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If you’re looking for a convenient way to pay for your education, consider looking at online jobs for college students. You can earn good money while working around your class schedule, but make sure to avoid scam offers. It will take some effort, but you can find a good internet-based job, even with no experience or degree. You’ll build up your resume, refine your skillset and keep yourself busy with these tips.
Avoid Scams
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve got a relative or a friend who found an online job that turned out to be a scam. Maybe your mom tried mystery shopping when you were younger or your best friend got burned by an online publisher; either way, you want to avoid the same fate. Luckily, avoiding fake job offers is easy with a few simple tricks. First, never pay money upfront for an online job. You should never be charged an agency fee, a sign-up fee or a processing fee to start working for an organization. Second, use a search engine to read reviews of any potential employer. Finally, have realistic expectations. You’re not going to make $50 an hour or retire in six months with an online college job.
Use Freelancing Sites
One of the easiest, least-risky ways to find online work is by using freelance sites like oDesk and Elance. With these sites, you’ll fill out a profile, mention any special skills you have and start browsing potential jobs. The website acts as a go-between for workers and employers, meaning it’s harder for clients to get out of paying you. Of course, a percentage of your payment will go to the company, but with 1.21 million new jobs and $285 million paid to freelance workers in 2013, there’s no better place for you to start finding online jobs.
Network Online
The internet connects you to the entire world, including the millions of other workers looking for online jobs. You can capitalize on the experience of other workers via networking. Look for online forums and social networking groups for online workers, college students and stay at home parents. Use those resources to find online jobs looking for your skillset. You might find work that’s posted only to these sites or avoid a scam with the wisdom of your peers. You can learn a lot from people who have already started their online career, and you’ll find that many people who work from home are eager to make friends within the industry.
Get Specific
You’ve seen the weird ads promising outrageous earnings for very little work, all from the comfort of your own home. These ads exist because everyone wants to work from home, but few people think about their qualifications. What do you have to offer to online companies? Are you a great writer, a talented photographer or a fast typist? Instead of looking for online work, look within your specialty. For example, search for online writing gigs or online transcription positions.
Working from home can be one of the best options for college students, but only if you’re smart about it. Put your education to good use and find one of the many legitimate online jobs for college students.
Related resource: How do I Know if Online College is Right For Me?
