PERSONAL SERVICES
Many people like to hire college students for babysitting, personal assistance, pet care or companionship because they know students are generally well-educated, driven and desperate for dinero.

One thing, actually: most of the time these jobs are paid off the books, saving students both taxes and the chunk of their income that many colleges automatically take before considering them for financial aid.

WORK ON CAMPUS
During the second semester of her freshman year, Gia Baker was hired to work as a teacher's assistant in the film department at New York University, helping professors administer activities and taking charge of equipment. She liked the job so much she kept it until she graduated this January.

Another plus: when you work for a university, your boss will likely be much more sympathetic when you need to take that day off during final exams or want to go home for spring break.

WORK-STUDY
Through work study, the federal government funds a portion of undergrad and graduate student salaries in a range of different jobs. For Alaimo, it meant helping refugees relocate to the United States at Lutheran Children and Family Service in West Philadelphia.

If you're thinking about this type of job, it's crucial that you check the box on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) stating that you're interested in work-study - otherwise you won't be considered for eligibility.

WORK IN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY
Trigg said the most lucrative positions she regularly sees posted at the university are for interns in engineering firms, where students typically perform entry-level work.

Leveraging your educational experience to perform jobs that require higher-level skills makes you more valuable to potential employers - and puts you in a better bargaining position to stretch for higher salaries. Not to mention the fact that when you graduate, you'll have references, work experience and a possible in at the very same company.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Engineering may pay the best, but Trigg said UCLA students also have fun with jobs at the zoo, coroner's office and film sets. Hey, you only live once - and if nothing else you'll certainly have something to e-mail home about.

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