students. It helps with student loan payments and significantly influences the successful start of a career due to received experience, skills, and knowledge. However, a lack of sleep and social life, tension at work due to managing deadlines, and extended working hours have a negative impact on students’ grades and increase the risk of getting expelled. As working students frequently eat fast food due to a lack of time for healthy meals, it may result in severe diseases.

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IvyPanda. (2022, January 16). Working While Going to College: Pros and Cons. https://ivypanda.com/essays/working-while-going-to-college-pros-and-cons/

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Bibliography

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Argumentative Essay Sample: High School Students Should Have a Part Time Job

As life is getting more expensive and teenagers yearn for independence, it would be a good compromise for high school students to get a part time job. Getting a part time job would allow students to learn responsibility, the value of money, and how the real world works. 

Firstly, getting a part time job in high school forces students to be responsible and learn how to balance their school life and their work life. As students are at school during the day and work part time at night, they will have to exhibit responsibility to be dedicated to both their commitments. As well, they need to develop good time management skills in order to not only attend work but find time to do their homework and study for school. Whatsmore, getting a job for the first time is not easy and students will have to learn the duties they must complete at work, how to work alongside co workers, interact with customers, and have a good attitude. With all this responsibility, students will undoubtedly need to know how to prioritize school and work. Though it will be a very difficult situation, there is no doubt that it will also give students more life experience and force them to be more adult-like as they now have newfound responsibilities they have to juggle. 

Secondly, working while in school let’s students learn the value of money. As students now work and make an earning, they can use this money to buy the things they otherwise would have bought with their parents' money. With a job of their own, students will learn firsthand how many hours of labour it costs them to buy the things they want, which will encourage them to spend their money more sensibly. Whatsmore, it will prompt students to open a bank account and divide their paycheck into a spending and savings account.    

Finally, if high school students have a part time job they can get work experience and learn more street smart skills. Students are in school for most of the day and are stuck in classrooms learning from a textbook. School mainly focuses on teaching kids academic knowledge such as math, english, science, and more. However, it is also important for students to hone skills that will help them in the real world after school, such as teamwork, communication, efficiency, productivity, management, and more. All of these street smart skills can be taught at a part time job for the first time, as instead of a classroom setting, you are in a hands on work environment. By working at McDonald’s, you can learn procedure, how to interact with customers, how to work productively, and how to work in unison with coworkers. As you can see, working teaches you a lot of things that school can’t. 

In conclusion, high school students should have a part time job because it will teach them how to be responsible, spend their money more wisely, and real life work skills. For students looking for a challenge and to earn some cash, it is highly recommended that they take on a part time job.

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The Careers Service Blog

An introduction to part-time jobs

We know that around the beginning of semester lots of you think about getting a part-time job. Our student intern, Stephanie Gray, gives her advice to get you started.

What are the Benefits of Part-Time Work?

  build experience.

• Boost your CV – working while you study shows good time management skills and will improve your confidence and knowledge of the workplace for future job applications

Support Yourself

• Extra income during the semesters to support yourself and cover your living expenses.
• Often there are options to work more hours during the summer to support yourself when you don’t have student loans, bursaries or support funding.

Make Connections

• You will usually be able to keep in touch with managers when you leave who can give you references for future jobs or point you towards opportunities.
• Working part-time is a great way of meeting other students but also meeting new people outside of the student community.

What are your options?

Working within the university.

The university employs student staff across the different university departments. This can be a good option if you’re worried about being able to prioritise your academic commitments around work. University staff are used to working with students and understand that you have other commitments. ​Roles include: student assistant, student caller, student ambassador, IT support, admin roles, retail and hospitality roles.

Working in Hospitality

The hospitality sector has seen mass staff shortages during the summer of 2021, due to the impact of Brexit and covid-19. It’s still worth looking for these kinds of opportunities. Even if you might think they aren’t as widely available as they would be normally, recent trends suggest the opposite is true. ​

Tutoring was a popular option even before the pandemic but online tutoring opportunities have boomed since the coronavirus outbreak. Tutoring can be done on a freelance basis (this is not possible for everyone) or through online tutoring websites. On some platforms you can earn up to £20 an hour and you’ll be able to choose how much work you take on and organise lessons around your availability.​

Other sectors to consider

Other industries with lots of part-time vacancies are health and social care which could be working for the NHS and private care companies. This does not always have to be care work – these organisations will also recruit administrative staff and receptionists.

