That feeling is explainable – when you work full-on putting all your efforts for an entire month and finally getting to earn money out of your own sweat and hard work. That is a moment worth remembering for a lifetime.
Usually in India, we wait until we are done with graduation to get placed in some company after multiple rounds and so on.
Whereas, for (most of the) international or Indian students studying in the USA or for those who want to be self-dependent, the onus falls back on them to take care of their daily needs and monthly expenses – like food, stay, leisure, and more – during their course of stay in the USA.
What can be done? How can students manage their expenses?
Answer: Part-time Jobs
Yes, 1000s of students work as they study in the USA thereby eliminating the need to depend on their parents, loan, or elsewhere to take care of their expenses. Part-time jobs or some side hustles are a quick way to make money as you study.
From paying bills to ensuring the weekend fun is covered and saving cash for the future… The amount earned while working part-time can help a long way.
>> Check: Best Universities in the USA
Necessity? The USA F1 Visa acts as the primary entrant for you to work on-campus or off-campus followed by your skillsets. Please note that you won’t be covered under the law and can be deemed illegal if you work off-campus without complying with the necessary guidelines.
Top Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in USA
In this blog, let’s look at the most sought-after part-time jobs for Indian students studying in the USA. We’ll also glance through what the job looks like and what it may offer. (Disclaimer: They may vary from the time-written)
- Campus Ambassador
- Work in a Cafe
- Teaching Assistant
- Library Assistant
- Social Media Manager
- Data Entry
- Photographer
- Freelance Writing/Editing
- Sales Assistant / Store-Runner
- Mentor or Tutor to Students
🎓 Campus Ambassador
Promote the university. Talk nice about your college. Spread the word on why this place has to be chosen by the international students. Act as a campus ambassador and be the goodwill spreader of the college. Apart from earning, you can also become close with the college management.
☕ Work in a Cafe
If a small coffee shop or a cafe is located within the campus, ask around if they are looking for people to be employed. You can work as a cashier, brew hot cups of coffee, manage the place, and even meet new people.
🧑🏫 Teaching Assistant
This is now for newcomers. If you are someone w/ experience and have a knack for helping other students overcome their academic barriers, this job can be the right fit for you. Your help can transform their careers.
📚 Library Assistant
If you are someone who loves reading and is in a constant state of understanding those curious characters, this job is best for you. Get selected as the library assistant in your university and take charge.
🖥️ Social Media Manager
The world nowadays lives and breathes through social media. Got some marketing skills up the sleeve to spread the word? Join as a social media manager and get more eyeballs rolling about the business you work for.
⌨️ Data Entry
There’s always some document work that needs to be loaded. If you are someone who’s tech-savvy and can type fast – you can consider this job. Work where you have to cross-check and enter data into the computers.
📷 Photographer
Freeze frames, capture memories. Are you a shutterbug with a unique eye for details and beauty? Join as a part-time photographer and capture the beauty that the USA beholds. Also, get paid for what you love doing.
📝 Freelance Writing/Editing
All you need is a laptop, a place to sit, and a good internet connection. And you can do wonders – from where you are. Get some free time and search for gigs online where you can curate content for other brands/businesses.
>> Read: How to write the perfect SOP
🏪 Sales Assistant/Store Runner
Become the point of sale, manage the accounts or show what it takes to run the store with your managerial skills. Check if there are any stores on or nearby the campus and get employed in any of the multiple jobs put on.
👔 Mentor or Tutor to Students
There are so many international students needing help. With your experience, you can be their mentor and guide them on the right path. For doing so, you can charge a nominal fee for being their tutor.
USA Minimum Wage Per Hour
Minimum wage workers in all states across the country will enjoy a pay bump in 2021, as a bipartisan group of state legislatures continues to hike wages in the USA.
And the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, as per Statista. Though tipped workers and some farm and seasonal workers are paid less in many states, pay for the vast majority of hourly employees in the U.S. is at least $7.25 per hour. However, some jobs might pay somewhere around $7.00 to $9.00 per hour, but more highly skilled positions may pay $10 or more per hour.
Here are People Also Ask (PAA) :
1. What are the best on-campus part-time jobs for Indian students in the USA?
Answer: Indian students in the USA can consider on-campus positions such as teaching assistants, library assistants, campus ambassadors, research assistants, and IT support staff. These roles offer valuable experience and are conveniently located within the university premises.
2. How can Indian students find off-campus part-time jobs in the USA?
Answer: To secure off-campus employment, Indian students should utilize online job portals, attend university career fairs, network with peers, and consult their institution’s career services. It’s essential to ensure that any off-campus employment complies with F-1 visa regulations, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
3. What are the average wages for part-time jobs for Indian students in the USA?
Answer: Part-time job wages vary based on the role and location. On average, students can earn between $10 to $25 per hour. Positions like campus IT support assistants may offer higher wages due to specialized skills.
4. Are Indian students allowed to work off-campus during their first year in the USA?
Answer: F-1 visa regulations typically restrict off-campus employment during a student’s first academic year. However, on-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. After the first year, students may engage in off-campus employment through CPT or OPT, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
5. How can Indian students balance part-time work and academics in the USA?
Answer: To effectively balance work and studies, students should prioritize time management, select flexible job opportunities that accommodate their academic schedule, and avoid exceeding the 20-hour weekly work limit during academic sessions to maintain their F-1 visa status. Utilizing campus resources, such as academic advisors and time management workshops, can also be beneficial.
For a comprehensive guide on top part-time jobs for Indian students in the USA, visit University Hub.
Conclusion
Though there are many part-time jobs available, please remember that all these are temporary and will support only until your graduation is over. Remember to not lose focus or spend more time on your part-time job. Your studies always should be the top priority for you when in the USA and these are just as the sidekicks.
And, another important aspect of part-time jobs is to get an opportunity to meet and network with other people, build connections, and nurture that might help your career in the long run.
Endure all that you go through so you can fly higher after graduation.
Need help studying in the USA? We’ll help you find the perfect course and college today!
