But new research confirms what parents and counselors have been saying for years: Part-time campus jobs not only raise cash but can help raise students’ grade-point averages.

After interviewing and examining data on hundreds of undergraduates from 1996 through 2004, researchers found that the average GPA of freshmen at four-year universities who worked between one and 20 hours a week was 3.13. Those who didn’t work at all had GPAs averaging just 3.04.

A warning: Charlene Marie Kalenkoski of Ohio University and Sabrina Wulff Pabilonia of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics did find that while a little work is good, too much is bad for students. Freshmen who worked more than 20 hours a week had GPAs of just 2.95.

A similar pattern, though with slightly different numbers, was seen among community college students.

Counselors say there are seven reasons students should take part-time and, if possible, on-campus work-study jobs to earn at least their pocket money:

1. Earn bucks: Working just 10 hours a week typically generates at least $75 a week, which should be plenty to fund weekend entertainment and incidental costs. Frugal students working 15 hours a week or so can cover books and supplies as well. Those typically run about $500 a semester.

[Read more about what you can earn by working.]

2. Learn to budget: Students who have to earn their own pocket and entertainment money learn budgeting and are less likely to overspend than those who can charge a Cancún spring break or pizza party to a parental credit card, counselors say.

3. Time-manage: Part-time jobs force students to learn time-management skills they’ll need the rest of their lives.

4. Improve learning: Part-time jobs seem to improve academic performance. Research shows students who work no more than 20 hours a week have higher grades and are more likely to graduate college than both those who don’t work at all and those who put in too many hours.

5. Career experiment: Part-time jobs give students chances to learn what kind of work they like and, perhaps more important, don’t like. That can help them avoid costly mistakes such as majoring in something they later learn they hate.

6. Build résumé: Working during school helps students build their résumés , which gives advantages to graduates looking for career-oriented jobs.

7. Connect with professors and students: Some work-study jobs give students opportunities to do research or work with professors. But even those who don’t get plum work-study assignments say on-campus jobs help them make friends with other students and network with university staff. Some studies show that those with on-campus jobs are more successful students, perhaps because of the connections they forge on the job.

Source: US News

Many people who are looking for a job or want to start their career stay within the city or at least the state that they grew up in. But why not branch out? We have the top ten cities that are making a name for themselves in this busy bustling world and the top careers within those cities that are most popular. So if you’re interested in a particular field, one of these hot-spots may be calling your name.

1. Houston, Texas

Houston is the home of the Texas Medical Center which has the largest concentration of healthcare and research in the world. But if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, don’t worry. The city’s economy has a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics and transportation and besides NYC, the only other city with more Fortune 500 headquarters. According to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, in 2007, the city generated more than 100,000 jobs and leads the nation in job growth. In fact, the Texas Workforce Commission reports that Houston is growing faster in new jobs than the rest of the state of Texas and has decreasing unemployment rates.

2. Raleigh, N.C.

This past year was a turning point for Raleigh. This one time ”ghost town” is now a popular place for companies to relocate to because of its reasonably priced housing market. And if you didn’t already know, home to American Idol contestant, now pop singer Clay Aiken. But singing isn’t the only gig here. Computers and pharmaceuticals make up most of the area’s employment along with North Carolina’s Research Triangle. It’s one of the country’s largest and most successful research parks in the United States.

3. Omaha, Nebraska

Calling all young professionals! Businesses here like to hire and recruit recent college grads. So if you’ve just received that diploma and you’re interested in finance, healthcare, information technology or insurance, then you might want to take a closer look at Omaha. It’s also a great place for entrepreneurs to make their mark. Warren Buffet, nick-named the ”Oracle of Omaha,” is regularly ranked one of the richest people in the world. So if he can make it in the ”paradise on the plains”…so can you!

4. Boise, Idaho

Those in search of a local high-tech business like Hewlett-Packard or Micron Technology should make their way to Boise. They’re actually Boise Valley’s two largest employers and make up the state’s biggest exports. But that doesn’t mean the city forgets about the ”little guys.” Smaller technology and e-commerce firms do well here too. Plus, the call center industry provides a major source of employment to more than 7,000 people who live there. There are over 20 call centers in the city for companies such as DIRECTV and T-Mobile.

5. Colorado Springs, Colorado

With 300 days of sunshine annually and laid back energy, you would think the jobs most popular here would reflect the mellow scene. But it’s actually a strong military presence that fuels the city. The U.S. Army and Air Force operations are what grow the economy along with many high-tech businesses such as Verizon and Intel.

6. Austin, Texas

Don’t be mistaken, this metro isn’t just about the rockers, even though it has a major music scene. In the last five years, Austin has expanded its economy and now includes careers in digital media, green energy and biotechnical fields and has created 114,000 possible new jobs in the area. Some companies who have made Austin their home are Apple, 3M Company, and Samsung. A strong network of locally owned businesses keeps the unique spirit of the city alive, preserving their slogan, ”Keep Austin Weird.” It’s not that the city thrives on being a black sheep, but it does support the more unique businesses that give this city its flair.

7. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Why did more than 1,300 companies in the past decade decide Fayetteville was a great place for their business to grow? There’s one simple answer…Wal-Mart, P&G, PepsiCo and many other companies have built operations in this city to better serve the big guy Wally. But if you’re not looking for a position with the mega-retailer you might be interested in some of the other industries that have kept this city going such as electronics, water purification, construction, and lighting.

8. Sacramento, California

Is “going green” the new slogan of your life? Why not make it your job too. Clean energy companies are bringing many new jobs to the city of Sacramento. The city also owes much of its growth to the new downtown redevelopment which has brought jobs in entertainment, retail and outdoor recreation. Plus housing prices have dropped dramatically in the last year which may not be the best of news to people selling their homes. But if you’re thinking about making the move here, then it’s the perfect opportunity to buy.

9. Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is a major center for the insurance industry. About 60 companies have built their businesses here which makes the city the third largest insurance center in the world. Des Moines is also important in the political scene because it’s home to the Iowa caucuses which is the first major electoral event in nominating the President of the United States. So if insurance is your thing and you like to see presidential candidates up-close and personal, then why not make the move!

10. Provo, Utah

Home to Brigham Young University, one of the top ranked business schools in the nation, Provo is the country’s second largest software center. After graduates walk the stage in their cap and gown, they set up shop and get right to work. Why would you want to leave your great college town if you can succeed in your career there too? But it’s not all business. In the past few years, the downtown area has flourished too with small shops, music venues and boutiques which have also added jobs to the economy.

Nowadays, it’s up to you to take control of your professional future and make sure that you are progressing wisely down the right career path. Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:

1. Talk to your boss. Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company’s goals. Share your own career goals with him or her. Your boss will respect this display of confidence and maturity.
2. Ask for more. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities — increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed. It also puts a spotlight on your value to the business.
3. Volunteer for boards. If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.
4. Sharpen your people skills. Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.
5. Be innovative. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you — and your boss — look good.
6. Find a mentor. Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.
7. Sell yourself. Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.
8. Keep learning. A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.
9. Network. Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.
10. Build your reputation. In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

Source: Allbusiness

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