Recently there’s also been an increase in online Sales and Customer Service positions as well as delivery and warehouse jobs.

Keep your options open!

Don’t limit yourself to the possibilities mentioned above – keep your options open and consider all the different possibilities.

How can we help you?  

You’ll find links on this webpage to some of the different places you can look for all the types of jobs mentioned above – and important information about things to watch out for:

  Where to look for part-time jobs

We run an event called Finding Part-Time Work in Semester 1 which we would encourage you to attend if you want more advice. There is also a recorded video on MediaHopper of the same name covering similar topics for those who can’t attend. Find out more about these in our Career Essentials leaflet.

Career Essentials 

Watch for our #PartTimeJobofTheWeek on the Careers’ Service Twitter page which highlights new opportunities.

Coming soon! Watch out for Stephanie’s posts about working in the gig economy, and applying for part time jobs.

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Guide to Choosing Part Time Jobs for Students

Working a part-time job while in college is very common. In fact, 70 percent of college students work part time while completing their degrees. Whether it’s to compensate for rising tuition costs or to supplement your student loan package, if you’re looking for work at the start of the semester, you won’t be the only one. But what kind of job is suitable for a college student to have? Here’s a simple guide to finding a part-time job while in college.

Visit College Career Center

Nearly all colleges have a student career center to help students look for employment and/or shape their career goals. Look for the resources that your institution offers first to see if anything is a good fit for you.

Pick a Place that Supports Your Studies

Some businesses love having students to fill in their part-time slots. And some places don’t understand that your main priority is your education. Make sure that they understand that your studies come first and that they can’t expect you to work the night shift the night before exams. Finding a place that can accommodate your class and study schedules is essential to making the work/study arrangement go smoothly.

On-campus jobs are ideal as you won’t have to waste any time going to and from your job. Whether you’re working as a library assistant or helping one of your professors with their research, on-campus jobs are the perfect option.

These days, remote work is becoming more and more popular, so you may be able to land a part-time job without even leaving your dorm room. You might find a job as an essay writer or do web design.

If you’re not able to land any on-campus jobs or remote work, make sure you choose a place that’s a reasonable distance from your school. It’s not worth it for you to endure a long commute to and from a part-time job. Look for something closer to your school or home.

Does it Pay Enough?

You’re probably looking for a job because you need some extra money to get you through to the end of the semester. Make sure that the hours and the pay are enough to meet your needs. If not, you’ll be sacrificing study time for a job that doesn’t even serve its purpose. Plan a budget beforehand to make sure you know how much you’ll need to make so you can decide which jobs are worth taking. Here are some salary negotiation tactics for college students.

Hotel/Babysitting

Some part-time jobs such as being the desk clerk at a hotel or babysitting involves a lot of free time where you can crack open the books and get some studying in while you’re on the clock. Those types of jobs are ideal for students.

Training for Your Career

It may be possible for you to work at a place that has to do with your major or future career plans. For example, if you’re studying education, you may find some part-time work at a local school. Or if you’re studying nursing, you might find some work at a health center. These jobs have the added benefit of giving you work experience before you’ve even completed your degree.

Low Pressure

It’s important that you choose a job that’s not particularly high stress, nor one that wears you out physically or emotionally. You want a job where you can clock out and walk away after your shift is done without it taking a toll on your non-working hours.

Whatever job you choose, keep in mind that your main focus right now is your education and that the job is secondary. After you graduate, you can focus on your career, but for now, your studies are your main priorities. Make sure this job isn’t taking over your study time.

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5 Types of Part-Time Jobs for College Students

You're a college student who needs some extra cash. We've got a few types of part-time jobs you can consider, that are flexible and pay relatively well. Check them out.

The best part-time jobs for college students are flexible and convenient. They accompany your school schedule in a way that doesn’t affect your ability to maintain good grades.

If you’re thinking about working while in college, look for options like on-campus jobs, paid internships, or freelance jobs that allow you to work around your own schedule. 

5 part-time jobs for college students

Find an employer who is understanding of your status as a college student. Look for a part-time job that can fit your college schedule and bring you experience and income as you complete your college education. 

* Salary data represents average hourly pay rates according to Indeed [ 1 ] .

1. On-campus positions 

Working in an on-campus position can allow you to work alongside your peers, allowing you to build professional relationships and networks for your career. With an on-campus job, you will be in a more flexible position to change your working times since they will strictly depend on your class schedule. 

