University life can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to balancing academics, social activities, and personal finances. For many Canadian students, part-time work is a necessity to make ends meet or fund their education. However, finding the right job that offers flexibility, valuable experience, and enough pay to cover living expenses can be challenging.
The best jobs for university students are those that allow them to develop skills for the future, offer flexible hours, and provide reasonable compensation. From on-campus positions to remote jobs and internships, there are many options available that align with a student’s academic schedule and career goals.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the best jobs for Canadian students during university, breaking them down by categories such as on-campus work, remote opportunities, and jobs that offer long-term career benefits.
best jobs for Canadian students during university
1. On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are often the most convenient for students as they are usually located close to their classes, meaning little to no commute. These jobs are often tailored to student schedules, making them a perfect fit for those balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and social events.
a. Research Assistant (RA)
If you’re in a field that values research, working as a research assistant can be one of the most rewarding student jobs. RAs assist professors or graduate students with academic research, which could involve data collection, literature reviews, lab work, or writing and editing research papers. Not only does this job pay well, but it also offers a chance to gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
- Why it’s great for students: It’s related to your academic work, looks good on a resume, and can lead to networking opportunities within your department.
b. Library Assistant
University libraries often hire students to help with shelving books, managing checkouts, or assisting with administrative tasks. These positions are ideal for those who are organized and enjoy a quieter work environment. Library assistants often work evenings and weekends, making the role flexible for students with busy schedules.
- Why it’s great for students: The work is relatively low-stress, and you can study or do homework during slow hours.
c. Student Ambassador or Campus Tour Guide
Many universities employ students as ambassadors to give campus tours to prospective students and their families. This is a great job for extroverted students who enjoy public speaking and want to represent their university positively. It also provides an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds.
- Why it’s great for students: You get to develop public speaking, customer service, and event-planning skills while connecting with prospective students.
d. Dining Services or Campus Cafeteria Worker
Working in your university’s cafeteria or dining hall is another convenient and often flexible job. While the pay may not be high, the hours are usually flexible, and you’re typically working in shifts that fit around your classes. These jobs also provide opportunities to meet new people and develop interpersonal skills.
- Why it’s great for students: It’s an easy, flexible job, and you may get a free or discounted meal during your shift.
2. Remote Jobs
Remote jobs are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the growth of the gig economy and the digital world. These jobs are ideal for students who need to balance work with study but want to avoid a lengthy commute.
a. Freelance Writing or Content Creation
Freelancing offers a flexible schedule and the opportunity to earn money based on your writing skills. Whether you’re writing blog posts, social media content, product descriptions, or even academic papers (with caution), there are numerous platforms where students can find paid writing gigs, including Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
- Why it’s great for students: Freelance writing can be done from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to work during downtime between classes or on weekends. It also builds valuable writing and communication skills for future careers.
b. Online Tutor or Teaching Assistant
For students who excel in certain subjects, online tutoring is a great way to make money while helping others. You can work for established tutoring platforms, such as Tutor.com or Chegg, or offer private tutoring services. As a teaching assistant (TA), you may assist professors with grading, course preparation, or leading study sessions.
- Why it’s great for students: Tutoring reinforces your knowledge, and it’s an opportunity to earn good money while helping others. It also looks great on your resume for graduate school applications or future teaching roles.
c. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) performs administrative tasks remotely, such as managing emails, scheduling meetings, answering phone calls, or handling customer service inquiries. This job requires organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
- Why it’s great for students: VAs can often set their own hours, making this job perfect for students with irregular schedules. It also provides useful experience in communication, administration, and time management.
d. Social Media Manager
For students who have a good grasp of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, becoming a social media manager can be a lucrative and flexible job. Many businesses hire part-time remote workers to manage their online presence, create posts, respond to followers, and monitor engagement.
- Why it’s great for students: This job allows you to apply creative skills, and it’s a valuable experience for students pursuing careers in marketing, communications, or public relations.
3. Internships
While internships may not always be part-time, they are one of the best ways to gain experience that will help you land a full-time job after graduation. Internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the company and industry, and they provide invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to your chosen career field.
a. Paid Internships in Your Field of Study
Whether you’re pursuing a career in business, engineering, science, or the arts, securing a paid internship related to your field of study can be one of the most beneficial jobs you can have as a student. Internships allow you to gain hands-on experience, build professional relationships, and enhance your resume.
