15 remote jobs for college students to consider
As a college student, you may be looking for opportunities for part-time work. However, your schedule may not allow you to commit to a job that involves physically going somewhere, such as working as a babysitter or as a barista at a coffee shop.
The good news is that now that remote jobs are on the rise, you can more easily find a side gig or even full-time role in college that works with your schedule and allows you to earn money from the comfort of your home (including dorm rooms).
Remote work comes with perks like the ability to avoid commuting or the need to buy specific clothing required to work in an office setting. In some cases, these jobs might give you more control over your schedule so you can allocate the right amount of time for personal activities, hobbies, and, most importantly, your studies.
See below for 15 jobs that college students might be able to secure as remote jobs or freelance gigs so you can start exploring the opportunities out there. This is by no means a comprehensive list but rather a sampling to begin exploring the remote opportunities that exist that college students might be able to access.
1. Freelance or part-time presentation maker
When it comes to freelance or part-time presentation makers, sometimes companies look for talent that can work remotely. In these roles, you can use your creativity and skills to craft engaging and impactful presentations for clients from various industries.
To secure a job or contract work in this arena, it can be important to have a strong understanding of design principles, effective visual communication techniques, and the ability to work independently.
To find part-time or ad hoc presentation maker jobs, create a design portfolio to display your skills utilizing past projects. This will help you attract potential clients and demonstrate your expertise. Consider making sample presentations on various topics to showcase your versatility and adaptability to companies and nonprofit organizations, too, particularly if you don’t have experience that perfectly aligns with these roles.
2. Data entry jobs
Data entry jobs typically involve inputting information into a database or another format from various sources such as paper, spreadsheets, or online forms. Multiple industries, such as healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and many others, may have open positions for data entry roles, some of which are remote.
To do well in remote data entry jobs, you need to be very careful and accurate because you’ll be working with a lot of information. If you think you’d be good at this, check out job boards for opportunities that work for you and your college schedule.
3. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistant jobs involve remotely providing administrative, organizational, and technical support to clients or businesses. As a virtual assistant, some of your responsibilities could include managing emails, scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements, data entry, social media management, and customer service. In this role, you may interact with your client or clients via email, phone calls, or virtual meetings.
These jobs can be found online on job boards or via agencies that help place virtual assistants with clients.
4. Freelance or part-time coder
If you’re interested in coding and passionate about it, why not look for freelance or part-time coding jobs? One way to search for these roles is via online platforms dedicated to connecting coders to clients. These platforms provide a marketplace where coders can showcase their skills and bid on projects posted by clients.
To secure these roles, creating a strong profile and portfolio can be important to stand out and attract potential clients.
Beyond looking for coding work yourself, another option to put these skills to good use if you’re comfortable with coding languages is to lead online courses for other students looking to learn more about coding.
5. Freelance or part-time transcriptionist
You'll convert audio or video recordings into written text as a freelance or part-time transcriptionist. This might include transcribing interviews, meetings, podcasts, webinars, and other recordings. Often, these jobs are available remotely.
One thing to expect is that some clients will provide guidelines or templates to ensure consistency for those doing this work. You’ll also likely have to meet deadlines to return the transcriptions to your clients.
Overall, this job likely allows for a lot of flexibility, which can be very helpful for college students.
6. Remote customer service representative
Companies hire remote customer service representatives to interact with customers and provide assistance and support for their inquiries, concerns, or issues — all online.
In these roles, in addition to addressing customer concerns, you may also be responsible for maintaining customer records, updating databases, and escalating complex issues to higher-level support if necessary.
It's usually essential to have strong organizational skills to manage multiple customer interactions simultaneously and maintain accurate documentation. These jobs can be full-time or part-time, depending on the role.
7. Online tutor
Online tutors provide academic support and instruction to students entirely online. You can assist with subjects like math, language, writing, and even standardized test preparation as an online tutor. It provides a great opportunity for individuals with strong teaching skills and subject matter expertise to connect with students and positively impact their education.