Library associate : $17.31

Tutor : $24.20  

Teaching assistant : $16.40

Campus ambassador : $14.22

Resident assistant : $16.33

Campus tour guide : $22.36

Landing a job on your campus can also provide you with work-study credit to help pay your education expenses. 

Learn more : How to Get Your First Job: A Guide

2. Retail and marketing positions  

Retail jobs include local boutiques, e-commerce, and social media. Working in a brick-and-mortar shop can provide you with valuable human and workplace skills that can be used later in your professional career. Likewise, working in an online position will equip you with technical skills like business analysis that can enhance your resume and gain an advantage over your competitors when applying for a job in your preferred field.

Many brands rely on social media to garner business and recognition and are outsourcing this work to online candidates. If you have social media skills like content creation on YouTube or Instagram, apply for part-time social media management roles. 

If you enjoy getting in front of a camera to promote certain products, submit your resume for brand ambassador positions to increase brand awareness and sales revenue during your own time. This role averages about $20.30 an hour and presents an excellent opportunity to start a career in marketing, entrepreneurship, or advertising [ 1 ]. 

Additionally, if you have an impressive social media presence of your own, reach out to different companies’ marketing or advertising teams to offer them your content creation services and rates. This approach requires more time and effort on your part, but it can greatly help you generate income and build your online reputation. 

Learn more : Social Media Jobs: 6 Roles to Explore

3. Food-service jobs 

With a job in the food-service industry, which is made up of restaurants, cafeterias, and catering companies among other businesses, you can generate tips in addition to an hourly pay. This is especially helpful during peak hours and holidays because your income could be higher than usual. 

Barista : $15.18 per hour 

Restaurant server : $17.14 per hour 

Restaurant host : $15.35 per hour 

Bartender : $17.16 per hour

4. Paid internships 

Make the most out of your part-time college job with a paid internship that can help build your resume with relevant experiences. Most paid internships are worked during the summer, so it can complement your regular part-time job and help sustain you for the remainder of the school year. 

In a paid internship, you may be able to benefit from: quality references for your resume , possible future full-time employment opportunities, a higher paying job after graduating college, and a new skill set to take with you into your career. Paid internships also show initiative and drive, which are highly valued by many employers. 

Some companies, particularly in tech, use internships as part of their hiring pipeline. Perks also include the pay. A 2023 report by Glassdoor found that some internships are paying as much as $9,064 a month [ 2 ].

You can find other paid internships outside the computer and technology industries with local businesses, financial institutions, and the government. They will help you expand your skill set and resume while making extra cash to pay for college expenses. 

Get involved : How to Get a Cybersecurity Internship

5. Freelancing 

The current “gig economy,” as some people call it, works to your advantage as a college student seeking part-time jobs. From babysitting to opening your own online shop on sites like Etsy, it’s highly convenient if you want to work during your own, flexible hours. If you have a talent like painting or knitting, sell your work at local artists’ markets and online. If you have experience babysitting, cleaning, or pet sitting, monetize it by opening your own small business .  

Rideshare driver : $20.41 (varies by drive times, locations, etc.)

Babysitter: $21.73 (varies by number of children and duties) 

Private tutor: $24.20

Pet sitter/dog walker: $15.92

Note that these estimated incomes vary by location, expertise, and schedule. 

Starting a small business can be a rewarding process for people who value being in charge of their workplace and enjoy turning their business visions into a reality.

Outline your criteria before choosing a part-time job.  

Establish your criteria before looking for a part-time job so the employer will know exactly what you’re willing to do and under which conditions. If you have an established school schedule, determine how many free work hours you’ll have each week. Avoid overextending yourself. Set clear expectations and boundaries around your working and studying hours and your curriculum schedule to maintain a healthy work-life synergy . 

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Negotiate your hours.

During your job interviewing process, communicate that your schedule will likely change based on your curriculum. And don’t forget to make time for your social life in your weekly projected schedule, which is essential in keeping a good work-life balance. Discuss your personal time off, or PTO, while considering holidays, school projects, and other important events. It’s helpful and shows respect when you notify employers early about any anticipated time off. 

Read more : How to Prepare for an Interview

Set realistic expectations for pay and benefits.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for the part-time college student jobs category in the United States was $36,824 a year, as of March 2022 [ 3 ]. This breaks down to $17.70 an hour, $708 a week, or $3,069 a month.

Many part-time jobs will be entry level and will require little to no experience. However, you can negotiate a higher salary or hourly pay rate if you have relevant experience .

