Where can I find part-time job opportunities as a student?

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I’m an undergraduate student majoring in biology at a university in Seattle, Washington, with flexible availability in the evenings and weekends due to my class schedule. I have some experience in customer service from a summer job and basic lab skills from coursework. Where can I find part-time job opportunities that are student-friendly, such as on-campus roles, retail, tutoring, or research assistant positions?

On-Campus Opportunities

Many universities and colleges offer part-time jobs directly on campus, which are ideal for students due to flexible schedules around classes. These include:

  • Student employment offices or career centers: Check your university’s career services portal (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity, or your school’s internal job board). They list roles like library assistants, lab technicians, dorm resident advisors (RAs), cafeteria workers, or event staff. Pay often starts at $10–$15/hour, with work-study positions subsidized by federal aid if you’re eligible (in the US, via FAFSA).
  • Tutoring centers: Become a peer tutor in subjects like math, writing, or languages. Platforms like your school’s academic success center post openings; rates can be $15–$25/hour.
  • Research assistantships: Professors hire undergrads/grad students for projects. Email department heads or check faculty websites/postings on bulletin boards. Pay: $12–$20/hour, plus resume-building experience.
  • Athletics or recreation centers: Jobs as scorekeepers, equipment managers, or gym attendants.

Tip: Federal work-study programs (US) prioritize low-income students; apply early via financial aid office.

Online Job Boards and Aggregators

Dedicated platforms for student-friendly gigs with filters for part-time, remote, and flexible hours:

  • Handshake (handshake.com): Free for students via university login; 1M+ jobs, including internships that turn part-time.
  • Indeed.com or LinkedIn: Search “part-time student [your city]” or “remote student jobs.” Set alerts for 10–20 hours/week roles like data entry ($12–$18/hour) or customer support.
  • WayUp (wayup.com): Student-focused, with 100K+ entry-level jobs from companies like Amazon, Starbucks.
  • FlexJobs (flexjobs.com): Curated remote/flexible listings; $15/month subscription but high-quality (e.g., virtual assistant roles at $15–$22/hour).
  • Student-specific sites:
    • Chegg Tutors or Varsity Tutors: Online tutoring, $20+/hour, flexible scheduling.
    • Internships.com or YouVisit: Micro-internships that are part-time.

Gig Economy and App-Based Jobs

Quick-start, flexible gigs perfect for evenings/weekends:

  • Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart: Delivery driver/sh shopper; earn $15–$25/hour including tips. Need a bike/car; students average 10–20 hours/week.
  • TaskRabbit: Odd jobs like furniture assembly or errands; $20–$40/hour based on tasks.
  • Rover or Wag: Pet sitting/walking; $15–$30 per walk/sit, great for animal lovers.
  • Fiverr or Upwork: Freelance skills like graphic design, writing, or video editing if you have talents; start at $5–$20/gig, scales with reviews.
  • Amazon Flex or Shipt: Package delivery/shopping; $18–$25/hour.

Requirements: Most need 18+, background check, smartphone. Earnings vary by location/demand (higher in cities).

Retail, Hospitality, and Local Services

Traditional part-time staples with student discounts/perks:

  • Retail chains: Target, Walmart, H&M, bookstores—apply via store websites or apps. Seasonal hiring peaks in holidays/back-to-school. Pay: $11–$16/hour + discounts.
  • Food service: Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway, campus dining. Fast hiring via apps; tips boost to $12–$20/hour. Look for “flexible scheduling for students.”
  • Gyms/fitness: Planet Fitness, YMCA front desk or cleaning roles.
  • Local businesses: Coffee shops, bookstores, movie theaters via Craigslist (craigslist.org, “gigs” section) or Facebook Marketplace/Jobs groups. Search “[your city] student part-time jobs.”

How to apply: Walk-ins with resume work well; highlight class schedule availability.

Government and Community Resources

  • USAJobs.gov (US federal student jobs): Pathways program for part-time at agencies like parks or libraries; $15+/hour.
  • StudentJobs.gov or local workforce centers: Entry-level roles.
  • Community boards: Libraries, student unions, supermarkets post flyers for nannying ($15–$20/hour), lifeguarding summers ($12–$18/hour), or camp counseling.
  • International options:
    • UK: StudentJob.co.uk, Indeed UK, or National Student site.
    • Canada: Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), Charity Village for non-profits.
    • Australia: Seek.com.au, Gumtree for casual work.
    • EU: EURES portal for youth jobs.

Networking and Other Strategies

  • Professors/classmates: Ask in classes or join student orgs (e.g., business clubs) for referrals—40% of jobs come via connections.
  • LinkedIn: Build profile with “Open to work” badge, connect with alumni. Search “student ambassador” roles at brands like Apple/Red Bull ($15–$25/hour + free swag).
  • Apps like Snagajob or ZipRecruiter: Mobile-first, instant apply.
  • Seasonal peaks: Summers (lifeguard, resort), holidays (retail), back-to-school (tutoring).
  • Remote global options: Rev.com (transcription, $0.30–$1.10/audio minute), Clickworker (microtasks, $9–$12/hour).

Application Tips:

  • Tailor resume: Emphasize reliability, GPA if >3.0, skills like MS Office/multilingual.
  • Cover letter: Note “seeking 15–20 hours/week around classes.”
  • Interview prep: Practice “How do you balance work/studies?” Answer: Time-blocking apps like Google Calendar.
  • Legal notes: Check visa rules (e.g., F-1 students limited to 20 hours/week on-campus).
  • Earnings goal: Aim for $10–$20/hour; track taxes via apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed.

Start with 3–5 applications daily; many hire within days. Track via spreadsheet for follow-ups.

Published: November 27, 2025