Working online has become a normal routine for almost everyone. In fact, since the COVID-19 Pandemic, many industries have evolved to offer their services online, opening vacant positions to those looking to work from home.
If you're a college student looking to get an online job that you can do alongside your studies, here are a couple of options you can try.
1. Content Creator
Content creation is a trending online gig that pays really well. Whether you're a comics fan, book writer, or just someone who loves writing, you can write content online and earn big from it. Content creation does not only limit itself to writing content. Videos are getting more in demand in today's digital era as people are looking for expertise in content creation. What's a more sophisticated way to showcase your experience besides doing so through a video? So you can equally create highly relevant videos on your passion and earn something big from them as a college student.
What's even more interesting with content creation is, that you can make money through it without having to invest anything besides your time and efforts. If you're creating content and sharing them on a free-to-use platform like Blogger, you wouldn't have to pay anything for hosting your content likewise if you're sharing your videos through YouTube, you won't have to pay anything for hosting your video content.
All of this just shows that content creation is one of the best online gigs college students can find really helpful when looking to make money online.
- Skills Needed: Excellent writing, communication, and social media skills. Depending on the niche, you might need photography or videography skills.
- Platforms: WordPress, Blogger, Upwork, Fiverr, social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube), etc.
2. Online Tutor/Teacher
Not only skilled tutors can teach—anyone can become an online tutor. Yes, even as a student, I strongly believe you have some skills you can share while making money from them. Share your academic knowledge and help others ace their subjects! Tutoring platforms connect you with students worldwide, allowing you to tutor in your area of expertise, from high school math to advanced language studies.
- Skills Needed: Strong subject knowledge, patience, excellent communication, and the ability to explain complex concepts simply.
- Platforms: VIPKid, Cambly, Wyzant, Teachable, Udemy, etc.
3. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistant jobs are becoming increasingly popular in today's economy. You'll typically be providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance to busy professionals or businesses remotely. Tasks can vary from scheduling appointments and managing email to social media management and data entry.
- Skills Needed: Excellent organizational skills, time management, strong communication, and computer proficiency. Depending on the role, specific technical skills might be required.
- Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Virtual Assistant websites
4. Customer Service Representative
If you love talking while assisting people in getting what they need, then working as a customer service representative is best for you. Many companies offer remote customer service positions, allowing you to address customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat. Of course, not everyone has the patience to pose for this kind of job but when you're going through that difficult college life, this kind of job can be a lifesaver because it pays really well.
- Skills Needed: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to problem-solve.
- Platforms: Company websites, job boards (Indeed, Glassdoor)
5. Data Entry/Transcriptionist
If you have a keen eye for detail and fast typing skills, data entry or transcription could be a good fit. As a college student, I believe you have access to a laptop and that you're kind of familiar with typing on it because this job involves entering data into spreadsheets, transcribing audio or video recordings into text, or completing online surveys.
- Skills Needed: Strong typing skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Platforms: Amazon Mechanical Turk, Rev, Scribie
6. Social Media Manager
We all love social media. Whether you need to chat with a friend or relative or communicate with an audience, social media is typically the best option. The interesting part is, that social media is often used by college students as they grew up knowing its existence. So it should be even more convenient for a college student to be a social media manager than doing the other stuff unless you don't like it as much as others do. The job isn't a complicated one—you'll typically be helping businesses manage their online presence by creating posts, scheduling content, and interacting with followers. It is more like a content creation gig.
- Skills Needed: Strong social media understanding, excellent written and visual communication skills, and knowledge of social media analytics.
- Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, company websites
Finding the Perfect Online Job
The beauty of online jobs is the flexibility they offer. You can choose a project-based role or a set schedule, allowing you to work around your studies and social life. To find the perfect online job, explore freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, or search for remote job postings on job boards like Indeed.
Final Thoughts
Making money online as a college student has become even easier than before. You can choose projects that fit your schedule, interests, and skillset. Remember, it's crucial to research companies and platforms before applying. Start slow, build your skills and experience, and who knows, you might turn your online hustle into a long-term freelance career!