Be sure to ask the employers about benefits like health insurance and paid sick leave. Laws that require employers to offer benefits to part-time employees vary by state and local laws. Check the laws in your area to find out what benefits may be applicable to you. 

Be conscious about location. 

Consider a part-time job close to your home to prevent long commutes while you’re enrolled in classes. Seek on-campus positions within a few minutes' drive for your convenience. If you drive a car to campus, you’ll have more flexibility to move around town as often as you please, but if you take a bus or ride a bike, a job near your home or campus will save you time and energy.

Do something you enjoy. 

To have a satisfying time between college and work, match your interests or field of study to your job. If you’re in school earning a degree in business, take your resume to locally owned businesses. This will help you gain real-world experience that will complement your long-term career goals. You’ll develop valuable technical and human skills in the process.

Learn more : 21 Side Hustle Ideas and How to Get Started

Benefits of holding a part-time job in college 

Being employed in a part-time job while enrolled in college shows that you are a hard worker. It will help you build a skill set that you’ll bring into your career and beyond the workforce. These skills include time management, communication, and problem-solving, among others. Take this time to explore your interests and fully prepare for your career, and expand your resume and your character while taking charge of your finances. 

Read more : Jobs to Pay for College: 2022 Guide

Enhance your college major with job-ready skills

As you consider which part-time job fits you, prepare your resume and perfect your interviewing skills. Research resume templates, interview etiquette tips, and the most commonly asked interview questions for your preferred field of work.

Coursera Plus offers tons of courses for you to choose from that can help you prepare for real-world jobs.

Article sources

Indeed. “ Highest Paying Jobs for College Students , https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/high-paying-jobs-for-college-students.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

Glassdoor. “ 25 Highest Paying Internships for 2021 , https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/highest-paying-internships/.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

ZipRecruiter. “ Part Time College Student Salary , https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Part-Time-College-Student-Salary.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

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Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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Part-time jobs for students: make a killing without killing yourself.

Who wouldn’t want a bit of extra money to pay for hobbies and an occasional trip out of town? But how do you afford that with all the study costs you have? Let me answer that question in a few words: part-time jobs for students. No matter what you’re majoring in or how far you are in your studies, we’re covering some of the most popular part-time jobs with flexible hours for students – be they online or in person. Let’s get the ball rolling!

Part-Time Jobs for Students

So, you’re a student – high school or university, it doesn’t make a difference – and you’re already roped into the new and dynamic life of lectures, responsibilities, and life lessons. One thing is missing, though – some cash! This will be the case for as long as you study – it’s just the will of some divine force that students are poor. However, you can mitigate this great life’s truth by getting a part-time job.

Having a part-time job as a student is incredibly beneficial to your future career . Not only will you gain work experience, but you’ll also have insight into what truly makes you happy – be that helping people, devising social-media strategies, or working in a firm structure. Additionally, you’ll feel more confident and learn a set of skills crucial to success in your studies and life: time management, discipline, organisation, and people smarts.

It’s never too early to get a part-time job, and the great thing is that you don’t need too much knowledge or experience for many positions (after all, you’re still a student, and you’re on your way to experience). Let’s check out some of the most popular options for student work.

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Part-Time Jobs for Students – High-Paying or Not, Here They Come!

A short preamble to the most sought-after student jobs, which seem to be hiring all the time: Your concept of money as a high-school or a university student may vastly differ. Even the several years between high school and uni will change your perspective on how much you should earn. However, your needs, too, will be proportional to your academic journey. As a high schooler, you’re probably still living with your parents, which means no rent or utility bills, and most likely, the fridge still magically fills itself. On the other hand, at university, once you’ve moved out of your parent’s place , you’ll face an increase in expenses. Dorm life or flat-sharing is a good way to save cash, as is prudent grocery shopping.

The point is – don’t set your expectations too high. If you’ve already become a master software developer, sure, you can expect a good payout. Otherwise, go for those jobs that speak to you and don’t leave you burnt out . After all, you still have your studies to worry about; no need to be exhausted before you’ve started.

Part-Time Jobs for High-School Students

Let’s start at the beginning, as those witty elders would say. Getting a job in high school is quite a reasonable idea: after all, you’re almost of age, and your mental and psychological development have reached the tipping point between a kid and a young adult (you’re probably still grappling with some matters of idealism, resulting in unsolicited door slams and the overwhelming sense of being alone in the world – it sucks, but it passes). What I’m trying, in my long-winded way, to say is that you’re perfectly capable of making your own decisions about whether you want to work or not.

