How students can make money: 11 ideas to earn money online and at school

Today, more and more young people are searching for “how to make money for students” on Google. According to some statistics on search behavior in Vietnam, each month there are tens of thousands of searches related to online money-making for students, part-time jobs for middle and high school students, or ways to make money at home while still in school. This clearly shows a desire: many students want to earn extra income, reduce the burden on their families, and learn financial skills early on.

However, making money while still in school is not always easy. Most students are not old enough to work in many places, their study schedules are often packed, and not all online jobs are safe. Therefore, it is important to find ways for students to make money that are simple, legal, and fit their study schedule.

In this article, you will explore many ways for students to make money that are easy to apply, such as working online, selling small items, utilizing personal skills, or flexible jobs from home. These methods will not only help you earn extra income but also develop financial literacy, communication skills, and practical experience right from school.

Part 1: Ways for students to earn money after school

Idea 1: How to apply for a job at a store

Find stores that are hiring part-time staff

• Many retail stores, mini-supermarkets, or convenience stores are often open until late, suitable for students who want to earn money after school.

• These places often hire part-time jobs for students with flexible working hours, especially on weekends.

• When passing by a store, pay attention to signs like “hiring,” “tuyển part time” (hiring part-time) placed at the entrance or checkout counter.

• If you see a recruitment notice, you can directly ask staff or managers about how to submit a part-time job application.

Choose the appropriate application method

• Currently, stores often accept applications through two common methods:

• Submit directly at the store

  • Ask staff if the store has an application form.

  • Fill in basic information such as name, phone number, and available working hours.

• Apply online

  • Some chain stores require applications to be submitted via website or email.

  • Prepare your part-time job CV and send it according to their instructions.

Prepare a simple but complete CV

• A clear CV will help increase your chances of being hired.

• The CV should include the following information:

  • Personal information: full name, phone number, email.

  • Relevant skills: communication, sales, computer use, time management.

  • Previous experience: if you have no prior work experience, you can list activities such as clubs, volunteering, or school event support.

  • References: teachers, coaches, or mentors who can vouch for you (should not be family members).

Write a cover letter to increase your chances of getting hired

• Many stores do not require a cover letter, but a brief cover letter can help you stand out.

• The content should include:

  • Introduce yourself and that you are looking for a part-time job for students.

  • Explain why you want to work at that particular store.

  • Highlight strengths such as diligence, punctuality, and good customer communication skills.

Meet the manager directly when submitting your application

• If submitting your application in person, prepare yourself professionally:

  • Dress neatly and politely.

  • Always smile and greet staff in the store.

  • If possible, ask to meet the store manager to submit your application.

• When talking to the manager:

  • Briefly introduce yourself.

  • State that you are looking for a part-time job after school.

  • Ask about the work schedule and hiring process.

Idea 2: Work part-time at a restaurant

Find a job at a restaurant or eatery

• Restaurants, eateries, and coffee shops frequently hire part-time staff for students.

• Common positions include: waitstaff, host, kitchen assistant, or cashier.

• Some positions, such as bartending or serving alcoholic beverages, may require you to be of legal age.

• This is a popular option when looking for ways for students to make money, as shifts are often flexible, such as evenings or weekends.

Understand income from tips

• In the food service industry, income doesn't just come from basic wages.

• Servers often receive additional tips from customers, and this amount can sometimes be even higher than hourly wages.

• Therefore, service skills and attitude towards customers directly affect your income.

• If you provide good service and customers are satisfied, your tips can significantly increase.

Practice good customer service

To earn more tips when working part-time at a restaurant, pay attention to these simple rules:

• Dress neatly, maintain a polite attitude

  • Wear a uniform or clean, tidy clothes.

  • Always smile when interacting with customers.

  • Frequently say "thank you" when customers order or pay.

• Notify early if you're running late

  • If something makes you late for your shift, call the manager.

  • It's best to notify a few minutes earlier than the expected time to avoid affecting work.

• Communicate friendly with customers

  • You can ask gently, "How was your day?"

  • Small questions help customers feel cared for and create a better experience.

• Proactively assist customers who need help

  • For elderly or disabled customers, proactively bring the menu or take their order at the table if they need it.

  • Small actions can create a very positive impression on customers.

Idea 3: Deliver pizza for extra money

Choose a pizza delivery or catering job

• One of the popular ways for students to make money is to work as a pizza delivery person or support catering services.