These positions may be available on a freelance basis or via agencies that place tutors with clients. No matter which option suits you best, you’ll likely be able to have a flexible schedule and work anywhere with internet access.
8. Freelance graphic designer
With the rise of digital platforms and online marketplaces, remote graphic design jobs are potentially more accessible – even for college students. These positions typically involve creating visual content such as logos, advertisements, websites, and social media posts.
When applying for remote graphic design jobs, it's important to have a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and creativity, including various projects that demonstrate your versatility and ability to meet different client needs. Doing this can significantly enhance your chances of landing this kind of work. Additionally, highlighting any relevant experience or certifications you have can further strengthen your applications.
9. Content creator
Do you enjoy posting on social media and have a knack for it? In that case, you might consider working as a content creator. You'll be able to work on building an audience by creating engaging material through the social media platforms of your choice.
As you build your reach, you can also consider working with brands on marketing campaigns to promote their products on your social media accounts for money. For instance, if your account is devoted to fashion, you could potentially get paid to share your “outfit of the day” featuring a specific brand or store – and get paid to do it.
Beyond working as a content creator for your social media accounts, you could potentially work as a content creator for companies or public figures. There are many content creator positions out there, many of which are remote, to explore.
10. Review resumes online
Many college students work on their resumes at some point during their college careers and need an extra pair of eyes. If you're skilled at this, you can earn money by reviewing resumes for your peers, all remotely. Consider advertising your resume services through peers, family, and friends to get the word out.
11. Remote website developer
As a remote website developer, your primary responsibility will likely be to create websites for clients. Working as a web developer allows you to use your technical expertise to create visually appealing and functional websites for clients while enjoying the flexibility of working a remote job.
As for what to expect, these jobs might involve designing and coding the various elements of a website, including the layout, graphics, and functionality. You’ll typically work closely with clients to understand their specific requirements and goals for their website and use your technical skills to bring their vision to life.
12. Provide remote IT support
Computer skills are a great talent and can potentially open up opportunities to work and earn money remotely. If you're tech-savvy and understand how to troubleshoot computer problems, providing remote IT support is a possible remote opportunity to consider.
Companies offer these positions on a full-time or part-time basis, or you might be able to secure enough freelance work to do this ad hoc.
13. Remote proofreader and editor
As a proofreader and editor, your primary task will be to review and improve writing – that could be books, essays, websites, and more. Your role might involve checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, and correcting sentence structure errors. Additionally, you may be required to provide feedback on the clarity and coherence of writing, suggesting improvements where necessary.
This gig, which can be remote, might offer flexibility as you can work from anywhere and often on your schedule in remote full-time, part-time, or freelance positions.
14. Teach skills-based classes online
If you have a skills-based hobby, why not combine your passion for it and help teach it to others? For example, if you have a knack for photography and editing, you can host a webinar or online class and teach your skill.
You have many options to choose from when creating a skills-based class, so don’t limit yourself as you consider your options. You can advertise your course online and spread the word throughout your college campus.
15. Sell handmade items online
With the rise of e-commerce platforms and social media, you can now quickly start a small business creating and selling unique handmade items. Whether this means selling handmade jewelry, personalized buttons, or even customized t-shirts, these ventures can be fun and financially rewarding.
You can accept orders depending on what your schedule allows, and from there, you’ll be responsible for delivering your orders promptly. You may have to spend some money to get your small business up and running, so make sure any overhead you take on makes financial sense.
Final thoughts
Securing a remote job in college can allow you to earn extra money while offering flexibility as you balance a hectic class schedule.
You can find remote jobs on online job boards and platforms that advertise remote job opportunities.
Beyond full-time or part-time work, another option is a remote-friendly side hustle that allows you to start your own business from the comfort of your home. Weigh all of your options to pick something that works best for you.