Here are some of the most popular jobs for high-school students:

• Babysitter. If you like kids, don’t mind changing an occasional diaper, and can’t wait to do fun things with them (that their parents would most likely disapprove of, e.g. eating tons of ice cream), you can find some babysitting gigs around you. It’s a relatively dynamic way to earn some money and it would not disrupt your school schedule.
• Newspaper delivery. Getting up a bit earlier and incorporating a bicycle spin around your neighbourhood into your routine would do wonders for your health, fitness, and mood. Why not make a killing while doing it by delivering newspapers along the way? If you scorn early risers, you can do this job in the evening too.
• Café server. Depending on your age and how clumsy you are, this may involve being a barista, waiting tables, or working as a receptionist in a café. All you need is the ability to smile and be polite to customers; everything else comes with practice.
• Movie theatre cashier . Alternatively, an usher. No major physical work is required – you can work at a desk office and sell tickets or guide people to their seats (which may include bringing them some drinks in the intermission and glaring menacingly at those who cannot keep their mouths shut during that heart-wrenching bit of the West Side Story ).
• Petsitting. People go on holiday and cannot always take their pets with them, but luckily for them, you’re there to jump in and attend to the animals’ needs. Feeding, making sure they have water, walking dogs, and most importantly, being surrounded by big balls of floof and cuddles?! Sign me up too!

As a high-school student, you may also be interested in working as a cashier in a supermarket, a hotel receptionist, or an ice-cream scooper. Whatever you decide to do, make sure the job is not too taxing and time-consuming, as you still have your education to think of.

Part-Time Jobs for College Students

As if university wasn’t difficult enough with all the papers , projects, and assigned reading, you have to think about working on top of it all? Actually, it’s not that bad to have a job as a university student – it’s a great way to finance your studies or leisure activities, boost your confidence, and gain some work experience. But what can you do?

For starters, if you’ve had a job as a high schooler, you would be perfectly fine continuing what you were doing while studying. Babysitting and petsitting are both fun in their own way, and waiting tables comes with the benefit of regular tips. However, there are more options you can consider:

• Administration. All universities and companies always look for yet another person to deal with their administration. This can involve anything from checking the mail and making coffee to archiving documents and filing financial reports. While sedentary, it’s not likely to be boring.
• Bank teller. As a bank teller, you’ll help people count and handle their money as they run errands in banks. You have to have a steady hand and good concentration to do this, but you’ll be able to transfer that well-practised focus to your studies, making them more effective.
• Bookkeeper. If you’re an Excel whiz-kid, don’t mind crunching numbers, and are okay with an occasional bad meme about you, you can work as a bookkeeper – talk about a well-paid job.
• Elder-care assistant . Life in the twenty-first century is far less community-oriented than it used to be, which often means that elderly people need more help that they cannot get from their children (work, living far away, difficult circumstances, you name it). As an elder-care assistant, you’ll step in, do some grocery shopping for people, and maybe help them clean their house or cook a simple meal . It can be very rewarding as older people always have a good story to tell.
• Social media curator. If you can’t help yourself but check your socials all the time, you may as well put that interest to good use. As a social media assistant, you’ll schedule and curate posts about your company, communicate with people, and try to generate more interest (and revenue) through online engagement.

Additionally, you can work as a house sitter, delivery driver, or retail team member (though be ready to meet your fair share of Karens – some things are inevitable in life).

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Remote Part-Time Jobs for Students

Working as a student does not even have to take you out of your own home. Remote jobs come with their own advantages, like flexibility, time efficiency, and various tasks. If you prefer to work from the comfort of your bed (plus blankets and endless cups of tea ), here are your options:

• Online tutoring . Put your knowledge to good use, help poor unfortunate souls who need to prepare for their exams , and make a good deal of money by teaching online. There are numerous platforms through which you can apply and teach anything you like.
• Writing. Content creation, copywriting, ghostwriting – you name it! The gist is the following: you’ll be writing a series of articles or other online content. You can be paid per piecemeal or per hour, but for the most part, you’ll be flexible in how and when you work.
• Web development. If IT is your sphere of interest and excellence, you can line your pockets by working in web development. (Cheating here, but this is a two-for-one offer – alternatively, you can be an IT administrator for literally any company.)
• Data entry. I won’t lie; this can be both an extremely taxing or a completely mindless task, depending on your interest and intellectual faculties. Data entry is a good way to reduce stress, as you’ll be working in a relatively stable and predictable environment.
• Customer service/helpdesk representative. People will always have questions, complaints, or confusion – if your interpersonal skills are on fleek, you’ll have no trouble responding to their queries and quelling any doubts your company’s customers may have about their product.

