Working while attending school is difficult.
You need flexibility to juggle your classes, studying, and when you inevitably pull all-nighters to finish a huge project. But most employers want rigid schedules that don’t understand how college life works.
Fortunately…
Flexible jobs do exist. One of the best options that nobody’s telling you about? Inbound call center jobs.
They’re flexible, pay well, and you learn skills that you can use later on in life. Let’s dig into exactly how you can work a job that works for you as a student.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Students Should Have Flexible Jobs
- Best Student-Friendly Jobs
- Why Call Centers Are the Secret Weapon Students Should Be Using
- Skills You Learn From Call Center Jobs
- How To Get A Flexible Job
Why Students Should Have Flexible Jobs
The truth…
Student are buried in debt more than ever. Not only are tuition rates skyrocketing but buying books is expensive and living off-campus is costly.
However…
Did you know that students who hold a job along with their studies actually have better grades? Research shows that when students work and attend school they learn time management and graduate with experience.
As long as you have a job that works around your school schedule.
Best Student-Friendly Jobs
When searching for a job that can accommodate your busy class schedule there are a few routes you can take.
Shift work at Retail stores usually offer evening and weekend shifts that can accommodate when you’re in class. Many retail employers hire students because they know you’ll have class.
Similar to retail are Food service jobs. Restaurants and coffee shops are open when you’re not in school and many have shifts that rotate.
If you’re gifted at a particular subject you can Tutor other students. Being a tutor allows you to set your own hours and you’re hiring based off of your knowledge.
But there’s one route that not many students consider…
Call center jobs. Inbound call centers are the perfect job for students because not only do they give you a flexible schedule, but they train you for free and want you to work around your class schedule. Many businesses are looking to hire for call center positions and students are the ideal candidate because of their energy and communication skills.
Why Call Centers Are the Secret Weapon Students Should Be Using
Why most students don’t think about call center jobs is beyond me.
Here are just a few reasons why call center jobs are great for students:
Shift times are flexible. Call centers are open from early in the morning until late at night. This means they have morning shifts, afternoon shifts, night shifts, and weekend shifts. As a student, you’ll be able to work around your class schedule.
No prior experience? No problem. Most call centers give you training on the job. This means you can show up with zero experience and learn as you go.
Call center jobs typically have set schedules. If you have a set schedule every week it’ll be much easier to budget your time for school work. Gig jobs are great, but your hours will constantly change which can make it hard to find time to study.
Call centers offer remote positions. With today’s technology, call centers offer remote positions. In fact research shows that 58% of call center employees work remotely. Working from home will save you time not having to commute to and from your job.
Sounds pretty sweet, right? Let’s go over exactly what you’ll be doing in these positions.
What Students Actually Do in Call Center Jobs
All call center agents, specifically inbound agents do is answer calls.
Clients will call your business to ask questions about your product or services and it’s your job to help them.
You’ll be:
- Answering questions
- Taking orders/returns
- Help troubleshoot basic problems
- Logging that call information
- Transfer calls if needed
The environment you’ll be working in is professional, but laid back. Most call centers will provide you with a proper workspace and all the tools you need to help you succeed.
But here’s what students don’t realize…
You learn skills that you can take way into your career.
Skills You Learn From Call Center Jobs
When working in customer service, you learn skills you don’t realize you are learning.
Communication. When talking to customers your verbal skills will increase. You can expect to talk to at least 20 if not more customers a day. Doing this will help you improve your communication skills faster than any other job.
Problem solving. Every caller is different and they can come to you with any problem. You will learn how to think on your feet and learn how to solve any problem that is thrown at you.
Patience. Let’s face it. You’ll encounter customers that you just want to pull your hair out. But when working in customer service you will learn patience and how to stay cool when a customer is swearing at you.
Computer systems. You know how at school you have to learn how to use Microsoft word? At a call center job you’ll be learning how to navigate through computer systems, databases, and software.
These skills can be used throughout your career, whether you choose to go into business, healthcare, technology, or education. Having experience in customer service shows employers that you know what it’s like to work with actual people.
How To Get A Flexible Job
You now know that call center jobs are perfect for students but how do you actually get one? Here are some tips to help you land that dream job.
Apply as early as possible. Data from NACE shows that students who start looking for a job at least 6 months before they need one, are more likely to land a job. Don’t wait until the week before classes start to look.
Be honest about your availability. During your interview, make sure you inform them you are a student and will only be available at certain times. If they’re a good employer they will understand and work with your class schedule.
Have experience? Throw that on your resume. Sure you may not have work experience, but maybe you’ve done group projects in school? Or gave presentations? Explain how these worked on your team skills or communication skills.
Find businesses that are student focused. Some businesses want to hire students. They know your life as a student and will work with your busy schedule.
Location, location, location. The last thing you want is to work a job that takes you an hour to drive back and forth. Look for call center jobs near you or even at home. Because remember, remote positions are becoming more common.
How To Make It Work With School
Alright, so you got yourself an awesome job that works around your class schedule. How do you make sure you don’t lose your job?
Tell your boss about exams and due dates. Instead of waiting for your boss to ask you. Proactively tell them when you have big exams or assignment due dates. Nine times out of ten they will understand and work with you.
Get organized. Stay on top of your school work and work schedule by using calendar apps. Planning out when you’re busy will allow you to not overwork yourself.
Don’t work too much. As much as you want that money, you don’t want to fail all of your classes. Experts recommend students work about 15-20 hours a week.
Get trained. Once you learn the tools of the trade at your call center job. Continue to learn on the job. Call centers usually offer great training and development programs for their employees.
Wrapping It Up
Student need flexible jobs with their crazy life they lead. Call center jobs are a flexible job that allows students to not worry about work when they need to focus on school.
Companies are searching for students to work at their call center. They know you’ll show up to work with energy and will know how to communicate with customers.
Don’t work your life around a job. Your job should work around you. Take these tips and find that job that fits your students life.
