How Can College Students Make Money? 5 Methods

People fresh out of high school have an important question. College students have the same question. It is a question that gets asked everyday. What is the question? The same one YOU are asking....How can college students make money?

As a senior in college, I know how hard it can be to find some extra money. Classes take up most of your time, and when you do have some spare time you like to use it for fun. How then is it possible to have time to make money? Believe it or not, there are many ways for college and the online methods are quite easy. Here are 5 suggestions to get you started:

1. Get a Job- Obviously, finding a real job in your area is the best way to create a steady income, but does take up your time. Employers on your campus are usually willing to work with you on your schedule and will help you balance time between work and school. Fast food is another option and you may be able to work with a flexible part time schedule.

2. Sell Textbooks- As a college student I know how much textbooks cost. They are expensive to buy and you can't get much back for them. Although this seems unfair, this presents an opportunity to make money within your college. Post signs around your campus and advertise the books you have. You can sell them for less than what the school bookstore costs and you will make a profit as well as helping out another student. There are also websites that will buy textbooks from you.

3. eBay- If you enjoy using eBay for buying stuff, then you could try to make money selling on it too. You can sell the possessions you no longer use and get some extra cash. If you are talented you may be able to buy broken items to refurbish them and sell them back for a profit. Plenty of people make a decent income selling on eBay. You can try this, but I haven't personally done it and therefore don't know how to offer more detailed advice.

4. Online Surveys- How can college students make money with the least amount of work? Online surveys without a doubt. However, you need to be careful. There are hundreds of sites out there, and only some of them are legitimate. You should only join the free sites and NEVER pay for anything so you know you are not being scammed. If you manage to find some good sites, this is an easy way to earn a little extra money, but the payouts are never as good as the advertisements say.

5. Affiliate Marketing- If you have a little more time on your hands, then affiliate marketing is definitely the best option. This is personally how I make most of my money. Basically you put links for products online and when somebody buys that item, you get part of the pay in commissions. If you use blogs, forums, or other online communities, then putting up links would be even easier for you. It can seem like a lot of work at first, but the pay grows and it gets easier over time.

No matter which method you choose, I think you will find that there are many options for how college students can make money. The first option is already well known, but I hope the last 4 are new answers to the question of how can college students make money. Some of these methods are pretty easy and will not take up much of your time. You will be able to make money and have fun doing it. Good luck to all of you!

I hope this article has been helpful to some of you. If you are interested in affiliate marketing at all, then you should definitely look into the Wealthy Affiliate program. It is where I learned everything I now know, and I truly recommend it. How can college students make money? THIS is the best answer to your question. You can check out this site for a detailed review and then join immediately to discover how to start making money now!

Suggestions For First Year College Students

Here are a few suggestions that will help you ease into your freshman year.

- Explore the Campus - Get to know the campus and surrounding town. Find out where
everything is. Learn about campus activities and where they take place.

- Keep Your Grades Up -Go to class! That is why you are there! The best way to keep

those grades up is to make the effort and put in the time, and go to class. Most professors
will only allow one or maybe two absences so bank them when you need them. Playing
catch up with your coursework is no fun.

- Get enough sleep- - Develop a regular sleep pattern- at nights if possible. Daytime sleep
can affect your body clock and impair your judgment.

- Work with your coach- - Your coach is your valuable ally and resource to develop a
happy life balance and attitude as you transition into college. Keep scheduled calls and
work the action plans. Remember, your coach is there to help- use him!

- Learn to be a college student - Give yourself time to get used to being a college student; don't try to figure it all out yourself (that is why you have a coach). Utilize all the
services at hand like learning & career centers, the library and study groups.

- Get involved in clubs - A great way to start getting active socially. You will get the chance to meet new friends, do something you enjoy and take your mind off of your coursework.

- Make at least two friends in each class - Smile; try to get to know people in your classes. It's always good to make at least two friends in each class in case you have to copy notes. You can also study together.

- Get to know your professors -This is very important! - The best step you can do toward getting a good grade. Meet with them so they can get to know you and you get to know them. Meet up with them after class or schedule to see them during office hours.

- Manage your finances; - Your freshman year of college is probably the first time you will be managing your own money. Create a budget and stick to it and stay away from those college credit card offers, they can be nothing but trouble! Just by getting accepted proves you have it in you to be wildly successful in college. Take these suggestions to heart, stay focused and enjoy your college experience. This is a great time in your life!

Eric Citsay, CCC, is a Certified Personal and Business Coach. He is the founder of Onward & Upward Coaching and Consulting, LLC, a personal coaching company serving exclusively the needs of college students and young adults. visit him at http://www.oucoaching.com or he can be reached at (856) 776-6295 or eric@oucoaching.com

To Land a Great Job, Students Need a Four-Year Plan

Every college student needs a four-year plan that can lead to a great job. Since nobody wants to spend four years in college only to end up in a dead end job, wise students write out, and periodically update, a comprehensive plan that reveals the steps that will lead their goals.

