As you’ve got less than half the term to go at this point, it’s time to start looking forward to the future. This is a goal for the next term that you’re on co-op. I’m sure we can all think of the ways we would spend extra money if we had it right? So why not attempt to make extra money?
You don’t have to find the highest paying jobs or look for something less than legal, I’m talking about part-time jobs. I would not advise such a job during a school term (we all know that all those courses, labs, assignments and etc. take up far too much time already). Why not during a co-op term when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere (and bored out of your mind)?
If you are on campus, there are plenty of opportunities for part-time jobs. Even within the Engineering Society, you can get a part-time paid position as either an Orifice (EngSoc Office) staff member or working for the ever-popular CnD. If either of those appeal to you, talk to Mary Bland, the EngSoc Business Manager (also known as the really nice lady in the Orifice). If your grades are high enough and you’ve got an interest in research, maybe an Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) is the way to go. The Dean’s Office publishes a list of faculty potentially interested in hiring URA each term or you can approach other faculty members.
If you would like to wander away from the engineering buildings, there are other opportunities on campus. Some student groups will hire for part time jobs. Imprint, for example, has part-time, paid positions (on that note: can I get paid?). Other organisations on campus also offer part-time jobs. Retail services hires cashiers. Food Services has well… food jobs. Campus rec hires referees. Even the Office of Development hires students. If you look around there are plenty of opportunities
Even if you are out in the middle of nowhere, far from your favourite university-city, you can find plenty of part-time jobs. Tutoring, baby-sitting, clearing snow and cutting grass are in demand almost anywhere and they can easily fit around a full time co-op job. They also don’t require long-term commitment. Kijiji can be a great place to advertise for such a position or you can post offers on your company’s bulletin boards. Local stores and fast-food joints also often offer part-time positions which you could fit around your schedule although these require more commitment. Whatever local community you end up in, you can certainly find a part-time job.
So next time you find yourself thinking that you’re bored, start looking at all those part-time opportunities. They’ll give you a chance to develop some more skills, to meet some interesting people and to make a little money on the side.
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