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Five Remote Jobs That are Perfect for Students

Thanks to technological advancements and a new breed of employers, flexible work opportunities are more abundant than ever before. Wondering where to start when it comes to finding remote job? Read on for a roundup of five ways to bring home the bacon while also bringing home a degree.

Sep 24, 2017
  • Student Tips
Five Remote Jobs That are Perfect for Students

Unless your last name is Rockefeller or your parents have done a bang-up job of saving up for your college fund (be sure to thank them, if this is the case), you may find yourself in an increasingly common position among college students: Needing to work while simultaneously attending school. The good news? Gone are the days when this meant waiting tables into the wee hours. Thanks to technological advancements and a new breed of employers, flexible work opportunities are more abundant than ever before.

Wondering where to start when it comes to finding remote job? Read on for a roundup of five ways to bring home the bacon while also bringing home a degree.

1. Virtual tutoring

Online tutoring has become increasingly prevalent in the education sector. Available at levels ranging from elementary school to university studies and across a breadth and depth of subjects, online tutor positions offer the opportunity to help others gain the knowledge they need in order to succeed in school while simultaneously supporting your own financial goals.

From striking out on your own to signing on with a tutoring company, there are many different ways to get involved with online tutoring. Because of this, there are also varying requirements for the job -- some positions may require a college degree and experience, while others may be more open to newcomers. Expect pay to be commensurate with your qualifications.

Ready to get started? Check out The Spruce’s handy guide to online tutoring jobs.

2. Freelance writing

Have you always had a way with the written word? If so, freelance writing may be an ideal way to do something you love while earning money for school. Not only that, but you’ll also be padding your resume when you start racking up those publications.

As with virtual tutoring, freelance writing jobs differ in size and pay. If you have experience and prior publications, finding writing jobs on your own will be relatively easy. If not, content companies like WriterAccess, TextBroker, WordGigs, and others can hook you up with clients. And while you may have to start at the lower range of the pay scale, turning in high-quality work and meeting your deadlines can help you quickly ascent to higher rates.

3. Web design

If a company wants to succeed in the 21st century, an attractive, user-friendly, and functional website is a must. However, many small companies and startups lack the funds to invest in high-powered web design firms. That’s where you come in. If you’ve got the skills and the savvy, freelance web design opportunities abound. Want to learn? It’s easier than you think thanks to the preponderance of online resources aimed at teaching aspiring web designers everything they need to get professional-looking (and performing) web sites up and running.

Not sure how to go about getting clients? Displaying your work is a must. A portfolio of your past projects -- even student projects are fine -- makes for excellent marketing material.

4. Translation

The benefits of multilingualism are well known. Here’s one more to add to the list: With translation services in great demand, fluency in two or more languages can help you land remote translation jobs. In addition to traditional agency jobs which may have stricter qualification requirements, companies like Fairlingo offer translation jobs for everyone from novices to experienced translators. An added benefit? You’ll hone your own language skills in the process.

5. Data entry

Data entry may not be the most intellectually stimulating job out there, but if you’re already maxed out with college coursework, that may not be such a bad thing.

Time.com says, “Speed, accuracy, typing skills, and a tolerance for what can be dull work are required for data entry positions. Data entry applicants must have a computer up to the employer’s specs as well.Companies hiring for data entry positions include SportsDirect, which has an evenings and weekends gig inputting scores, as well as the tech startup Ibotta, and the healthcare diagnostic company Alere.”

The takeaway for job-seeking students? Just because you can’t get to the job doesn’t mean the job can’t come to you. These five positions don’t just open the door to the income you need now during your college years, but also to crucial experience which will eventually enhance your marketability as a job candidate in the future.

Joanna Hughes

Author

Joanna worked in higher education administration for many years at a leading research institution before becoming a full-time freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire with her family.