• This job often has flexible shifts, suitable for after-school hours or weekends.

• Many pizza shops, restaurants, or catering companies often hire part-time delivery staff to meet customer demand.

Understand income from tips

• In addition to hourly wages, pizza delivery drivers often receive additional tips from customers.

• If you provide good service, tips can significantly increase your earnings per shift.

• Therefore, your service attitude and communication with customers directly affect the amount of money you earn.

Perform professional delivery

To excel at pizza delivery or part-time delivery jobs, pay attention to these basic rules:

• Always be on time for deliveries

  • Check the address before leaving.

  • Try to deliver the order on time or even earlier than expected.

• Maintain a friendly attitude with customers

  • Greet customers politely when delivering.

  • Always smile and say thank you after the customer receives their order.

• Ensure good customer service

  • Deliver the correct order and check before leaving the store.

  • If there's an issue, report it to the manager for quick resolution.

• Neat and courteous demeanor

  • Dress cleanly and neatly when making deliveries.

  • Maintain a professional attitude when interacting with customers.

Idea 4: Do odd jobs in the neighborhood

Find small job opportunities around your living area

• One simple way for students to earn money is to do small jobs for neighbors.

• Many families are willing to pay for simple tasks they don't have time to do.

• This is a practical option when looking for part-time jobs for students at home, as it doesn't require complex experience.

Common jobs you can take on

You can start with easy tasks such as:

• Mowing lawns or cleaning yards

  • Suitable for families with large yards.

  • Can be done weekly or monthly.

• Babysitting or pet-sitting

  • Many families need someone to look after their children for a few hours when they are busy.

  • Pet-sitting when owners are away is also a common part-time job for students.

• Painting fences or outdoor cleaning

  • Some families need help with simple repairs.

  • This work is usually done per-job, so it's quite flexible.

Create flyers to promote your services

• To let more people know about your services, create flyers introducing your work.

• Flyer content should include:

  • Your name and the services you can perform.

  • Phone number or contact method.

  • Small tear-off tabs at the bottom for viewers to take your contact information.

Post flyers in places where customers are present

Place flyers where many people in the neighborhood often visit to increase job opportunities:

• Libraries or parks

  • Suitable if you are looking for babysitting jobs.

  • These are places many parents frequent.

• Cafes or community bulletin boards

  • Helps many people in the neighborhood easily see it.

• Hardware stores or home improvement stores

  • Suitable if you offer lawn mowing, yard cleaning, fence painting services.

Idea 5: Sell handmade items online

Choose easy-to-sell handmade products

• If you have a creative talent, making handmade items is a quite effective way for students to earn money at home.

• Many online selling platforms allow artists and crafters to list and sell products directly to customers.

• These platforms often have transaction protection systems to reduce risks when making payments or if orders encounter issues during shipping.

Popular handmade products that are easy to start with

You can try selling simple but in-demand products:

• Wool scarves, wool hats, or gloves

  • If you know how to knit or crochet, these are easy-to-make and easy-to-sell products.

  • Suitable for selling in cold seasons or as gifts.

• Drawings and art prints

  • If you can draw or design, you can sell art prints.

  • You can also take commissions for custom drawings to increase your income.

• Fabric bags or laptop sleeves

  • If you can sew, you can make fabric bags, tote bags, or laptop sleeves.

  • These products are quite popular in online handmade businesses.

• Keychains and small accessories

  • You can sculpt mini figures for keychains or make handmade jewelry from beads.

  • These are small, inexpensive items, making them easy to sell to students.

Steps to start selling handmade items online

To earn money effectively from handicrafts, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose one type of product you do best.

2. Make a few samples to photograph and list for sale.

3. List products on selling platforms or social media.

4. Clearly describe the size, material, and selling price.

5. Prepare to pack carefully before shipping.

Idea 6: Participate in paid research studies

Understand earning opportunities from research studies

• A lesser-known but quite legitimate way for students to earn money is to participate in scientific research programs.

• Many universities, research centers, or scientific organizations often need participants for surveys, experiments, or behavioral studies.

• Some programs are voluntary, but many studies offer cost reimbursement or compensation for participants.

Types of research that typically recruit participants

These studies often relate to health, psychology, or human behavior. For example:

• Psychological surveys

  • Participants answer questionnaires or engage in short interviews.

