Benefits of Working While in School

The benefits of working while you are in school are many, from the most obvious (a paycheck) to more long lasting benefits, like building relationships and learning skills that will last a lifetime!

Working while in college will inevitably present some intense moments; however, the opportunities for growth and self-discovery during this time can help you move further toward your career goals.

Make Money

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of all the benefits, making money is great! After all, who doesn’t love some spending money for that snack or caffeine kick that will help push you through a busy day or renewing the subscription of your streaming service when you need to decompress and binge watch your favorite show?

Money you earn can be also be used to help with educational expenses. Pay down an outstanding tuition balance, buy textbooks and other supplies for school, or just save up to help defray costs for the next semester.

Manage Your Financial Well Being/Manage Your Money

It is never to early to start learning how to manage your finances. Having a job while in school is a great way to start that learning process. Money management is a skill you can carry throughout your life and the money management habits you develop in college are likely to stay with you forever.

By practicing proper money management techniques now, you can feel confident about your ability to manage finances into your adult life, save money, and avoid debt down the road.

For more information about managing your money while at BU, visit BU’s Smart Money.

Find a Mentor

The people you work with are usually not just there to approve your time every week.  Most supervisors, especially in on campus jobs, realize the important role they have as a mentor.

Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success while in school and beyond. Quality mentoring greatly enhances your chances for success. Research shows that students who experience good mentoring tend to have greater career advancement potential.

Gain Real-Life Experience

Working while attending college also provides real-world experience, which is beneficial after graduation. Employers prefer hiring students who also have on-the-job experience, as this demonstrates responsibility and a sound work ethic. Job experience establishes credibility as an employee; it shows strength of character and the ability to juggle the work-life balance.

Improve Your Time-Management Skills

Studies show working between 10-19 hours a week will increase a student’s grade point average (GPA). As you get more accustomed to managing your time, you will likely feel less overwhelmed and more adept at keeping stress under control. Without practicing time management, knowing how to break up work into more sizable pieces would likely be more challenging.