Are you a student looking for reasons to have a job?

I understand where you’re coming from; taking on a part-time job while pursuing a degree seems like a total drag!

However, part-time jobs have multiple benefits for students.

You don’t believe me, do you?

Here are 13 reasons why you should hold a part-time job.

1. Earn money

Let’s face it; students work to make money.

Here’s the deal: Students’ financial situation is often pretty tight. They have little or no money.

At the same time, they also have a lot of expenses: tuition, dorm room, textbooks, food… you name it!

So when it comes to making money, every little bit helps.

2. Gain job experience

Real-life work experience can’t be taught in school.

Yet, getting work experience is the most important part of starting your career!

Think about it from an employer perspective; would you take the risk of hiring someone who has never worked a day in his life?

Having a first job will boost your resume even if it’s not in your field of study. It shows the employer that you are dedicated, responsible, and somewhat accustomed to the professional world.

3. Learn time management

Benjamin Franklin once said: ‘time is money’.

And just like money, time needs to be managed appropriately.

Going to classes, studying, and working makes for a busy schedule. So working students have two choices:

Learning time management

Not completing all their tasks on time

And that’s also how working students learn another valuable skills: weighing priorities.

4. Develop interpersonal skills

Many part-time jobs involve collaboration with different people, and interpersonal skills are vital to make this happen.

So it’s an excellent opportunity to develop some basic skills:

Receptiveness to feedback

Workplace etiquette

Relationship management

Showing appreciation

Once you have developed one of these interpersonal skills, be sure to emphasize it in your CV.

Employers actively look for applicants who can work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

5. Start networking

A part-time job is an excellent opportunity to build professional relationships that open up career opportunities.

And that’s true even if you do not work in your dream company (your employer or coworkers may know somebody who works there).

View every conversation as an opportunity to progress in your career.

You never know where or when you might meet someone who can help you land your dream job!

6. Learn the value of money

When you earn your own salary, you think twice about how you spend it.

That’s why working students tend to have better budgeting and money management skills!

Being financially aware from a young age is very important. According to this study, adults between the ages of 25 and 34 have an average of $42,000 in debt. More than half of them attributed their debt problems to money mismanagement.

And believe me, you don’t want to be drowning in debt because of poor financial management!

7. You are exposed to a new environment

College and high school students spend most of their time in the same environment.

Whether they are at school or not, they often meet and talk with their peers. Having the chance to meet new people and be in a different setting can be a fulfilling experience.

8. Build your personal identity

Have you ever noticed that when we’re dating, we often ask: ‘What do you do for a living?’.

I find it interesting how our identity is linked to our daily activities.

Having a part-time job as a student will make it easier to give a glimpse of your personality.

You are no just a student anymore; you are a hardworking student.

9. Boost your self-confidence

If you are introverted, a part-time job can help you come out of your shell.

That’s especially true if your job involves customer service or teamwork!

10. Make new friends

It is easy to hang out with your group of friends.

Having a part-time job forces you to get out and interact with new people. It is an excellent opportunity to make new friends.

11. Become more independent

Students often rely on their parents for financial help. As a working student, you will be less reliant on them.

12. Enjoy employee benefits

Depending on where your part-time job is, you may be eligible for staff discounts or perks.

For example, a personal trainer might get a free gym membership.

13. Contribute to society

As a student, you do not contribute to society.

This is why a part-time job can bring a deeper meaning to your life. Helping other people will help you garner a sense of accomplishment that studying can’t bring you.

Editorial note

College (or high school) should remain your number one priority. Before you work long hours, I recommend reading the following article: how part-time jobs affect grades.