  • Duration is usually 15 to 60 minutes.

• Behavioral or habit research

  • May involve cognitive, memory, or reaction time tests.

  • Many studies are conducted at universities.

• Basic medical research

  • Some studies require participants to collect data on health or lifestyle.

  • Official programs always require clear consent before participation.

How to find reputable research programs

To ensure safety when participating, look for programs from reliable sources:

• Announcements from universities or research institutes.

• Bulletin boards recruiting research participants at schools.

• Legitimate research survey sites.

Notes before participating in research

Before registering, you should carefully check the following information:

• Research content and participation duration.

• Benefits or financial support.

• Age requirements and program criteria.

Part 2: How to earn money within school

Idea 1: On-campus jobs

Find a job right at your school

• Many universities or colleges have on-campus employment programs for students.

• This is an excellent option if you want to earn money while studying, as work schedules are often flexible around classes.

• To find opportunities, visit the school's official website and look for recruitment or student employment sections.

• This section is often labeled as student employment, career center, or internal recruitment.

Common On-Campus Jobs

These positions are often prioritized for students because they can be easily scheduled around studies:

• Working at the canteen or dining hall

  • Serving food, assisting at the checkout counter, or cleaning.

  • This is a fairly common part-time job for students on campus.

• Maintenance and facilities support

  • Assisting with minor maintenance tasks or campus management.

  • Often requires no complex experience.

• Working as a receptionist or office assistant

  • Answering phones, directing visitors, or assisting with paperwork.

  • Some schools also hire students as campus tour guides for the admissions department.

• Research assistant or lab assistant

  • Assisting faculty with research projects.

  • This work helps you gain academic experience and specialized skills.

How to Apply for On-Campus Jobs

You can start by following these simple steps:

1. Visit the school's website and find the student employment section.

2. View the list of open positions.

3. Prepare a concise CV and submit it as instructed.

4. Monitor your email for interview notifications.

Idea 2: Sell snacks at school

Capitalize on friends' snack cravings

• A common way to earn money for students is by selling snacks to friends in class.

• Many students often forget to bring snacks or get hungry between classes.

• If you keep some packaged snacks in your backpack or locker, you can sell them when someone needs them.

Choose easy-to-sell snacks

• Choose pre-packaged products that are easy to store and don't require preparation:

  • Packaged snacks and potato chips

  • Granola bars or nutritional biscuits

  • Bottled water

  • Canned or small bottled soft drinks

• These products have a long shelf life, making them suitable for selling snacks to students.

Set reasonable prices for profit

When selling snacks, price them to be appealing yet profitable:

• Price them lower than the school canteen or cafeteria to attract buyers.

• Don't sell too cheaply, as you still need to make a profit.

Reduce costs by smart purchasing

To increase profit when applying this money-making method for students at school, you can:

• Buy snacks when supermarkets have promotions.

• Buy in combos or in bulk for cheaper prices.

• Choose popular products that your friends usually like.

Choose different products from the school canteen

• If the canteen already sells popular items, you can try selling other items to compete more easily.

• For example: new snack types, imported candies, or snacks not available at the canteen.

Be aware of school regulations

• Some schools do not allow students to sell products on campus.

• Before starting, you should check the school's regulations to avoid problems.

Idea 3: Tutor classmates to earn money

Leverage knowledge to tutor

• If you excel in a certain subject, tutoring is a quite effective way for students to earn money.

• Many classmates often need someone to explain lessons or help them review before exams.

• When tutoring friends or younger students, you can choose suitable times, locations, and fees.

Identify subjects you can teach

• Start with subjects you are genuinely good at or have a deep understanding of:

  • Math, English, or science subjects.

  • Subjects that require a lot of practice, like physics or chemistry.

  • Subjects you have scored high in or often help friends with.

• This helps increase credibility when you provide tutoring services for students.

Promote tutoring services at school

To let more people know about your service, try these methods:

• Print tutoring flyers

  • Clearly state the subject, available tutoring times, and contact information.

  • Post flyers on the school's notice board or in areas where students often pass by.

• Post information on the notice board or class groups

  • Many schools have notice boards for students looking for part-time jobs or tutoring.

  • You can also share information in study groups.

Sell self-made study materials

• In addition to tutoring, you can also earn extra money from study materials:

  • Compile clear and easy-to-understand lesson notes.

