Many college students work part- or full-time while they attend school in order to help pay their tuition or just to have some extra spending money. These days, opportunities go beyond working in the mall or the university library. Read on for information about companies that sponsor students to promote their brands.
Get Valuable Work Experience and Earn Some Cash
Many retailers are looking to fill outbound marketing positions by hiring college students to promote their images online and on campus. This has led to the development of the terms 'brand ambassador' and 'brand evangelist.' Individuals employed in these roles have the responsibility of popularizing the hiring company's name and getting people to buy their product. American Eagle, Victoria's Secret, XM Radio, Macy's, Hewlett Packard and Red Bull are some of the more popular corporations that have hired peer marketers, of which there are currently thousands across the country. If you're looking to make money, do some research because some companies solely compensate you with free products. Others may provide you with samples as well as offer a per-project fee, a flat hourly rate, an hourly base plus commission or a monthly stipend. Companies like Rep Nation and Youth Marketing Connection work to bring interested students and companies together.
<h3 id="section---AreYouCutOutToBeABrandAmbassador">Are You Cut Out to Be a Brand Ambassador?</h3><p>Many companies hiring peer-to-peer marketers look for students who are active on campus, whether through Greek life, sports teams or academic clubs. In addition, they often prefer applicants who are connected online through social networking sites and who can promote their brand to an impressive list of contacts. Interested college students should be outgoing, creative and have great communication skills. They should be good team players but also be able to work well on their own. In addition, previous promotions experience could prove helpful.
</p><h3 id="section---FeesToEarnACollegeDegree">Fees to Earn a College Degree</h3><p>Depending on a student's choice of where to attend college and for how long, it could mean a cost difference equivalent to purchasing a compact car or investing in a modest home. College Board, a nonprofit, education-focused organization, recently compiled information regarding the average costs to attend postsecondary school. Expenditures for the 2010-2011 academic year were documented as follows:
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th>Institution Type</th><th> Average Tuition Costs</th></tr>
<tr><td>2-year public</td><td> $2,713</td></tr>
<tr><td>4-year public (in-state)</td><td>$7,605</td></tr>
<tr><td>4-year public (out-of-state)</td><td>$19,595</td></tr>
<tr><td>4-year private, not-for-profit</td><td> $27,293</td></tr>
</table><p>Working as a brand ambassador can provide you with an opportunity to help pay for your education costs. It could also build your resume, which can only help you in the future.</p>