As a native English speaker, you can teach English as a foreign language or work as a virtual assistant or photo/video editor. Remote work tends to be well-paid and satisfying for students, which is why I recommend it heartily.

The Great Thing About Part-Timing? Flexible Hours

To recap: having a part-time job while still in school is a great way to get acquainted with the job market and work ethics, gain confidence, attain transferrable skills, and master interpersonal communication. And, yes, make some money.

When choosing a job, always listen to that nagging little voice at the back of your head because that one knows best what you actually want. There is no need to chase get-rich-quick schemes, and honestly, there is no point in hoping for an extremely high salary. Instead, opt for decently paid jobs that don’t make you wanna scream in frustration. (PS Students have a high tolerance threshold, so I don’t think there will be much screaming anyway.)

Some of the most popular jobs for students, which all come with relatively flexible hours, include:

• Babysitting or petsitting (well, housesitting too).
• Working at reception desks.
• Waiting tables.
• Tutoring online.
• Data entry.

Whichever job you choose, make the most out of it – skills and experience-wise – and remember, a job may be temporary but what you learn there stays with you forever! 😊

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What are some part-time jobs for high-school students?

Where can you find part-time jobs for students, what are the best part-time jobs for college students.

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Getting a PERM; An Employment-based Green Card

Themes/Topics: Law & Policy

Geography: California, National

Audience: Undocumented Youth

What is PERM?

PERM, which stands for Program Electronic Review Management, and is also known as “Labor Certification,” is the first step of the most common green card category used by employers to sponsor an employee for permanent residence in the United States. Through this process, certain foreign nationals (noncitizens / immigrants) can get an employment-based immigrant visa (green card), also called Lawful Permanent Residence. There are several categories of jobs eligible for employment-based immigration according to EB3 or EB2 criteria. The Department of Labor oversees this process , which includes “testing the labor market” to show that there are no U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified or available to fill the role .

Who can apply?

Generally, any employer can sponsor any employee for permanent residence. This process is done for jobs ranging from dishwasher to doctor. Most jobs require a PERM application, but there are some occupations that don’t, including nurses , physical therapists , people of “exceptional ability ,” and those working in the “national interest” (especially those in STEM fields with Ph.D.s ).

What are the eligibility requirements?

The position must be full time and “permanent” (which means lasting more than a year with no fixed end date). The employer must be actively involved in the petition process, sharing financial information to prove ability to pay the government-approved wage , and paying all of the costs involved in the PERM application (without charging that money back to the employee).

How long does it take & how much does it cost?

Getting a green card through PERM is a multi-step process. It generally takes about 2-3 years, but can be much longer for people born in China or India. The total cost will vary depending on whether you hire a private attorney or are able to get free legal assistance, but the range is anywhere from $2,500 (which is form fees, advertising and background / screening checks) to $20,000 (including premium processing and paying a private attorney for the entire process). The employer is required to pay for all fees related to the Department of Labor part of the process. The rest for processing with USCIS is negotiable; some employers will offer to reimburse the USCIS costs if the employee stays a certain number of years.

What are the steps involved?

• First, you need to have an employer willing to commit to hiring you for a full-time, “permanent” position and pay for required attorney fees and legal fees.
• Next, after confirming your eligibility, the attorney will help you file a PERM application and test the labor market. Then, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) must certify there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.
• After the PERM application is certified, the employer can send it to USCIS with Form I-140 Immigrant Visa Petition, along with evidence that you, the employee, are qualified for the job, and evidence of the employer’s ability to pay the salary.
• Once approved, you may be ready for either Consular Processing (departing the U.S. for your visa interview abroad) or an Adjustment of Status (from inside the U.S.). An attorney can tell you which path you are eligible for in order to complete your green card (Permanent Residency) path. At that step, you (and family members) will undergo a significant background check including medical exam, security check, criminal background check, and visa history.

Where can I get help applying for one?

• American Immigration Lawyers Association: ailalawyer.com
• Curran, Berger & Kludt Immigration Law: cbkimmigration.com
• Pathway for Immigrant Workers: myimmigrantpathway.org

Where can I learn more about this immigration visa?