  • Prepare knowledge summaries before exams.

  • Create sets of exercises or review materials for friends.

• However, the materials need to be accurate, clearly presented, and truly useful to attract buyers.

Idea 4: Scholarships help reduce costs

Understand how scholarships can give you money

• If you excel academically, you can receive scholarships for students from schools, educational organizations, or study support funds.

• Many scholarships are used to reduce tuition fees, but there are also programs that provide direct cash to recipients.

• This is one of the legitimate and sustainable ways to earn money for students through academic achievement.

Common types of scholarships

Depending on the program, scholarships can come in many different forms:

• Merit-based scholarships

  • For students with high grades or outstanding achievements.

  • Often awarded per semester or per academic year.

• Financial aid scholarships

  • For students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

  • Can cover tuition fees or study costs.

• Scholarships from organizations and businesses

  • Some companies or educational foundations sponsor scholarships for students with potential.

  • Support can be given in cash or via bank transfer.

Steps to find and apply for scholarships

To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, you can follow these steps:

1. Monitor scholarship announcements on the school's website or bulletin board.

2. Prepare your application including transcripts, personal information, and academic achievements.

3. Write a self-introduction or statement of academic goals if required by the program.

4. Submit your application by the deadline to avoid missing the opportunity.

Long-term benefits of scholarships

In addition to reducing educational costs, scholarships offer many other benefits:

• Enhances academic credentials.

• Provides additional financial resources for books or living expenses.

• Creates an advantage when applying for larger scholarships in the future.

Idea 5: Internships for experience

Understand the benefits of internship programs

• Internships offer students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a corporate environment.

• Not all programs are paid, but many offer an internship stipend or expense reimbursement.

• This is an important step if you want to study while preparing for a job after graduation.

The real value of internships

Internships offer many benefits that typical part-time jobs cannot:

• Accumulate work experience

  • You get acquainted with real-world work processes.

  • Learn teamwork and communication in a professional environment.

• Build a stronger personal profile

  • Internship experience makes your CV stand out when applying for jobs.

  • Employers often highly value candidates with internship experience.

• Understand the career path you want to pursue

  • You can experience real work before deciding on a long-term career.

Internships can count for academic credits

• Many schools allow students to convert internship hours into academic credits.

• This means you gain experience while completing part of your academic program.

• Some majors even require mandatory internships before graduation.

How to find internship opportunities

To find suitable internship programs, you can:

1. Monitor announcements from your school's career services office.

2. Look for internship information on job recruitment websites or company pages.

3. Ask faculty or alumni about internship opportunities in your field.

Earning money from personal skills

Identify your best skills

• One of the most effective ways for students to earn money is by leveraging their existing skills.

• If you have abilities in a specific area, you can turn those skills into part-time work that fits your study schedule.

• The key is to choose skills you excel at and that have real demand.

Some skills that can earn money early

Many simple skills can still generate income if you know how to apply them:

• Haircutting or styling

  • If you have haircutting skills, you can offer haircuts to friends or acquaintances.

  • Alternatively, you can apply to work as an assistant at a barbershop or salon to gain more experience.

• Makeup or beauty services

  • Those with makeup skills can offer their services to friends for events or photoshoots.

• Design or drawing

  • If you know how to draw or design, you can create logos, posters, or illustrations.

• Simple repairs

  • Skills like computer repair, software installation, or fixing small electronic devices can also become part-time jobs for students.

Steps to start earning money from skills

To turn personal skills into income, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify your best skills.

2. Try offering services to friends or acquaintances first.

3. Ask satisfied customers for referrals.

4. Gradually expand your services as you gain more experience.

References

1. GirlSpring. (n.d.). 4 Ways to Earn Money as a High School Student. Retrieved from: https://www.girlspring.com/4-ways-to-earn-money-as-a-high-school-student/
2. Well Kept Wallet. (n.d.). Ways Teens Make Money. Retrieved from: https://wellkeptwallet.com/ways-teens-make-money/
3. Her Campus. (n.d.). 5 Easy Ways to Make Money While You’re in School. Retrieved from: https://www.hercampus.com/high-school/5-easy-ways-make-money-while-you-re-school
4. Dummies. (n.d.). How to Make Money While in College. Retrieved from: https://www.dummies.com/education/college/how-to-make-money-while-in-college/

Translator: Lesley Collins Tran.