5 Side Hustles for Engineering Students to Boost Income

Engineering students have a unique skill set that can be turned into profitable side hustles. From freelance consulting to developing prototypes, these opportunities allow them to gain hands-on experience, build their portfolios, and boost their income. Here are five top legal side hustles.

Those studying as engineers are often juggling intense coursework, lab work, and part-time jobs. Yet, for those looking to supplement their income or gain extra experience, side hustles can be the perfect solution. The field offers an array of side hustle opportunities that not only leverage the knowledge they already have but also provide valuable real-world skills.

Whether you are a mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or industrial automation learners, there are side hustles that align with your expertise and passion, turning your academic skills into profit.

Side hustles for scholars can serve multiple purposes. They provide a way to explore different areas of this field outside the classroom, develop a personal portfolio, and even network with professionals in your field.

These experiences can also help them stay ahead of industry trends, especially with engineering fields constantly evolving with new technologies. Additionally, these hustles often offer flexible hours, meaning learners can work on them without conflicting with their academic schedules.

Let’s explore five top legal side hustles that students can dive into.

1. Creating and Selling Prototypes

For scholars in fields such as mechanical, biomedical, and industrial automation, creating and selling prototypes can be a fun and rewarding side hustle.

Prototyping is the process of building a working model of a product to test concepts or ideas before production begins. As someone studying this field of expertise, you likely have the skills to design and create prototypes for various products, whether they are for consumer goods, tools, or even medical devices.

For example, if you’re in mechanical, you might design mechanical parts or gadgets. Biomedical learners could create prototypes for health-related devices, and industrial automation enthusiasts could develop tools for smart manufacturing.

Once you have a functional prototype, you can sell it to manufacturers, tech companies, or even individual entrepreneurs looking for a product that solves a particular problem. Websites like Etsy or Kickstarter can be great platforms to showcase your work and get exposure.

Not only does this hustle allow you to apply your knowledge, but it also gives you hands-on experience in product development and entrepreneurship. It’s an opportunity to build a portfolio of physical projects that could lead to bigger opportunities in the future.

2. Freelance Consulting

One of the most lucrative side hustles is freelance consulting. Whether you’re studying mechanical, electrical, biomedical, or industrial automation, there are always small companies or startups that need expert advice on projects. Freelancing allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in school to solve real-world problems, providing valuable experience while earning money.

For example, mechanical or industrial automation enthusiasts can assist companies in improving manufacturing processes or streamlining factory operations. Electrical scholars can offer their services in areas like circuit design or system troubleshooting. With freelance consulting, you’ll be able to set your rates, pick your projects, and work from the comfort of your own home or at a client’s office, making it a highly flexible and profitable option.

To get started, you can sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to connect with potential clients looking for your expertise. The best part? You can build a reputation and, over time, attract higher-paying projects and bigger companies.

3. Online Tutoring or Course Creation

As a scholar, you have a wealth of technical knowledge that can be shared with others, particularly younger learners or aspiring engineers. Offering online tutoring services or creating courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare is an excellent way to turn your expertise into a side income.

You can tutor in subjects such as mathematics, physics, programming, or specific engineering disciplines like electrical or mechanical.

Online tutoring provides flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace and schedule sessions around your academic commitments. You can charge hourly rates for one-on-one tutoring or create pre-recorded video courses that teach complex concepts in a more structured, scalable way.

Not only can this side hustle bring in extra money, but it’s also an opportunity to enhance your communication and teaching skills—two crucial abilities for any engineer.

Creating your own course or tutoring service can also build your reputation and help you network with others in your field. It’s a great way to expand your professional reach while helping others along the way.

4. Freelance Technical Writing

If you’re someone with strong writing skills, freelance technical writing can be a perfect side hustle. As a technical writer, you’ll be responsible for creating manuals, user guides, instructional documents, or content that explains complex concepts in a clear, concise, and accessible way. This can be highly valuable to companies that need to explain their products or services to a wider audience.

Technical writing is especially beneficial for those who are adept at simplifying complex ideas. Whether you’re writing product descriptions for a company, helping create documentation for software, or even writing for publications, this side hustle allows you to earn money while honing your communication skills.

Platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, and even company job boards are excellent resources for finding freelance writing opportunities. The best part is that this hustle can be done remotely, making it easy to work around your class schedule.

5. 3D Printing and CAD Design Services

The rise of 3D printing has opened up new side hustle opportunities for scholars, particularly those in mechanical and industrial automation fields.

Students with expertise in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software can offer their design services to individuals or businesses in need of custom models. You can use 3D printing technology to create prototypes, models, or even unique personalized items for clients.

This side hustle allows you to combine creativity with technical skills, which is invaluable in the engineering industry. You could start by offering your services to local businesses or entrepreneurs looking to prototype products.

Websites like Shapeways or Thingiverse can help you sell your 3D models, or you could offer custom services for clients who need specific parts made to order.

For engineering students, this side hustle also provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, which is highly sought after in the industry. Plus, it gives you a competitive edge by allowing you to showcase your ability to work with the latest tools and software.

References

15 Side Hustles for Engineers To Earn Supplemental Income

Turn Your Engineering Skills into Profitable Side Hustles

Creative Side Hustles For Engineering Students To Make Money