With the increasing popularity of online courses and platforms like Udemy and Coursera, earning a degree in something completely unrelated to your career path may be the key to entering the job market with a competitive edge.
Although it is not always easy, earning some cash online while you study is much easier than trying to find work experience placements whilst trying to complete your degree. More and more people are getting the opportunity to do this as educational institutions are getting in on the act, with many offering part-time or online courses that can be completed while working or studying. With flexible working hours, the ability to complete your studies from home, or even on campus while enjoying other aspects of life, the opportunities are there for students to develop valuable skills and make some extra cash to finance further education or their emerging business.
Student Loans Forgivable
Although student loans are becoming increasingly popular, the option to forgo paying back student loans during periods of educational transition is also becoming a popular choice. The introduction of the federal government’s Forgivable Student Loan Program in 2020 is just one example of how educational institutions are responding to the current climate by creating innovative solutions to better enable their students to achieve their dreams and find the financial stability they need to live their lives.
The student loan program, which is open to all federal government students, provides up to $10,000 in student loan forgiveness for eligible students who agree to undergo a 4-year vocational rehabilitation program. Those completing a trade or technician skill based program are particularly well-placed to benefit from this as many of the required courses can be completed online with the assistance of an instructor, enabling students to work at their own pace and better fit study to work demands. Many students will find this a cost-effective and much more convenient option than undergoing traditional studies, and with more and more educational institutions offering hybrid courses, the opportunities abound for students to earn money online whilst learning new skills.
Where Do I Start?
The first step to generating income whilst you study is to decide on the type of course you want to take. If you are an experienced business student looking to develop new skills, consider an entrepreneurship course that can give you the foundations to launch your own business or provide consulting services to gain real-world experience. If you are looking to study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths), then Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering degree programs can all be completed online and often with teaching assistants available to provide support and guidance.
If you are a creative individual who enjoys working with your hands and is looking for an opportunity to develop new skills, then the options for courses available online are endless. Whether you want to do traditional art like animation, graphic design, or even sculpture, there are many courses out there that can enable you to learn the necessary skills and make money whilst you study. Creating a blog, making iPhone Apps, or taking photography courses to develop your creative skills could all become a possible source of income whilst you study.
What’s Next?
Once you have decided what you are going to study, the next step is to explore the different options available to you. There are many different ways that you can earn money whilst you study, and the choice is yours. Whether you decide to take up a part-time job, become a teaching assistant for an educational institution, or even start your own blog, you will find many ways to generate some extra cash to help you further your studies.
However, if you are looking for a short-term solution to fund your studies, then consider applying for student loans. Up to $10,000 in student loan forgiveness is available for eligible students who complete a 4-year vocational rehabilitation program. Completing a trade or technician skill based program can also enable you to become eligible for student loan cancellation as many of the required courses can be completed online. Whilst there are many opportunities to earn money whilst you study, the key is for you to be aware of them and take advantage of them. Remember: opportunities don’t always present themselves in the most convenient way, so you may have to search diligently for them.