When I was in college looking for a part-time job to help make ends meet, I was not picky about the type of job I chose. I took the first paying job that was offered to me that was within walking distance and flexible around my class schedule. I ended up working at the school cafeteria in various positions during my four years of college.
If the degree I was pursuing was in the culinary, nutrition or the hospitality industry, this would have been relevant work experience. Upon graduation, having this work experience on my resume would have been a great asset to me, if related to my degree. However, my degree was in education and human services.
If I had been a little more selective in the “type” of part-time job I pursued and held during my four years of college, I could have been more marketable upon graduation. In hind sight, I should have tried to get a job working with children or in a social service field. My resume would have looked so much better showing that I had gained experience in my field of interest. It may have taken a little more work to find a job working with children, but the little extra effort on the front end would have paid off greatly on the back-end when I completed my schooling. Having a job or jobs in your areas of interest over a long period of time is a huge benefit when entering the job market after college. That spans a long window of time (2 to 4 years)
The jobs for college graduates market is fierce and when you graduate, having a degree is not enough anymore. You need to have experience (paid or volunteering) in your field. Employers are much more willing to hire a graduate that has demonstrated that they can manage their time going to school and working, that has references they can call upon, and most importantly that you have experience working in the industry which means that you already know what it is about and they don’t have to worry about you quitting in the short term because you may not like the work. In essence you are much more credible as a potential employee and have much less risk to the employer.
So when you go about looking for the best jobs for college students, I challenge you to go the extra mile to find one in your college major. If you are just starting college and don’t know what that is, think in generalities. For instance, if you think you like working out, try something in nutrition or sports. Find a job working at the front desk of a local gym. If you choose the business/sales route you could move into selling gym memberships. If you are interested in physical therapy, you can earn your certification to become a part-time trainer, etc.. Be creative but try to think ahead. Good luck!