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Attending college often feels like a full-time job, but it doesn't bring you income. Will you be able to pay your bills every month and still afford food?

Concerns like these often inspire students to get part-time jobs. In fact, the Bureau of Labor statistics reports that 47.4 percent of high school graduates enrolled in college were part of the labor force in October 2005. Follow these tips and you'll find yourself hired and happy.

Stay job-free your first year.
freshman year is stressful. You will be new to the entire college experience -- starting classes, doing homework, finding places and meeting new people -- don't add another thing to that list. If at all possible, take a year to concentrate on your studies.

Start investigating job opportunities early.
When you decide to get a part-time job, be sure to start hunting as soon as you get to school. Move in early or take a trip there before your move-in date. Remember, there will be many others doing the same at the start of the semester and you want to make sure the best jobs aren't taken.

Set ground rules from the beginning.
When you talk to the hiring manager or owner of a business, or are being interviewed, tell them exactly what you think you can handle and what you can't. Businesses in and around college towns are used to hiring students. They will understand that you can only work a limited number of hours each week and on certain days according to classes. Make sure you have found a place that will work with you when scheduling and that understands classes are important to you.

Stop trying to be superhuman.
Even though you might be used to working long hours from your summer job, remember -- you will have homework, studying and projects to do outside of class and will need time to do these things. Keep work to 10-20 hours a week. I find this to be the optimum number and that dividing the hours between two days helps. Don't forget to schedule yourself some free time -- you'll want time for doing fun things, too.

Save a weekend day.
Many businesses need people to work part-time jobs Fridays and Saturdays, especially restaurants and bars. Even though these will be the days you'll make the most money, don't take both of them. You won't be happy when you're missing the big party or your friends are talking about last night's fun. Also, you may want to keep Sundays free and call them your "study days."

Set up good relationships with your coworkers.
There are days you'll find you absolutely don't have time to work. There are also days you will need off, especially breaks and holidays when you'll want to go home and visit your family. Getting to know your coworkers is the best way to make sure you'll have someone to call who can cover your shifts. Also, be willing to help others -- they will remember and be more willing to help you when you need it.

Stick it out until you graduate.
Your part-time job will do more than just get you money when you need it. It will get you in contact with local business owners and residents who can be used as references in the future, especially if you stay at the same job. Of course, if you don't like the job, don't be afraid to start over and try another.


I am a junior in Public Relations at Penn State University.

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