Full-Time Student, Part-Time Employee

Monday, February 26, 2024

Getting a college degree can easily be considered a full-time job, but for many pursuing a degree, it isn’t the only job they’re juggling. According to the National Center for Education, 40% of full-time college students are also part-time employees. If you’re a part of that 40% or are considering applying for a job while in school — take a look at a few tips to help ensure your success!

Tips for successfully balancing work and school:

• Schedule dedicated time for school.
  • Ultimately, as a full-time student, classwork should be your primary focus. One way to ensure that is to schedule specific time blocks dedicated to your studies.
• Keep an organized schedule.
  • Juggling both academics and a part-time job makes it easy to let things slip through the cracks. It’s in your best interest to find an organized routine that helps you stay on top of your deadlines and to-do list.
• Consider alternative learning formats.
  • In recent years, taking classes online has become much more accessible and can be convenient for working students. Talk to your advisor about online options in your degree plan if this interests you.
• Ask for help when you need it.
  • It’s likely that at some point you’ll feel overwhelmed by all the work staring you in the face. Reach out to your professors to communicate your situation. Being upfront and attempting to build a rapport with them will make it easier for you when you do seek clarification and guidance.
• Maintain clear boundaries.
• • As a college student, you and your peers are going to want to make the typical college memories — and you should! But as a part-time employee as well, it’s important to remember your responsibilities and build boundaries that honor your commitments.
• Seek work in a field related to your major.
• • Working in a field related to your desired future career is beneficial in several ways! It helps to build skill sets and experience which will set you apart as you begin to interview for jobs after college. Having a job that interests you and is a part of your passion can also be a motivator to continue working hard!

Success is reflected in your priorities and learning now how to juggle both your academics and career can and should be a sort of superpower! I mean what you’re doing isn’t easy — so, first, commend yourself for that but also don’t lose the discipline to capitalize on the work you’re putting in right now.