Whether you plan to work part-time while taking that microbiology course this summer or plan to work full-time through August, there are lots of job options both on and off campus.

With a little research, you might be able to find a job that fits your schedule so you can stash some cash this summer.

One option is a job at the college. OCCC hires students in their prospective field each semester through the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).

MaKenna Smith, Special Education major, said she has enjoyed working as an OCCC Technology Services Support Assistant for the past year and a half.

“They really work with your schoolwork and your load, to make sure you’re not overwhelmed,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot about this campus also.”

Tim Whisenhunt, Technology Support Services director, said student workers are critical to OCCC’s success.

“In the last couple of years we started [using] student workers to fill in the gaps, if you will, to allow us to extend our reach in being able to provide more and better support to the college community,” he said.

“Aside from just being able to allow us to extend our reach across campus to provide more and better support to everybody, the biggest thing that I think the institution benefits from is allowing our students who are a part of what we do, become more invested in how the institution functions.”

Rachael Colbart, Diversified Studies major, works in the Communications Lab and praises the advantages of working at OCCC.

“It directly benefits your own study and personal growth as well as giving you the opportunity to make money working on campus,” she said.

“We’re able to live a one-check life, really, because we’re working here and studying here, and while we’re working here, we’re networking.”

Annette Waters, also a Diversified Studies major working at the Communications Lab, likes the welcoming environment at OCCC.

“The support you get from the people in charge and from your peers that you’re able to work around … is amazing.”

To get started looking for a campus job, visit www.occc.edu. At the bottom of the page, select “Employment at OCCC.”

Once there, students can search a database of available jobs and fill out a job application.

Some local small businesses also offer summer employment and schedule flexibility as well.

Nusing major Emily Keith has worked at Little King Pizza as well as another local company while attending OCCC. She said she enjoys the nature of small businesses.

“It’s nice because it’s not a chain,” she said. “You have one person above you — your boss. It’s very down-to-earth and not stressful.”

“[My boss] was very flexible. She was willing to work with my schedule. “

Keith said there also may be downfalls to working for a small business.

“Be careful if you’re the only employee because sometimes they may put a lot on you and then it’s not doable.”

Some adventurous summer job options include working as a camp counselor or at an amusement park.

OCCC and YMCA, among other employers, hire camp counselors to teach workshops, lead games and other activities, and keep the children safe while on camp grounds.

For those who want to work on their tan in the Oklahoma heat, Frontier City and White Water Bay are still hiring staff to run the attractions or work in food service and retail according to their websites.

Perks to these jobs may include discounts or even free tickets.

Many employers simply need someone to man the front desk and provide great customer service.

The YMCA, hotels and gyms are great places that require front desk attendees.

The perk to this job is that you may be able to do some homework or study in your downtime, which is great for those taking a class or two during the summer.

With many restaurants located near OCCC, those with good people skills may be able to find a job near the school to work after class.

One such company is Starbucks, which has a location close to OCCC, just off the Interstate-240 Service Road near Pennsylvania Ave.

Courtney, a Starbucks shift manager who asked that her last name not be included, said, as a student, Starbucks was very flexible with her schedule.

She said, at her store, around one-third of the employees are students.

TheSimpleDollar.com lists top-paying jobs for college students, which include working as a barista, fitness trainer, camp counselor, administrative assistant and nanny.

Lots of families rely on a nanny to care for their children during the summer and many parents are willing to pay more for a college-age sitter.

ThoughtCatalog.com says if you generally like kids, babysitting is the best job to get in your 20s — for many reasons. Most sitters are paid with cash, the hours are flexible, and the kids might take a nap which can help you squeeze in some extra studying.

Babysittersnow.com recommends networking on your own by using social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Alternatively, those wanting to work in child care can register on Care.com or Sittercity.com, and be put in contact with parents seeking a sitter.

Another job option for students is self-employment opportunities, says lifehack.org, because the hours are flexible while allowing the worker to sharpen their skills.

That includes teaching guitar lessons and mowing lawns are ways you can be your own boss while earning some cash.

Campus bulletin boards also are a place to advertise, as many students already take advantage of the space to place classifieds. For more about OCCC jobs, visit www.occcjobs.com. To search a variety of jobs, visit www.summerjobs.com or Google “summer jobs.”