I worked in college Soph, Junior and Seniors years – a “menial” job in food service (I didn’t qualify for work study so that was an on campus job that was less desirable) and sometimes worked catering parties at the alumni center. I worked with my roommate/best friend and really enjoyed the job even though it wasn’t glamorous. I recall working about 10 hours a week - just enough to have some income during the year as I had to pay for books and spending money. I also worked during the summers.
My D is a college freshman and has 2 jobs (although both for not that many hours) – as an assistant in her major’s department office and as a tour guide. She has worked between 3 and 12 hours per week. She is also heavily involved in dance and theatre rehearsals and has found time to fit everything in. She likes the structure and the extra money. She also found it really helpful to get to know the professors and to have those on campus work supervisors available as references for other opportunities.
I feel strongly that if a student can handle it, that work of any type during college is a great idea.