• Curran, Berger & Kludt Immigration Law’s Green Card Through PERM Roadmap
• Pathway for Immigrant Workers at myimmigrantpathway.org

For more information, visit:

• USCIS’s Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3
• U.S. Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification: How Do I questions
• University of Michigan’s Green Card Application Process

This resource was created by Denia Pérez, Esq. and Marilia Zellner, Esq. with the editing support from Jesús Flores Rodríguez and Claire Calderon.

We wish to thank Dan Berger, partner at Curran, Berger & Kludt Immigration Law and Leslie Tuttle Ditrani, Founder and Executive Director of Pathway for Immigrant Workers, for their support in editing and revising this resource and for offering consultations to our community.

Immigrants Rising helps you make decisions based on your potential, not your perceived limits. Visit our website so you can see what’s possible: immigrantsrising.org . Released 3/2023.

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• May 6, 2024   •   29:23 R.F.K. Jr.’s Battle to Get on the Ballot
• May 3, 2024   •   25:33 The Protesters and the President
• May 2, 2024   •   29:13 Biden Loosens Up on Weed
• May 1, 2024   •   35:16 The New Abortion Fight Before the Supreme Court
• April 30, 2024   •   27:40 The Secret Push That Could Ban TikTok
• April 29, 2024   •   47:53 Trump 2.0: What a Second Trump Presidency Would Bring
• April 26, 2024   •   21:50 Harvey Weinstein Conviction Thrown Out
• April 25, 2024   •   40:33 The Crackdown on Student Protesters
• April 24, 2024   •   32:18 Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?
• April 23, 2024   •   30:30 A Salacious Conspiracy or Just 34 Pieces of Paper?
• April 22, 2024   •   24:30 The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu
• April 19, 2024   •   30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness

The Protesters and the President

Over the past week, thousands of students protesting the war in gaza have been arrested..

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jonathan Wolfe and Peter Baker

Produced by Diana Nguyen ,  Luke Vander Ploeg ,  Alexandra Leigh Young ,  Nina Feldman and Carlos Prieto

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Engineered by Chris Wood

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Warning: this episode contains strong language.

Over the past week, students at dozens of universities held demonstrations, set up encampments and, at times, seized academic buildings. In response, administrators at many of those colleges decided to crack down and called in the local police to detain and arrest demonstrators.

As of Thursday, the police had arrested 2,000 people across more than 40 campuses, a situation so startling that President Biden could no longer ignore it.

Jonathan Wolfe, who has been covering the student protests for The Times, and Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent, discuss the history-making week.

On today’s episode

Jonathan Wolfe , a senior staff editor on the newsletters team at The New York Times.

Peter Baker , the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times covering President Biden and his administration.

Background reading

As crews cleared the remnants of an encampment at U.C.L.A., students and faculty members wondered how the university could have handled protests over the war in Gaza so badly .

Biden denounced violence on campus , breaking his silence after a rash of arrests.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jonathan Wolfe is a senior staff editor on the newsletters team at The Times. More about Jonathan Wolfe

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

Luke Vander Ploeg is a senior producer on “The Daily” and a reporter for the National Desk covering the Midwest. More about Luke Vander Ploeg

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Annual skilled trades competition builds technical and professional skills for Iowa students

• Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Headline Story

Southeast Polk senior Simon Frohock (R) competed in the cabinet making contest for a second year.

High-quality career and professional skill development took center stage last week as over 600 high school and college students took part in the annual SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference . Held in Ankeny at the Des Moines Area Community College campus, this two-day competition featured over 50 different leadership and technical competitions for students to test their technical skills and knowledge, explore career pathways and make valuable connections with local industry leaders.

Southeast Polk High School seniors Delvis Kouete and Simon Frohock, both 17, were well-prepared for the competition, which featured timed activities related to industrial technology, carpentry, robotics, automotive repair and job interview techniques, among many others. For this year’s skills competition, Delvis competed in architectural drafting and was a member of the school’s quiz bowl team. Simon, the 2023 state champion in cabinet making, returned for a second year in the cabinet making contest. Both students competed well in their individual competitions, with Delvis placing fifth and Simon serving as this year’s runner-up.

“The skills competition can help you strive for excellence in your work and learning,” Simon said. “Even though it’s a competition and there is pressure to do well, it’s a good, low-risk way to see what an employee in this work has to do every day.”

Both Simon and Delvis noted that the competition not only helps to strengthen a student’s technical skills, but it also engages students in career pathway discovery and professional skill development.

“Being a part of SkillsUSA and competing in the skills competition has helped me learn new skills with my hands and work on teamwork, communication and leadership skills,” Delvis said. “You learn how to work with other people that aren’t like you and get your mind thinking about your future career.”

