The Student’s Guide to Landing a High-Paying Internship or Part-Time Job

Transitioning from high school to university is an exciting time, but it also comes with new challenges, especially when it comes to finances and career planning. This guide will walk you through the key strategies for landing a high-paying part-time job, co-op, or internship, drawing on real-world experience to help you build a strong resume, network effectively, and even consider starting your own business.

Co-op vs. Internship vs. Part-Time Job: What's the Difference?

Understanding the different types of work opportunities is the first step.

Co-op

A co-op is a full-time work term that is formally built into your university degree program.

• Structure: Co-op programs often involve alternating semesters of full-time study with full-time work. This can sometimes extend your graduation date.

• Benefits: You receive academic credits for your work experience. Co-ops provide structured work experience and exposure to different career paths and companies.

• Downsides: They are highly structured and offer less flexibility than other options.

Internship

An internship is a temporary work opportunity, typically taking place during the summer.

• Structure: Unlike co-ops, internships are not built into your degree for academic credit. They usually last for a short term, such as three or four months.

• Benefits: Internships allow you to gain valuable experience and exposure to companies without delaying your graduation. Many companies actively seek interns.

• Downsides: They can be very competitive and are short-term.

Part-Time Job

A part-time job is any job you work while attending school, usually for 10-20 hours per week during the school year.

• Structure: Part-time jobs offer significant flexibility, allowing you to work and study simultaneously.

• Benefits: They provide steady income and help you develop crucial time management skills.

• Downsides: The job may not be directly related to your academic field of study.

High-Paying Roles for Students

Moving beyond minimum wage jobs is possible with a strategic approach. Here are some high-paying roles to consider:

• Technology: If you have skills in software development, data analysis, or product management, tech roles are often high-paying. These are great options for engineering or science students.

• Finance and Business: Look for roles like investment analyst, which can pay between $20 to $35 an hour. Consulting internships with major firms are also highly lucrative but very competitive. Don't overlook opportunities at smaller companies or startups, as these can offer great experiences.

• Government and Research: Government jobs, even for students, are often well-paying.
  • Municipal Level: Positions with city parks and recreation departments can pay $25 to $30 an hour, or more, for seasonal work like running summer camps. Once you land one of these roles, you often have the opportunity to return each summer.
  • Other Opportunities: Roles with organizations like the CRA, Transport Canada, or as a research assistant with a professor or through a program like MITACS are excellent options.
• Sales: Sales roles, whether commission-based or a combination of salary and commission, can be very lucrative. They also help you build one of the most important skills for any career.

You can use job search keywords on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed to find these roles, such as "City of [Your City] parks and recreation jobs" or "student sales roles".

How to Build a Standout Resume

Your resume is your first impression. Here are some quick tips to make it shine:

• Keep it to One Page: Employers don't want to read a multi-page resume; keep it concise and focused on the essentials.

• Use Action Verbs & Quantify Your Impact: Start each bullet point with an action verb (e.g., "designed," "analyzed," "implemented") and back up your achievements with specific numbers. For example, instead of "grew club membership," say "grew club membership by 60% in 2025".

• Include Key Sections: Your resume should include your education (including GPA if it's strong) , work or volunteer experience , relevant projects, and technical skills. Avoid vague soft skills and focus on showcasing unique abilities.

The Power of Networking

A staggering 80% of jobs are filled through referrals, making networking an indispensable part of your job search.

• Build Genuine Connections: Network to build relationships that may not pay off immediately but could lead to opportunities years later.

• Leverage the "Student Card": People are often eager to help students. Use your status as a student to connect with upper-year students and alumni on LinkedIn. Offer to buy them coffee; a $5 coffee could lead to an incredible job opportunity years down the line.

• Get Involved: Join school clubs and societies to meet people and attend networking and career events.

• Set a Goal: A good challenge is to attend one industry event or info session each month and follow up with two people you meet. Over a year, this builds a significant network.

Starting Your Own Business or Side Hustle

If you're looking for flexibility and are willing to put in the hard work, consider starting your own business or side hustle.

• Low Barrier to Entry: The internet has made it incredibly easy to start a business from scratch.

• Build a Valuable Skill Set: Starting a business demonstrates initiative and a strong skill set, which looks great on any future job application.

• Ideas for Students: Tutoring, freelance work on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, drop shipping, or social media management are all great options. Tutoring, for example, can pay $40-$50 an hour.

• Resources: Check out organizations like Futurepreneur Canada for resources and small business loans for young entrepreneurs , and the

• League of Innovators Accelerator program for youth under 30 who are starting businesses.

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