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How the doing it yourself approach helps tech students earn money

It doesn’t look like the tech wave is going anywhere anytime soon. As society becomes more obsessed with the Internet and transitioning everyday activities over to a virtual setting, the demand for professionals within the IT field continues to expand each year. This is definitely good news for the tons of tech students that are enrolling in degree programs at colleges and universities around the country. With the right program and training, graduates have the prime opportunity to take advantage of the most lucrative IT careers. But until then, these students are like any other—short on funds and always in need of ways to afford their education aside from financial aid.

While getting a regular part-time job is a viable option, some students would prefer to think outside of the box and earn income minus the time clock and work uniform. In recent years more college students have learned the value of becoming an entrepreneur by offering goods and services using a business model that allows them to work from home. This type of DIY approach works well for college students because it gives them the flexibility to work hours that don’t interfere with their class schedule. Tech students in particular have the resources available to them to try the DIY way of earning money. Using their knowledge of technology and the training they’re currently receiving through their studies at notable schools like San Francisco State University, UC Berkeley, UCSF and City College of San Francisco, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using the Internet to make a legitimate profit.

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One area where tech students can find their niche is through private label application hosting. In a nutshell, getting involved in this business opportunity allows students to get popular software (Quickbooks, Medisoft, Microsoft Office) from distributors and customize its appearance to reflect their own “branding,” which then lets students market the product as their own. Tech students that are familiar with online marketing and other methods can easily use their savvy in this area to earn side income to help with college related expenses. Additionally, this approach also comes with a full staff that is available 24/7 to interact with customers and deal with billing so that the student doesn’t have to.

For tech students that would rather find a job that relates directly to what they’re studying, there is the option of becoming an IT consultant. The need for IT consulting services has skyrocketed over the past few years, which means job openings for qualified candidates, which can also include students in school. What makes this DIY approach ideal for students is the fact that they can work from home and choose from flexible shifts and hours. Depending on the company, IT consultants also receive benefits such as health and dental and even a 401K—all huge pluses for any college student trying to make the grade and earn a living at the same time.

, SF Community Colleges Examiner

Nohel Corral has an M.S. in Counseling, specializing in Student Development in Higher Education. Currently, he is a counselor at Skyline College and has been providing guidance for students in the college setting since 1999. His knowledge and experience has been molded from his work at the...

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