What Jobs Can You Get With No Experience as a Student?
Let’s face it—applying for jobs as a student can feel like a paradox. You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. So what can you actually do if you’re just starting out, your resume is basically blank, and you’re trying to earn some money (or build a portfolio) while juggling uni life?
The good news? You have more options than you think.
Whether you want to work part-time, online, or something flexible to fit your class schedule, here’s a full guide to what jobs you can get with no experience as a student—and how to make yourself stand out even if you're starting from zero.
1. Retail & Customer Service Jobs
This is a classic starting point for students. Retail and service roles often value personality and work ethic over experience.
Examples:
Barista
Cashier
Sales assistant at clothing stores
Grocery store staff
Fast food or café crew
Why it’s great:
Flexible shifts
Great for building communication and time management skills
You learn how to handle pressure, complaints, and real customers
Pro tip: Even if you haven’t worked before, mention any volunteer work, school projects, or group leadership that shows responsibility.
2. On-Campus Jobs
Most universities offer jobs for students, by students. These are gold because they’re flexible, built around your schedule, and sometimes even related to your major.
Examples:
Library assistant
Campus tour guide
Research assistant (yes, even without experience if you show interest)
Student ambassador
Tech helpdesk support
Note taker or tutor for accessibility services
Why it’s great:
Looks strong on your resume
Builds professional references
Often less stressful than off-campus roles
Hot tip: Keep an eye on your university job board. Positions often fill quickly and are exclusive to enrolled students.
3. Tutoring & Academic Support
If you’re strong in a subject—even if you’re not a genius—you can tutor other students or high school kids.
Examples:
Peer tutor at your uni
Freelance math, English, or science tutor
Online tutoring platforms like Preply, Wyzant, or Cambly (especially for English speaking)
Why it’s great:
Pays better than most part-time jobs
Builds communication and teaching skills
Flexible scheduling, especially online
Even if you’ve never formally taught before, your own grades and willingness to explain clearly can go a long way.
4. Freelancing Online
No office, no dress code, no commute—freelancing is a dream option for students, especially if you want to build long-term skills.
Beginner-friendly freelancing ideas:
Writing blog posts or editing grammar
Creating basic designs on Canva
Translating documents (if you speak more than one language)
Data entry or virtual assistance
Transcribing audio to text
Where to start:
Upwork
Fiverr
Freelancer
LinkedIn (yes, even as a student)
Pro tip: Use tools like Duetoday AI to speed up your workflow. You can turn long transcripts into notes, summaries, or PowerPoints—perfect if you're helping people with content, research, or organization tasks.
5. Gig Economy & Delivery Jobs
If you’re not into desk work, gig jobs offer the flexibility to choose your hours and move around.
Examples:
Food delivery (Grab, Uber Eats, DoorDash, depending on your country)
Package runner or courier
Bike/scooter rentals (some cities offer student-based gig apps)
TaskRabbit (small jobs like assembling furniture, helping people move, or running errands)
Why it’s great:
No resume required
Fast approval process
Perfect for students with odd schedules
Just make sure you’re aware of safety, insurance, and any age/legal requirements in your area.
6. Event & Hospitality Work
Temporary event-based jobs can be a great way to earn without committing to a fixed schedule.
Examples:
Event staff or usher for concerts, sports, or conferences
Waiter or banquet server
Bartender or barback (requires basic training in some places)
Brand ambassador or promo staff for marketing campaigns
Why it’s great:
You work only when events happen (weekends, evenings)
Great way to meet people
Can earn tips and bonuses
7. Social Media & Content Roles
If you're active on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, you might already have the skills brands are looking for.
Examples:
Social media intern
Content creation assistant
TikTok manager for a small business
Caption writer or meme designer
Community manager for online communities
Why it’s great:
Work from your phone
Shows creativity and digital savvy
Builds a portfolio that could land you real marketing roles later
Start by offering help to a local cafe, student club, or small business. One project could be all it takes to open doors.
8. Virtual Assistant or Online Support
A lot of small businesses or solo entrepreneurs need help with everyday tasks like answering emails, organizing files, or managing schedules.
Examples:
Virtual assistant
Email manager
Calendar or booking coordinator
Live chat support
Where to find these:
Upwork
Remote job boards (We Work Remotely, Remote OK)
Reddit r/forhire
Even if you’ve never done admin work, showing that you’re organized, responsive, and tech-savvy can get you in.
9. Transcription and Captioning Jobs
If you're a fast typer or love listening to audio content, transcription might be your hidden superpower.
Examples:
Transcribing podcasts, interviews, or lectures
Adding subtitles to YouTube videos
Captioning videos for accessibility
Tools that help:
Duetoday AI (for turning lectures or interviews into quick transcripts)
Otter.ai
Rev.com
Scribie
These jobs pay per audio minute and don’t need prior experience—just accuracy and speed.
10. Start Your Own Micro-Business
No experience? No problem—be your own boss.
Ideas:
Sell handmade items on Etsy
Resell thrifted clothes on Depop
Launch a Notion template shop
Offer Canva templates for students
Start a blog or newsletter
You’ll learn real-world skills like marketing, sales, content creation, and customer support. Even if it doesn’t blow up, it’s a great resume builder.
And you can use tools like Duetoday to help generate content ideas, automate notes, or create presentations that support your business content.
Final Tips to Land Jobs With No Experience
Focus on transferable skills: Communication, teamwork, time management—you’ve built these through group projects, volunteering, or class presentations.
Use a clean, confident resume: Highlight school activities, leadership roles, or side hobbies that show initiative.
Write strong cover messages: Tell them you’re eager to learn, adaptable, and ready to work hard.
Build a digital portfolio: Even if it’s just school projects or mock work, having something to show goes a long way.
faq
How do I apply if the job says “1 year experience required”?
Apply anyway—especially for entry-level roles. “1 year experience” is often flexible. Show your willingness to learn and any similar skills.
What should I put on my resume if I’ve never worked before?
List school projects, volunteer work, club involvement, or skills like writing, communication, design, or time management.
Can I find jobs online as a student?
Yes! Look on freelancing platforms, LinkedIn, university job boards, or sites like Duetoday to help you prep and apply efficiently.
Should I work during uni if I have a heavy schedule?
Only if you can handle it. Choose flexible jobs like freelancing, tutoring, or on-campus work that won’t hurt your academic performance.