How to Make Extra Money During College
1. Brand Ambassador Program/Events
Field Marketing is a strategy utilize by brands to build brand recognition by personalize the brand experience. A part of field marketing is having ambassadors who advocate for the brand. Five Hour Energy Collegiate Brand Ambassador Program was one of the funniest programs I was involved with during my college career. My main job included hosting table and mobile events where I gave free products to college students. To find if your college is part of brand ambassador program, I would advise searching ‘College Name_ Brand Ambassador Program’.
Moreover, there are Facebook groups dedicated to hiring people as brand ambassadors for various events with an average pay per hour at 20/hour. The pay, rate, and length of the event depends on the needs of the company. Most of the pages require you to ‘request’ in order to join, but the owners of the pages usually accept within 24 hours.
Advantages:
- Flexibility
- FUN work environment
Disadvantages:
- Lack of consistency
- Competitive/Might be hard to get
2. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cash back rewards app that pays you based on your spending habits. When I first downloaded the program, I made $5 within the first week. I don’t spend that much, so how much can be made is dependent on the offers available. Again, shamelessly including my referral code: nnyqeej when you sign up for the app.
Advantages:
- Ease of use
- Can automate cash back opportunities
Disadvantages:
- Not a get rich quick program
- Takes time to look through the deals available on the app
3. Handmade items/Creating a service:
If you have a creative bone in your body, consider making items. People are willing to spend on things you have created. For instance, I have buttons with cute little phrases on them which I sell in person and on my website. A great platform to sell your items is Etsy, but if you do not want to create another page I would suggest utilizing Instagram.
Advantages:
- Personal time management: you get to control your time
- Can be low-cost or no cost to start
Disadvantages:
- Slow start: Items/services may not have a high demand
- Can be costly
4. Wonholo
Wonholo is a gig app that allows you to pick and choose jobs available in your area. There are different gigs such as working in a warehouse, an event, or taking a shift at a store. You download the app, check in and out of the app when you finish the job, and then you get paid. When you complete your first task, you can get an additionally $25 extra on top of the payment you will receive. The cool thing is I will get $25 too when you use my referral code ESTHER146.
Advantage
- Flexibility of being able to choose when and where you want to work.
- You get the opportunity to learn different skills depending on the job picked
Disadvantage:
- Depending on your area, there might not be a lot of job opportunity. A lot of the job opportunities are concentrated around city areas from my experience.
- The really good gigs/jobs get taken fast
5. Delivery Driver
Honorable mention goes to being a delivery driver which is not something I have ever done, but I can share the advantages and disadvantages based on people who have.
Advantage:
- Most places that deliver are usually short on drivers/bikers
- You can also use this time to focus on your other side hustle
- Tips!!! Do not underestimate the power of tips, especially if you are delivering food.
Disadvantage:
- May be strenuous on the body
- Typically require vehicle, bike, or some type of transportation
Good luck on your financial journey!! I am rooting for you in all areas of your life and not just your financial life.
