The demands of graduate school can be overwhelming. You might feel like you don’t have more time to balance a job, but working part-time not only has financial benefits, but also career benefits that can be helpful for your future job search. Although your tuition may be covered, you may need additional money to basics like rent and groceries. Finding the right kind of job or side job while pursuing your higher education can be fulfilling and help you earn some extra cash.
There are plenty of part-time jobs that are perfect for grad student life, both on and off campus. The ideal job is not unique, but must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Jobs that boost your work experience – Gaining experience in the profession of your choice can be useful in your future job search. Jobs that match your career goals can lead to rewarding opportunities and make you more competitive in your field.
- Jobs that offer flexibility – Higher education can be overwhelming, and you may feel like your schedule doesn’t allow for a typical 9-to-5 job. Jobs that offer flexible hours and hours can help you maintain your balance between school and life.
- Jobs that require your knowledge and skills – With your undergraduate degree under your belt, you have probably had some valuable experiences. Be sure to look for opportunities that use this knowledge, such as tutoring, research, or teaching.
Considering these factors, the following list contains part-time jobs available to graduate students:
Part-time jobs on campus
1. Resident Advisor or Resident Assistant (RA)
You may want to consider becoming a Resident Advisor. As a Resident Advisor, you provide support to the students living in the dorm. Your responsibilities typically range from organizing community events to ensuring policies and guidelines are communicated and followed by dorm residents. A major advantage is that RAs usually get free room and board, as well as a stipend.
Average salary: $15/hour
2. Teaching Assistant (TA)
Depending on your program, you may have the option of completing teaching assistant requirements before graduation. A teaching assistant usually helps professors teach undergraduate courses. This may include scheduling lessons, lecturing, keeping office hours, and grading papers or exams. Depending on your field of study, you may have the opportunity to meet more professors in your department and help with larger projects.
Average salary: $13/hour
3. Library Wizard
Library assistants work in the main office, finding answers to questions, organizing shelves, or taking care of administrative work during downtime. The organizational and service skills you learn can benefit many employers. Plus, talking to so many students is a great way to practice your networking skills, and it’s also a great way to find extra time for schoolwork, as you’ll have plenty of quiet time to focus.
Average salary: $15/hour
4. Research Assistant
You might want to consider becoming a research assistant. Research assistants construct, plan and execute research projects directed by professors or instructors. Some graduate programs require students to complete research assistant hours as part of their graduation requirements. Other times, you may choose to work as a part-time paid research assistant. Either way, you’ll have the chance to work directly with your school’s leaders and gain valuable experience in your field.
Average salary: $21/hour
Off-campus part-time jobs
5. Tutor
A popular part-time job for many students, tutoring is a great way to earn extra money that demonstrates your communication skills and subject matter expertise. Graduate students can usually charge extra for their field of study because they have expertise in a particular area. If you are already a teaching assistant, you may have the opportunity to tutor students outside of class. Many schools even have online forums for tutoring, making it easier to communicate and find new clients who may be looking for help.
Average salary: $24/hour
6. Grant Writer
You can work for your department or another organization (such as a nonprofit) as a grant writer. Grant writers develop research proposals that seek funding from other organizations. Many companies are looking for students who have strong writing skills and attention to detail who can handle the important work of grant writing. Look for an organization that does the type of work that interests you after you graduate. This way, you’ll get a head start on your connections and your experience.
Average salary: $26/hour
7. Translator or Interpreter
Many employers view speaking more than one language as a valuable skill, especially companies with international workforces or industries that frequently cross borders. Working as a translator can add valuable skills to your resume. Many universities and companies are looking for bilingual people to help customers or create new, more accessible programs. Look for part-time translation jobs that you can do from home, that way you’ll have lots of flexibility and lots of extra cash.
Average salary: $37/hour
8. Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is a great part-time job for graduate students because many employers value strong writing skills. Not only can assignments help expand your knowledge base, but they can also be lucrative. There are many opportunities online for writing assignments; be sure to search for specific topics related to your field of study so you can change it quickly and easily. Sites like UpWork Or Freelancer.com offer great job postings to help you get started.
Average salary: $33/hour
9. Advisor
Consulting is a good option for graduate students with areas of expertise. Companies are always looking for expert advice to help them grow their business and solve specific problems. Plus, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door and meet new people in and beyond your field.
Average salary: $44/hour
10. Test preparation
Preparing high school students for the SAT is a flexible way to supplement income for undergraduate and graduate students and shows your ability to explain complex issues. Not only have you already taken this test (maybe several times), but you have prepared and taken many other exams in the meantime. Whether you teach private lessons or sign up as a Certified SAT Instructor, it’s easy to create your own schedule to fit in with your classes throughout the year.
Average salary: $70/hour
There are plenty of part-time jobs for graduate students. You can choose whether on campus or off campus best suits your schedule or find a gig online. But don’t just go for the first one you find. Be sure to find a job that boosts your resume and introduces you to professionals in your field of study or field. If you are just starting to consider higher education and how to pay for itCollege Ave can help you with a college loan.