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In order to cover the cost of education and daily living, many college students work while completing their studies. However, finding a job that fits your busy study schedule can be difficult.
Online jobs are often more flexible in terms of location and schedule, making them a great solution for many college students. This article outlines eight of the best online jobs for college students, including the skills required and recommended resources for each.
Why get an online job in college?
Unlike face-to-face jobs, flexible online roles can be worked around your university courses and study schedule. Here are some benefits of working remotely while attending college.
pay daily expenses
Loans, scholarships, and grants typically pay for tuition and campus housing costs and are not intended to help with day-to-day expenses. By working online on your own schedule, you can cover everyday expenses like rent, groceries, meals, transportation, and fun activities.
Schedule flexibility
College students are busy between classes, extracurricular activities, and social activities. Online jobs offer great flexibility to work around an already packed schedule. This flexibility is especially useful during exams when learners need additional study time.
location flexibility
Working online means you can work from anywhere you have an internet connection, whether you’re traveling during the school holidays or working from your favorite coffee shop. Having the flexibility to work from almost anywhere means you don’t have to endure traffic to get to work. That way you can also save on transportation costs.
Best online jobs for university students
Here are some online jobs for college students, including tips on how to find a remote job. The roles described below do not require a college degree or extensive work experience. All are available virtually and many offer flexible hours. College students who take these jobs can earn up to $25 an hour.
audio transcriber
Skills required: Listening comprehension, English fluency, typing speed and accuracy
Recommended resources: Rev, ditto, TranscribeMe, Scribie
Job summary: Transcribers accurately convert audio files into text. Among the many online jobs on this list, audio transcription is one of the most flexible options, allowing you to work as much as you want. Audio transcribers are paid per audio minute or line. Compensation varies by transcription company, but you can expect to earn between $5 and $22 per hour of audio.
customer service representative
Skills required: problem solving, verbal and written communication, empathy
Recommended resources: TTEC, Working Solutions, ZipRecruiter
Job summary: Customer service representatives work with customers via phone, email, text, or live chat to answer questions and resolve issues. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median hourly wage for customer service representatives is about $18. Duties may vary depending on the company. Some positions may require full-time work.
data entry assistant
Skills required: Typing speed and accuracy, attention to detail, proficiency with database software.
Recommended resources: Flex Jobs, ZipRecruiter, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), Upwork
Job summary: Data entry assistants enter new or updated information into spreadsheets and databases. It also identifies and corrects errors. Data entry assistants come in full-time, part-time, and freelance options, and websites like MTurk and Fiverr offer task-based options. According to Payscale, you can expect to earn around $16 an hour working as a data entry assistant.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Skills required: Effective communication, patience and listening skills
Recommended resources: Puripuri, Engu, Cambly
Job summary: ESL teachers help non-native English speakers improve their English language skills. Virtual education platforms allow you to teach English learners remotely. Some employers provide curriculum to teachers. Some rely on the expertise of teachers to facilitate language learning through one-on-one discussions. Many platforms allow teachers to create their own hours. Most virtual ESL tutors and instructors make between $10 and $25 an hour.
note taker
Skills required: Legible handwriting, fast and accurate typing, and effective communication
Recommended resources: ZipRecruiter, Upwork, SimplyHired
Job summary: Notetakers attend classes with students who require accommodations, accurately recording and organizing important details of lectures. This role will take place either face-to-face or online depending on the course. Check local job boards, online girlfriend platforms, and your school’s disability resource office for virtual notetaker jobs. Hourly wages are often between $10 and $30.
tutor
Skills required: Empathy, content knowledge, problem solving, active listening.
Recommended resources: Tutor.com, VarsityTutor, Superprof, TutorOcean, TutorMe
Job summary: Tutors work with students of all ages to facilitate learning. We tailor our instruction to each student’s needs, including help with homework, test preparation, and teaching effective study skills. According to Payscale, tutors earn an average hourly wage of about $20.
video captioner
Skills required: Grammar and spelling, attention to detail, listening comprehension
Recommended resources: Happyscribe, Vitac, Rev, Vanan Captions
Job summary: Video captioners transcribe audio and sound effects in real time or asynchronously. It also ensures that captions are properly synchronized with the program’s audio and visuals. Similar to audio transcription, captioners have flexible schedules and can often set their own hours. According to Glassdoor, captioners can earn around $20 an hour.
virtual assistant
Skills required: Time management, communication skills, organizational skills
Recommended resources: Belay, Upwork, 24/7 Virtual Assistant, Flex Jobs
Job summary: A virtual assistant’s role often includes managing an executive’s calendar, organizing and replying to emails, and other administrative tasks. Virtual assistants often work part-time, but they can also work full-time. According to Payscale, virtual assistants earn an average hourly wage of about $18.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about online recruitment for university students
Which online jobs are best for college students?
The best online jobs for college students are the ones that best fit their interests, skills, and schedule. If you’re looking for flexible work hours and a reliable paycheck, consider our list of online audio transcribers, video subtitlers, tutors, and note takers.
How can college students work from home?
For many jobs, all college students need to work from home is a computer and an Internet connection. You may also need a high-quality webcam and microphone to tutor or teach English as a second language.
How can a beginner student make money online?
Online jobs that don’t require special skills or equipment include virtual assistant, note taker, and customer service representative. Additionally, you may already have the necessary subject knowledge to work as an online tutor, especially as a graduate or advanced undergraduate student.
How can I make $20 an hour online?
Fortunately, many online jobs pay at or near $20 an hour. For example, captioners, tutors, and ESL teachers all earn an average wage of about $20 per hour. Many other online jobs are paid by task, so your hourly rate is determined by how quickly you work.
