Gone are the days when college meant working in a coffee shop 10 hours per week while going to a few classes. Competition is getting fierce, it’s getting more difficult to secure student loans, and college is the perfect time to kick start a career. From work-study positions to internships or even entry-level positions, choosing a career path as an undergrad can pay off handsomely come graduation.
There are a few fields prime for college students, especially for those who have a few related credits under their belt. A career path should have solid growth potential, a lucrative potential salary and match a student’s interests and natural talents. Here are 6 great industries for college students where getting a foot in the door is fairly easy. However, starting with a job shadowing experience can also help.
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is a skill that can be learned outside the office, and it’s a quickly growing profession that can be very lucrative. Students interested in tech, engineering, writing and/or marketing are great fits for this position. Start by volunteering as an SEO writer, build skills from the ground up and perhaps operate as a freelancer to work around class schedules.
2. Technical Writing
Most writers have an innate talent that can be improved upon in college. To make money as a writer, technical writing is one route. It usually requires keen skill sets in tech fields, too, such as knowing XML or a certain hardware. Get an internship and start building that technology portfolio. Many technical writers work from home, so convenience is a big perk.
3. Social Media Management
This is a field everyone wants to get into, which means the competition is intense. However, students can start out as a social media assistant and learn the ropes. Depending on the company, telecommuting may be an option. Students can also quickly figure out if they’re really passionate about the platforms or should stick to Facebook for personal use before committing to a career.
4. Fitness Instructor
For students pursuing a degree in fitness education, why not get certified to teach a sport, practice or dance during a break from classes? Some intensive training is only a few hundred hours, which is easily done in a summer. For example, great yoga training can lead to working in studios with flex schedules to work around college classes, and students can build a following well before getting their degree.
5. Software Expert
There are a lot of jobs for titles like SharePoint Developer, and the best place to focus on niches is in college. For students interested in a certain software program, now is the time to learn everything possible about it. These careers often pay well, too, since few people have the necessary skills.
6. Internet Marketing
Internet marketing is trending now, and students are in a great place to keep pace with the changes. From developing infographics to outreach via social media, blending business with technology is a great avenue. Consider working for a local company that might be flexible when it comes to telecommuting to make the most of it.
