1) Product sampler - I responded to an add in the newspaper calling for students who spent 10+ hours on their computers every week. Without any specific details or instructions, there was a phone number listed as well as a promise of $50 if selected. Without thinking what I would be testing, I only thought of the $50 and how much food I could purchase with that money. Well, I ended up calling in and arranged a meeting at one of UCLA's food courts. At the meeting a middle-aged man explained to me that he would be giving me a free pair of glasses that had been designed to ease any pain or headaches that arise from constant interaction with electronics. Basically, he said that people strain their eyes too much these days and these glasses would alleviate the problem. He would then call me every couple weeks to see how the glasses were operating. I don't remember getting any follow-up calls, but I do remember being given $50 in cash and a pair of very light and cool glasses (note: I don't wear prescription glasses).
2) Survey man - I am one of thousands of UCLA students who make the trek to Public Policy to participate in the graduate students' labs. I've probably been to over 15 of these experiments in which payment is not set (stemming from bruincard credit, cash, gift cards, etc). What I enjoyed about these experiments is that I usually became deeply affected, especially by the ones in which payment is dependent on how well you play the "experimental game." In one game in particular, we played trading scenarios with other people in the room (on a computer, without knowing exactly who you would be playing with). I became furious and annoyed because there was clearly a winning strategy in which everyone would benefit, and everyone would receive the maximum award. However, due to the selfish nature and stupidity of people, some people would implement stupid trading scenarios in which they would "win" but still end up with less than they could have had if everyone won. Classic game theory. (Proper strategy-everyone wins $40...if people are stupid and just want more than others, then "winners" win $30 and "losers" win $15. Obviously if everyone wins $40, the end scenario is better).
3) Electronics seller. Utilizing arbitrage techniques since high school, I would use any capital I had in my bank account, purchase items from auctions, then proceed to sell them to people. At one time, my inventory included PS2s, digital cameras, Gameboys, backpacks. I remember always worrying whether I would be able to sell the items. When I would sell them, I would forget that worry, and purchase more. Did this from high school to early college. Doing this taught me the importance of cash flow, not holding too much inventory, and that I definitely don't want to be a salesman.
4) Liquor Store Cashier. Interacting with a diverse group of people ranging from druggies, families on government assistance, businessmen, and just regular people. It was definitely interesting to see who bought what and the loads of lotto tickets I processed. Developed my ability to read people because you had to refine your sense of who's a thief, who's legitimate, and who could you have a normal conversation with.
3) Electronics seller. Utilizing arbitrage techniques since high school, I would use any capital I had in my bank account, purchase items from auctions, then proceed to sell them to people. At one time, my inventory included PS2s, digital cameras, Gameboys, backpacks. I remember always worrying whether I would be able to sell the items. When I would sell them, I would forget that worry, and purchase more. Did this from high school to early college. Doing this taught me the importance of cash flow, not holding too much inventory, and that I definitely don't want to be a salesman.
4) Liquor Store Cashier. Interacting with a diverse group of people ranging from druggies, families on government assistance, businessmen, and just regular people. It was definitely interesting to see who bought what and the loads of lotto tickets I processed. Developed my ability to read people because you had to refine your sense of who's a thief, who's legitimate, and who could you have a normal conversation with.
5) Delivery Boy - You deliver goods, without asking what you're delivering. Then you get paid.
6) Stand in line boy - Literally you stand in line...for books, for whatever...and then you get paid.
Alright these are a few random things I've done that come immediately to mind...I'm sure everyone has had a few jobs in college that are questionable. :)
