The workplace of the future will require independent thinking. Getting a jump on the skills you’ll need in your eventual career can be very profitable. If you’re like most students, then you could probably use as much cash as you can get your hands on. Well, now’s the time to start learning how to do-it-yourself. If you need to put cash in your coffers, then you’ll need to learn how to hustle!
Student debt can feel crushing, and it’s a good idea to get a jump on paying it back even before you leave school. The good news? There are so many great ways to earn extra cash, even if you’ve got a lot of studying to do. Whether it’s getting qualified to teach via a TEFL certificate, or starting a small business from your dorm room, building a side hustle can be more than a just great way to support yourself, it can also help you prepare for your future.
Become the Master of Your Own Fate (The Webmaster, That Is)
It’s never been easier to build a website that generates active or passive income. Whether you start a small e-commerce company or a blog, having a website can be a great source of extra cash that doesn’t require too much extra effort.
Even if you’re not a programmer, you can build a great website with the tools and information available online. Startup costs can be low and you’ll gain a marketable skill you can use later in your career. The best part? Your website can keep generating income for you even after you graduate.
Network for Success
During your college years, it’s a good idea to start making connections and building skills that will serve you after you’ve earned your degree and when you start looking for jobs. Plus, some internships and side hustles can earn you some cash in addition to experience!
Where to start? Well, start by thinking about the kind of people you want to connect with. If you’re a woman, for instance, it can be a great idea to get involved in clubs and organizations that promote female leadership. Interested in publishing? See if you can help out with your school’s literary magazine or other publications.
You can also look online for opportunities. Sites like Idealist.org or Indeed often have internships listed, some of which can be done remotely in just a few hours a week. Getting some real-world experience can be extremely valuable for building up your resume. Plus, knowing someone in your preferred field can open up so many doors after graduation!
Skill Up for the Future
Regardless of your major, it’s important to understand that the most in-demand skillsets are shifting. If you want to be competitive in your future career, it’s a good idea to build skills in areas like data analytics or programming that will serve you in nearly any field.
Though not all schools have courses or clubs that teach data analytics, there are plenty of ways to learn on your own. Data analytics tools and self-paced courses are available online so you can learn this marketable skill without earning an analytics degree.
Once you’re comfortable with this skillset, you can use those skills to earn money while you’re still in school. Remote data analysis jobs will help you pad your bank account while allowing you to build your skills even further!
Balancing School and Your Side Hustle
Even though having a side hustle while you’re in college can be a great way to prepare for your future, it’s important to remember your priorities. If you find yourself getting burned out or you’re having trouble balancing your side hustle with your schoolwork, then it might be time to take a step back and put your hustle on hold.
Your health and well-being are very important and can affect the quality of the work you do. You may need to make some sacrifices, but it’s also important to keep things in perspective and to take care of yourself. If you spread yourself too thin, you’re likely to develop issues like anxiety and trouble focusing.
Investing in your future can seem daunting, but it will help set you apart from your peers. By finding the right hustle, you’ll gain a competitive edge and be prepared for whatever happens after you graduate.
For more great college tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.
