We all know that being a student can be tough on the wallet. Between tuition, textbooks, and socialising, it can be hard to make ends meet.
But what if we told you there's a way to earn extra money without even leaving your dorm room? That's right, we're talking about work from home jobs for students! Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, there are plenty of opportunities for students to earn money online and get work experience while studying. And the best part? You can do it all from your laptop, no matter where you are in the world.
In this article, we'll share with you some of the best online jobs for students. So if you're ready to start earning some cash while still having time to hit the books (or the bars), read on!
1. Online Tutoring
Online tutors provide academic assistance to other students through virtual platforms such as video chat or messaging. As a tutor, you could specialise in a particular subject, such as maths, science, or languages, and work with students of all ages and backgrounds. You could also help others to prepare for university or school exams, or academic language tests.
Here are some examples of online websites looking for new tutors:
- TutorMe offers tutoring in over 300 subjects. However, only international students from the following countries can work at TutorMe: Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, the Philippines, Spain, and the United States.
- Brainfuse provides online tutoring, writing assistance, and test preparation services to students of all ages.
- Preply connects language tutors with students looking to improve their language skills.
What’s more, you can try to search for online tutoring jobs at your university. Contact your faculty and ask whether they do any peer-to-peer tutoring sessions.
2. Translation Services
As an online translator, you'll be responsible for translating written or spoken content from one language to another. This could involve translating documents, websites, or even social media posts for businesses or individuals.
Look up these online platforms to kick off your search:
- Unbabel hires translators to translate customer service emails and messages for companies around the world.
- Gengo offers translation services for businesses and individuals in over 35 languages.
These are just some examples of the many more online translators looking to hire language wizards. Worth noting that to become an online translator, you'll typically need to have strong language skills and some experience with translation. You might also need to take a language proficiency test or have a degree in a related field.
Once you've found a platform that offers online translation jobs, you can usually apply directly through their website. From there, you'll be able to set up your profile, set your rates, and start accepting translation jobs.
3. Online Writing and Editing
Do you have a knack for writing and a good eye for detail? Then, online editing and writing jobs might be right up your alley:
- If you become an online editor, your daily tasks will be proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing. As an online editor, you might be responsible for reviewing and correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. An example of where to find such a job is Scribbr - a platform looking for academic editors that can edit in their native language.
- If you become an online writer, some of your activities will include content creation for websites, blog posts, and social media, as well as technical writing and copywriting. As an online writer, you might be responsible for researching topics, creating outlines, and writing engaging content. To find exciting typing jobs for students, check popular websites such as Upwork or Fiverr. Or you can also contact companies that have blogs or websites and ask if they need help writing articles or other types of content.
In both cases, to perform well, you'll need to be great at writing and editing and know your grammar and punctuation well. Sometimes you'll have to take a test or show writing samples. Once you find a platform with online editing or writing jobs, apply on their website, set up your profile, and start accepting jobs.
4. Data Entry
Online data entry is a great part-time job for students. In this position, you'll be entering data into spreadsheets or databases, so you'll need to be good at typing and paying attention to details.
An example of a data entry job that students could do is transcribing audio files, such as interviews or lectures, into written documents. Another example is entering data from paper forms, receipts, or invoices into digital spreadsheets or databases. Moreover, a data entry job can also mean processing online forms by entering information into online databases or systems.
To find data entry jobs consider:
- Contacting your faculty professors to ask if they need help with data entry tasks in their research.
- Or check out websites like Clickworker. But make sure to watch out for scams and only work with reputable companies.
5. Transcription Services
If you're not familiar with what transcribing is, it's basically just typing out audio or video recordings into written text.
There are a variety of online transcribing jobs available, depending on your skill level and experience. For example, some companies may hire beginners to transcribe short audio clips, meanwhile, others may require more advanced transcribing skills for longer recordings or specialised content (such as legal or medical transcription).
- Scribie is an online platform that seeks individuals to complete transcription tasks in English.
- Another reputable company to explore is TranscribeMe, which hires transcriptionists to transcribe audio and video content in multiple languages.
Additionally, you may want to consider offering your transcription services to faculty members at your university, particularly if they need help transcribing their video or audio interviews.
6. Virtual Assistance
A virtual assistant (VA) is essentially an administrative assistant who remotely provides support to businesses or individuals. Becoming a virtual assistant might be the perfect part-time job for you if you possess strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once.
