How to find a tuition gig that is right for you

Tutoring is the most common mode of income for students in Bangladesh. It is a job that pays relatively well, has a great deal of flexibility, and is high in demand. In other countries, a significant number of students work in supermarkets and wait tables. However, the same job diversity doesn't prevail in Bangladesh. Hence, students are on the hunt to find the right tuition gig.

There are some common modes through which students usually get tuitions.

Online Tuition Platforms

The major reason why these platforms have gained traction is the convenience of finding a student or tutor from a large pool with information readily available.

But like all middlemen, they too have their own motive. Most of them will demand 50 percent  of your first month's salary and some might even require you to pay a membership fee. Moreover, most platforms  tend to only give you the tuition if you match every single requirement. The issue is that a tutor's grades or background doesn't always determine their teaching ability. Also, not all platforms can be trusted. Some of them are just not legitimate.

Family and Friends

Sometimes, a relative or friend may ask us to teach someone they know. These offers are more reliable and a safer option than online tuition platforms. You also receive more details about the job and the student you'll teach. It is a lot more informal and flexible. However, negotiating salary can be tricky. Relatives might expect you to teach at a lower salary. Additionally, relying on your friends or relatives to hand you a suitable offer that matches your demands is very unrealistic.

School or University Juniors

Sometimes tuition gigs can be found within your own network. Juniors from your school or university are a great source. It will be easier to teach as you're well acquainted with the curriculum. However, for those who do not have a large network, the search becomes much harder. And those who did not have a great academic reputation at school may not receive as many job offers.

Noyolee Munim is a third-year undergraduate student at the Department of Economics, University of Dhaka