Along with the individual contests, all competitors at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference were required to submit a resume and take a professional development test that focused on workplace, professional and technical skills as well as overall knowledge of SkillsUSA.

“SkillsUSA helps provide real-world context to the content being taught by classroom educators,” said Kent Storm, state director for SkillsUSA Iowa. “Taking the learning beyond the classroom allows students to grow and learn next to industry partners and gain valuable experience."

As one of Iowa’s career and technical student organizations (CTSO) , SkillsUSA champions the skilled trades industry and provides opportunities for students to apply the skills they have developed in classrooms through conferences, competitions, community service events, worksite visits and other activities.

“Participation in a CTSO like SkillsUSA helps students gain hands-on experience and connect classroom curricula to careers,” said Cale Hutchings, education consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. “Through CTSOs, students can become leaders and strengthen their employability skills, which is valuable as they explore potential next steps in their college and career pathways.”

SkillsUSA boasts a roster of over 400,000 members nationwide. In Iowa, over 1,300 students and advisers in career and technical education programs participate in local SkillsUSA chapters.

At Southeast Polk, 21 student members are a part of their SkillsUSA chapter. Led by industrial technology teachers and chapter advisers Ryan Andersen and Brett Rickabaugh, the students have been involved with several community service projects, employer presentations and opportunities to work closely with instructors.

“Any time a student participates in SkillsUSA, it gives us more time with that student to elaborate on what we’ve learned in class,” Andersen said. “They can connect the idea to the planning, design and completion of a project and how that activity fits into a real career. That’s something we can’t replicate without a CTSO.”

Anderson also stated that students who participate in SkillsUSA and activities like the State Leadership and Skills Conference build confidence through their experiences.

“It really helps students to have the confidence to rely on their skills and what they know,” he said. “The skills competition requires them to use problem-solving skills and build off their knowledge to continue to learn and persevere.”

This year’s first-place winners at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference will move onward to compete with 6,000 other students at the national conference in Atlanta this June.

For Simon and Delvis, the skills competition was another step in building necessary skills and acumen for their futures. Simon, with his penchant for cabinet making, already has a full-time job lined up after graduation with a local cabinet shop. Additionally, Delvis would like to pursue something within the computer science field, perhaps in the coding or software engineering areas, and although he is changing fields, he believes SkillsUSA has helped him feel more prepared for the future.

“It has definitely helped me with skill-building and problem-solving,” he said. “What I’ve learned will be beneficial no matter what I decide to do next.”  

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Canada to introduce new rules around off-campus work hours for international students

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Students Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Student Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will come to an end on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended. This fall, we intend to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours.

Students who come to Canada must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies, while having the option to work, if necessary.

As we head into the summer session, students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.

In developing this change, we looked at the needs of students, policies in other countries, as well as research that has shown that academic outcomes suffer the more a student works while studying. It also strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes. More details will be shared in due course.

We also continue to develop the new Recognized Institutions Framework to reward post­secondary institutions that set high standards for selecting, supporting and retaining international students. We will continue to support and protect international students from financial vulnerability and keep protecting the integrity of the International Student Program.

“Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Recent studies conducted in the US and Canada have shown that there is a considerable decline in academic performance for students working more than 28 hours per week, and that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances that a student will drop out of their program.

Most countries that welcome international students set limits on the number of hours they may work while they study. Australia recently changed its policy to allow a student to work 48 hours every 2 weeks. In the US, students must meet additional criteria before being permitted to work off campus at all.

In December 2023, the Government of Canada raised the cost-of-living threshold that students must meet to be approved for a study permit so they are financially prepared for life in Canada and are not as dependent on working.

International students who begin a college program delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit when they graduate. Those who already started this type of program prior to May 15, 2024, will still be able to access a post-graduation work permit, provided they meet all other criteria .

The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been a success. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, IRCC has

•  received almost 162,000 LOAs for verification
• confirmed nearly 142,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs)
• identified almost 9,000 LOAs that didn’t match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already cancelled before the foreign national applied for a study permit

Associated links

• Statement: Minister Miller issues statement on international student allocations for provinces and territories
• Notice: Update on public-private college partnership programs for international students
• Notice: Additional information about International Student Program reforms
• News release: Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new study permits issued
• News release: Revised requirements to better protect international students
• News release: Changes to International Student Program aim to protect students
• Website: Work off campus as an international student

Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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