College is a pricey proposition, so it's a rare parent who doesn't offer his or her college kid at least some encouragement to find a campus job - and some make it mandatory. The college career center can be a treasure trove of possibilities, even in a tough economy. Some of those jobs may be reserved for students on work study, but a motivated, persistent applicant should check with both the career center and individual professors. Here's a round up of great college jobs, work that offers career-path experience, a resume boost or other perks:
- Lab assistant: Every science professor uses upper classmen, grad students and post-grads to assist in the lab. A lab assistant's job is likely to include a lot of beaker-washing at first, but additional responsibilities will follow and the benefits can be sizable. Science majors get a real world taste of what lab work entails, and considerable practical experience - and the mentoring will be invaluable not only through the undergrad years but when the time rolls around for grad school recommendations.
- Research assistant: It's not just science professors who use research assistants. So do professors in every field. Your ancient history major may end up assisting on archaeological digs, or digging through library documents.
- IT support: Depending on the campus, these computer gurus may have drop-in office hours for fellow students have tech problems, or - in the case of Claremont-McKenna, for example - they're simply on call, so they can out doing other things or studying, until a call comes in. The pay is good, the experience invaluable - and the undying gratitude from frantic dorm-mates is nice too.
- College newspaper work: The newspaper industry isn't exactly thriving these days, but writing and reporting jobs - especially those with interactive, online multimedia and social networking aspects - have lasting benefits in the work world. The world of journalism will change dramatically in the next decade, but those key skills are useful in many lines of work - including public relations and marketing.
- Development work: The campus development office - the fundraising arm of the university - is a great entry-level place to learn such marketable skills as, well, marketing and grant writing.