Here is a brief and simplified example that can be tailored to individual needs.

Freshman Year - As soon as possible, select a general and broad career direction that makes sense for you. With that decision, you will be able to conduct some research. Try to find out what the employers in these fields will require of employment candidates, if you interview with them in your senior year. In that way, you can begin to create a path to follow, set goals and establish a timeline for the steps that are required. Don't worry! You can make changes, as you are able to clarify your direction.

From this point forward, you can begin to follow your initial plan of action. Your plan should contain many of the following:

- Identify influential people who can help you, in the future. You'll need a network.

- Build your credibility with high performing students and influential people.

- Volunteer for something in your area of interest.

- Get to know your Professors, Advisors and Career Services staff.

- Research Campus, Community and Work opportunities.

- Understand yourself - What strengths do you bring to the table?

- Pay attention to your attitude and body language. They tell others who you are.

- Evaluate your Leadership, Communication and People Skills.

- Tend to your grades. They are the gateway to many employers.

Sophomore Year - If it has not already been done, you should select a tentative major in your sophomore year. This does not mean that you have to pick out a specific career or job to shoot for. It is still early. As you take your classes and begin to participate in campus, work and community activities, you will gradually gain a clearer perspective.

Take the time to update or expand your plan of action, based on your current goals. Follow your plan of action during year two. It should contain items like these:

- Build and maintain relationships with influential people. Create your network.

- Continue to build credibility with Professors and high performing students.

- Get involved with something in your area of interest.

- Get to know your Professors, Advisors and Career Services staff.

- Participate in Campus, Community and Work opportunities.

- Seek part-time and/or summer jobs in your field of interest.

- Understand yourself - What are your interests, strengths and weaknesses?

- Present the Attitude and Body Language that will help you.

- Find ways to strengthen your Leadership, Communication and People Skills.

- Identify and research potential employers and job hunting web sites.

- Do what is necessary to keep your grades up.

Since employers love people who are able to get things done, begin to build your list of accomplishments. Generally your accomplishments should be aligned with the goals in your plan of action. Try to excel in your areas of interest and strength.

Junior Year - Look back over the past two years and update or expand your plan of action. At this point, your plan should become quite specific. If you have a better idea of where you are trying to go, your plan should include the steps that will get you there. Follow your plan of action for year three. It should contain items like these:

- Continue to build relationships with influential people to expand your network.

- Do something specific to build credibility with Professors and high performing

students. Find ways to help them achieve their own goals.

- Volunteer for something that is important in your area of interest.

- Work closely with your Professors, Advisors and Career Services staff.

- Play a leadership role in at least one Campus, Community or Work opportunity.

- Continue to work at part-time and/or summer jobs in your field of interest.

- Understand yourself - Focus on your strengths and interests.

- Improve your attitude. Present a positive "can do," "let's give it a try" attitude.

- Be certain that your body language and actions match your words.

- Demonstrate your Leadership, Communication and People Skills.

- Identify and research potential employers, alumni & employment web sites.

- Draft your resume - Emphasize accomplishments in your field of interest.

- Develop and practice your interviewing skills.

- Think references and recommendations: Identify the most influential and respected

people who will speak highly of you. Strengthen these relationships.

- Keep your grades up.

During your Junior year, strive to achieve one or two significant accomplishments that will meet or exceed interviewer/employer expectations. These are the things that will be highlighted on your resume, so you will stand out from the other candidates.

Meet with Career Services to see if you are allowed to sign up for campus interviews. If yes, get some interviewing experience. Practice telling interesting stories about how your accomplishments came about.

Senior Year - Finalize and follow your plan of action for year four.

- Keep your grades up.

- Finalize your resume. Your resume should emphasize your accomplishments

and clearly differentiate you from other candidates. What makes you special?

- Prepare for interviews. Practice your responses. Develop thoughtful questions.

- Sign up for and participate in campus interviews. Be ready with examples

and stories that will impress employers. Don't be shy.

- Tap all of your networking sources for useful information and job leads

- Keep organized and detailed records of your contacts

- Contact every employer from your earlier research

- Start utilizing appropriate employment web sites

- Seek references and recommendations from the most influential people in

your network.

- Conduct a thorough and enthusiastic job search campaign. Plan to contact at least

100 employers.

This abbreviated plan can serve as a model for students who are concerned about their futures and are willing to do the hard work. Forward thinking students understand that employment success is earned slowly, during all four years of college. That's why I say that, "The senior year job search starts in the freshman year."

There is no shortcut to employment success. Students who diligently follow their four-year plans are much more likely to be rewarded with great jobs and good salaries at the best employers. Isn't that your goal too?

Visit Bob's web site: http://www.The4Realities.com. Bob Roth is the author of The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College -and- The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job

Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob also writes articles for nearly 200 College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Additionally, Bob has developed 20 Self-Scoring Learning Tools that help college students find success. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and also by many newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal. Lastly, Bob serves as an Adjunct at Marist College, teaching a course in Career Development. http://www.The4Realities.com