Decent Part Time Jobs while in school?

[winneythepooh7]

OK word of advice that I wish someone would have told me in undergrad so I wouldn't have worked at a crappy waitressing job even though it was good, quick money:

LOOK FOR SOMETHING IN THE FIELD YOU PLAN ON GOING INTO.

at least you can put that on your resume and it will make you one step ahead when you graduate.

[MsCongeniality3]

Unfortunately my career path is with govt. It's hard to find jobs in either criminology or political science related. Right now my job is in health care and I would really like to get something towards my field.

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally posted by winneythepooh7
OK word of advice that I wish someone would have told me in undergrad so I wouldn't have worked at a crappy waitressing job even though it was good, quick money:

LOOK FOR SOMETHING IN THE FIELD YOU PLAN ON GOING INTO.

at least you can put that on your resume and it will make you one step ahead when you graduate.

Unfortunately this is a really difficult thing to do.

It's one thing if it's summer job where you can work full time for 4 months, it's another thing, if you're looking for a part time job to make some extra money WHILE attending school.

[chideltjen]

Going off on what Winney said:

I agree with others that it's near impossible to find a major-like job without a degree in that major. But I got this suggestion from a design forum once. Design studios like people with experience. But the Catch 22 is that you can get a job to get experience if you don't have experience. One of the forum leaders suggested doing clerical work for a design firm. And if the studio seemed over loaded with projects and they needed help, volunteer!

You may be able to do this with government jobs. While I hate doing clerical duties (answering phones, faxing stuff, filing) it may be a way in. And it's easy enough that you won't stress about it when you have other things to think about... like school. Gosh if you lived in Sacramento, you would be in luck. There are quite a few state jobs out here and that's basically what everyone does while in school.

As far as UPS/airlines: My dad works as a baggage loader guy for an airline. They do hire part timers... and from what I hear from my dad, they kinda favor them. (No benefits required=more part timers!) But my dad has some funky hours and his "weekends" always change. Depends on what department you want to work in. If dealing with stressed out travellers is your bag, go for it.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by AlphaFrog
I agree...even with the lousy $3/hour I was getting paid (yes, I know that's illegal, but my ex-boss didn't do much that WAS legal) I made at least $13/hr weekends and $8/hr weekdays, and that was at a little family diner.

The only problem is, it's very hard to budget a waitress salary, because sometimes you just aren't busy and don't make anything, and other days you don't stop all day (and there have been days I've averaged $16/hr, and one night I made $5 the whole night).

I'm afraid that it is legal in restaurants. That's because some Americans, in the past, went to Europe and started tipping. Foolishly, back in the States, tips became part of a server's salary instead of an indication of efficiency and presentation.

[HappyGoLucky]

You may try your local sheriff's office. I'm working there this summer (that's actually where I am now). I work in the property and evidence division. It's pretty basic stuff...filing, computer work, pulling evidence, inventory etc...but it's a reputable org so it'll look good on a resume if you're interested in criminology.

-Jessica

[MsCongeniality3]

Do you know how I would go about applying for something like that? Also, is it paid? I have internships right now with campaigns but I don't get paid anything.

[HappyGoLucky]

Well, I found out about this job through a family friend, but you should be able to contact the city and see what jobs are available. My position makes 10.47 an hour, so that's really exciting for a job that doesn't require that much work!!

[winneythepooh7]

A lot of places (especially in the social service field which is related to what you are doing) look for people to work p/t and on a per-diem basis. It is affordable for the agencies because as mentioned earlier, they don't have to worry about paying benefits. Clerical was also mentioned. You can work in a criminal-justice related office just answering phones and if you put on your resume that you've worked at this place it still looks good. I don't think it is THAT difficult to find a p/t job while in school. You just have to be willing to be a little bit flexible sometimes. I've known people who are students who still want to have a VERY active social life and TELL the job what hours they want to work and you just can't do that. As a p/t or per diem staff usually you are going to be the one to work the hours that the f/t and long-time staff don't want to work. I see a lot of college students (and I was once one too and did the same thing) who are very picky for these reasons I mentioned. When I worked in a community residence we actually STOPPED calling certain per diems because they never were available at certain times (and I am not talking cuz it conflicts with class) then they would complain later about not being given hours. (Keep in mind I am not implying this is how you are). Even my younger sister is like this and my parents get annoyed with her all the time. It has a lot to do with life experience which we all gain with time. Also check out craigslist.org, it lists a lot of part-time jobs in major cities and their outskirts. Idealist.org is another good website.

[winneythepooh7]

Also check out residential treatment facilities and legal services clinics. Both are related to law and gov't obviously. Are there any law schools in your area? I did an internship in a legal services clinic once at Cardozo Law School and they hired a lot of staff to do clerical stuff and interns to cover cases in the summertime.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
I'm afraid that it is legal in restaurants. That's because some Americans, in the past, went to Europe and started tipping. Foolishly, back in the States, tips became part of a server's salary instead of an indication of efficiency and presentation.

$3/hr is NOT legal. (In Illinois, I know some states it's different) $3.09 USED to be legal when I started working. It is now $3.30, as of Jan. 1. And yes, $.09, and especially $.30 DOES make a difference when you work at a place for a year.

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Originally posted by MsCongeniality3
Unfortunately my career path is with govt. It's hard to find jobs in either criminology or political science related. Right now my job is in health care and I would really like to get something towards my field.

My friend worked for the poli sci dept reading the NY Times and cutting out important articles and archiving them. Maybe they have a job like that in your school. She had worked in the dining hall the previous year so this job was a dream come true in comparison. I suggest that you talk to the department head and individual professors to see if they are hiring. Good luck!

[MsCongeniality3]

I still hadn't been able to find any jobs with the police department or social service type jobs. If anyone knows of any ideas...

[winneythepooh7]

what area of the country are you in? sometimes it is really hard to find a job in certain areas without a degree/experience/etc. even WITH these things it is hard in certain areas. also it is SUMMERTIME right now. EVERYONE is looking for a job. be patient and hang in there!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Originally posted by MsCongeniality3
I still hadn't been able to find any jobs with the police department or social service type jobs. If anyone knows of any ideas...

I suggest that you pound the pavement and go to the places you want to work with your resume in hand dressed for an interview. Also a temp agency might be able to help you. Good luck!