AARP Hearing Center
College towns have become the go-to destination for many retirees. In fact, they account for nine in a list of 25 Best Places to Retire that Forbes recently compiled. The publication notes that these towns have “increased cultural and learning opportunities.” But they’re also inclined to be recession-resistant job markets, a plus if you’re looking to keep earning a paycheck.
Each year, a new class of students moves in, helping keep the economy bustling. Booming medical and research centers and incubators for start-ups are common in the towns. Put it all together and you have a wide and attractive range of jobs and opportunities.
Another consideration: A growing number of institutions, such as Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., and West Virginia University in Morgantown, have signed AARP’s employer pledge, which among other things commits them to be age-blind in hiring decisions.
Here’s the Forbes list, by the way: Athens, Ga. (University of Georgia); Bethlehem, Pa. (Lehigh, Moravian); Boise, Idaho (Boise State); Clemson, S.C. (Clemson); Harrisonburg, Va. (James Madison); Iowa City, Iowa (University of Iowa); Lawrence, Kan. (University of Kansas); Lincoln, Neb. (University of Nebraska); and San Marcos, Texas (Texas State).
You can get started by checking a school’s HR page. Broaden your search by looking off campus to the surrounding community. The big job board Indeed has a category for college town jobs listing a range of opportunities.
As with any job search, boots on the ground is often the way to go. Go there and ask around.
Here are six jobs that can segue you into college-town life with full- and part-time opportunities
1. Adjunct Professor
The nitty-gritty: Do you have a deep knowledge in an industry or profession and a hankering to give back by teaching? Adjunct professors teach on an “as needed” basis—in other words, part time. This can mean a single course per semester. Figure on one to two hours of classroom time per week for each course, but preparation and grading time can add up.
Pay range: All over the map. At community colleges, it’s typically around $1,500 per course. Private universities offer about four times that amount. The pay ratchets up depending on your degree level, teaching experience and number of credits the course offers.
Qualifications: An advanced degree within your discipline is ideal, but depending on your experience, enthusiasm and the course itself, it’s possible to land a gig with just a bachelor’s degree. You may be asked to guest lecture to establish your teaching talents.
Job hunting tips: Network all you can, and check the college’s employment page. Then try to set up an appointment with the head of the department where you’d like to teach. You can also find job listings on HigheredJobs.com.
2. Event coordinator
The nitty-gritty: Colleges constantly stage get-togethers, whether it’s an alumni reunion or an academic conference. So there’s plenty of work organizing these events. It’s a detail-oriented job that requires lots of behind-the-scenes logistical work. You could be scheduling speakers, drafting a program agenda, registering guests, coordinating transportation, and setting up audio/visual equipment.