- Why it’s great for students: Internships can lead to full-time employment after graduation, and you’ll gain experience that makes you more competitive in the job market.
b. Non-Profit or NGO Internships
Interning with a non-profit organization can provide an opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment. These roles can involve anything from fundraising and event planning to marketing and outreach. Non-profits often appreciate students who are passionate about their causes and offer meaningful work.
- Why it’s great for students: These internships are great for those looking to build a career in social impact, public policy, or human rights. They often provide valuable experience and can lead to long-term opportunities.
4. Other Flexible Jobs
For students looking for more flexible or seasonal work that doesn’t necessarily require specialized skills, there are plenty of other opportunities.
a. Retail Jobs
Many retail positions, such as cashier, sales associate, or stock clerk, offer flexible hours and can be a good way for students to earn extra cash. These jobs typically don’t require previous experience and can teach you customer service, sales, and problem-solving skills.
- Why it’s great for students: Retail jobs tend to offer shifts during evenings and weekends, which is ideal for students who need to work around their class schedule.
b. Delivery Driver or Rideshare Driver
Services like Uber, Door Dash, Skip The Dishes, and Instacart are popular choices for students looking to make money on their own time. These jobs allow you to work as much or as little as you want, and you can set your own hours based on your academic schedule.
- Why it’s great for students: These jobs offer maximum flexibility and can be a good source of income, especially during breaks or weekends.
c. Event Staff or Campus Event Coordinator
If your school regularly holds events such as conferences, parties, or performances, working as event staff or a coordinator can be an excellent job choice. These positions are usually part-time and offer a good hourly wage, along with opportunities to network with people from various fields.
- Why it’s great for students: You’ll gain event-planning experience, and these jobs often involve socializing and building connections with professionals in your field of interest.
What is the best job for students in Canada?
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the best jobs for students in Canada, incorporating factors like pay, flexibility, and skill development:
High-Paying Options:
- Server/Bartender:
- Potential for high earnings through tips, especially in busy establishments.
- Flexible hours, perfect for students’ schedules.
- Develops customer service and communication skills.
- Tutor:
- Good pay, especially for subjects in high demand (math, science).
- Flexible hours, ideal for balancing studies.
- Enhances subject knowledge and teaching skills.
- Ride-sharing/Delivery Driver:
- Flexible hours, work as much or as little as you want.
- Opportunity to earn extra income, especially during peak times.
- Develops time management and customer service skills.
- Freelancer:
- High earning potential, especially for skilled individuals.
- Complete flexibility, work from anywhere at any time.
- Builds professional portfolio and network.
Other Popular Options:
- Retail Sales Associate:
- Flexible hours, often evening and weekend shifts.
- Develops customer service and sales skills.
- Barista:
- Friendly work environment, often in trendy coffee shops.
- Develops customer service and multitasking skills.
- Campus Job:
- Convenient location, often on campus.
- Gain valuable work experience related to your field of study.
Tips for Finding a Job:
- Start Early: Begin your job search as soon as possible.
- Network: Leverage your connections with fellow students, professors, and alumni.
- Utilize Online Resources: Explore job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Kijiji.
- Check Your University’s Career Center: They often have exclusive job listings for students.
- Be Flexible: Be open to different types of jobs and shifts.
- Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor them to each job application.
Important Considerations:
- Study Permit Restrictions: International students may have limitations on work hours.
- Minimum Wage: Be aware of federal and provincial minimum wage laws.
- Taxes: Understand your tax obligations as an employee.
By considering these factors and exploring the various options available, you can find a part-time job that aligns with your interests, skills, and academic schedule.
Conclusion
Balancing work and study is a challenge for many university students in Canada, but with the right job, it can be a rewarding experience that enhances your personal and professional development. The best jobs are those that offer flexibility, reasonable pay, and the chance to build skills that will benefit you in your future career. Whether you work on-campus, remotely, or in an internship, each job can contribute to your overall university experience and help you build connections that may last long after graduation.