One of the best ways to develop meaningful relationships on your campus is to get an on-campus job, either through the federal work-study program or directly through the college.

Generally, your on-campus supervisors will be much more flexible than off-campus employers in helping you balance your study demands and your work schedule. You might not make as much money working on campus as you would in an off-campus job, but the relationships that you’ll develop with influential people who care about your success in college and who will write those all-important reference letters make on-campus employment well worth it. Consider finding a job related to your intended major. For instance, if you are a pre-med major, you might be able to find on-campus work in a biology or chemistry lab. That work could help you gain knowledge and experience, as well as make connections with faculty experts in your field.

If an on-campus job is not available or if you don’t find one that appeals to you, an off-campus job can allow you to meet new people in the community. If you plan to continue a job you had before starting college, talk to your employer about the new demands on your time. Also keep in mind that some employers offer tuition assistance, so be sure to ask whether that benefit is available to you.

Wherever you decide to find a job, it’s important that you limit work to a reasonable number of hours per week. Although some students have to work to pay their tuition or living expenses, many college students work too many hours just to support a certain lifestyle. Be careful to maintain a reasonable balance between work and study. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “I can do it all.” Too many college students have found that trying to do it all means not doing anything well.