As a virtual assistant, you could do a variety of tasks depending on the needs of your clients. For example, you might be responsible for managing emails, scheduling appointments, doing research, or even managing social media accounts. Try checking out virtual assistant job listings on LinkedIn or Indeed. Since it's a remote job, you can broaden your search and explore opportunities from different parts of the world.
7. Social Media Management
As a social media manager, you'd be the go-to guru for businesses and individuals trying to make their online presence pop!
Some of the daily social media management tasks include:
- Creating posts and scheduling them on different social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Responding to messages and comments on social media accounts.
- Crunching numbers to analyse performance metrics like engagement rates and follower growth, using this info to fuel your content strategy.
- Running social media ads to promote products or services.
- Teaming up with other creative geniuses, like designers and copywriters, to produce some seriously awesome social media content.
The simplest way to land a social media management job is by checking out the job listing websites like LinkedIn or Indeed, where companies post their available positions.
8. Virtual Internships
Good news! Some companies offer remote internships for students, providing a chance to earn extra money and gain professional skills from the comfort of your home. Virtual internships can be a great way to enhance your resume, learn new skills, and make valuable connections. Popular remote internships include social media management, content creation, market research, data analysis, and graphic design.
You can find virtual internship opportunities on various online platforms and websites, like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Internshala. It's also worth checking with your university or college's career centre for any available remote internship programmes or resources. Additionally, you can directly contact companies or organisations in your field of interest and ask if they have any such opportunities available. This can be an excellent way to expand your network and find potential career paths. Asd
9. Graphic Design and Illustration
Do you know how to use creative software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator? If so, why not put your skills to use by creating designs for different purposes like branding, advertising, and web design? As a student, you could do graphic design work such as creating logos, social media posts, and flyers for events or businesses.
If you're looking to develop your creative skills and earn some extra cash, graphic design or illustration is a great option. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs list creative projects and freelance jobs for students. Alternatively, you can also provide your services to local businesses or organisations by reaching out to them directly.
10. App and Website Beta Testing
This type of job involves testing new software, websites, or mobile apps before they are released to the public. Testing apps and websites is an excellent way for students to earn some extra money while also gaining valuable experience in the tech industry.
As a beta tester, you will be responsible for providing feedback on the user experience, functionality, and design of the app or website. Some examples of what you can expect to do as a beta tester include:
- testing new features or updates on apps and websites,
- providing feedback on user experience,
- identifying and reporting bugs or glitches,
- and testing the functionality of new products.
Excited to try beta testing? Check out UserTesting, BetaTesting, and Testlio to find beta testing opportunities.
11. Online Surveys
Doing surveys can be a great online job for students to earn money at home in their free time. Many companies are looking for feedback on their products or services, and they're willing to pay for it. As a survey taker, your job is to provide your honest opinions and feedback on different products, services, and ideas.
There are several websites and platforms where you can find online survey opportunities, such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Valued Opinions. Some examples of online survey jobs for students could include testing new products, giving feedback on advertisements, or participating in market research studies. These jobs are typically flexible and can be done from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
12. Professor's Assistant
Remote job opportunities in academia are sometimes available for students, such as working as an online professor’s assistant. This type of job typically involves tasks related to teaching, like grading assignments, responding to student emails, and preparing class materials. As an online professor’s assistant, you can gain valuable experience in teaching and academia while earning extra income.
To find online professor’s assistant job opportunities, you can check with your university or college's job board or career centre. Additionally, you can contact professors in your area of interest and ask about any assistantship opportunities they may have available.
In conclusion
Online part-time jobs for students can be a great way to earn extra money and gain valuable skills and experience.
Before we conclude, here are some of our last pieces of advice for you:
- Sometimes, when you work online, you may be classified as a freelancer and may need to register your work as self-employment in your country of residence.
- Consider using online job boards, and university career centres, and connecting with professionals in your field of interest through networking to discover potential job opportunities.
- Gaining digital skills like programming, photo and video editing, copywriting, website design, and development can expand your online job prospects, not only while you're studying but also after graduation. Learning these skills can give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of finding online part-time jobs.
- As social media and online content creation become more popular, there are additional opportunities for earning money. Consider doing affiliate marketing on your blog, becoming a social media influencer, or using other online platforms to create unique content. While it may take time and consistent effort, eventually, you can earn extra income from these activities.
- Read our articles about how to balance work and study, and find more tips on how to find a part-time job for international students.
With these tips in your back pocket, and checking out the listed jobs, you'll be well on your way to finding some of the best online jobs for students.