The Problem

As a former student athlete at Brigham Young University (BYU), C.J. Lee knows what it means to juggle the regular demands of college life on top of his endeavors in golf (12 to 14 weekends spent on the road a year).

© BYU PHOTO 2017

While in the throws of this balancing act, Lee came to the realization that he couldn’t be the only one grappling with this delicate balance. With a spark of brilliance and a heart full of compassion, he set out to explore the experiences of his fellow student athletes.

In his quest, Lee unearthed a remarkable truth—a truth that resonated beyond the realm of athletics. He discovered a multitude of students, from all walks of life, who were wrestling with the same challenges.

He noted that overloaded schedules made it nearly impossible to find time for academic support. Some found reprieve in informal tutoring from their peers during late-night study sessions, but that just simply was not good enough for Lee.

This revelation sparked a fire within Lee—a fire fueled by the desire to make a difference. He recognized that modern technology held the key to connecting students in need with knowledgeable tutors who had already conquered similar academic hurdles.

The Solution

Thus, the vision for Stutor was born—a tutoring app poised to reshape the twenty-first-century learning landscape. Similar to platforms like Uber, a student needed the ability to page a tutor at any time and in any place.

Lee understood that the traditional methods of tutoring were in dire need of a makeover. They lacked the speed, accessibility, and personalized support that students craved.

It was time to break free from the shackles of convention and create a platform tailored to the unique needs of students. The world needed a platform that would provide relatable tutors who truly understood their struggles.

But, did anything like this already exist? Surprisingly, no. CJ attributes this to the rigid, unchanging nature of academia in its general sense. This is compounded by an ongoing stigma that only “nerdy” students can tutor.

He wanted to break this norm. In his eyes, the best way to tutor a college student is to find another student who took the same class (perhaps with the same professor).

Validation, Development, and Launch

So, Lee embarked on the arduous journey of developing the Stutor app. He encountered obstacles along the way, but his unwavering determination propelled him forward. It was during this time that fate smiled upon him, leading him to Joel Joseph—who became the perfect partner to bring Stutor to life.

Seeking validation and reassurance, Lee and Joseph turned to the student community. They conducted a survey across various universities, and the response was nothing short of awe-inspiring. An overwhelming 99.8% of respondents expressed eagerness to download the app, showcasing an immense appetite for the platform.

With the addition of Tyler Crawford and fueled by the enthusiasm of their potential users, the Stutor team poured their hearts and souls into app development. Days and nights melded together as they made astonishing progress in record time.

Fast forward to April 2023, the apps launched. It was the culmination of hard work contributed by the—now grown—Stutor team.

As CJ sat at a booth set up to promote the app on Utah Valley University Campus, he realized that his vision was a reality.

But, the story of Stutor is just beginning!

Learn more about what distinguishes the two platforms Stutor and Stutor+ at this link.

Have more questions? Navigate to our Support/FAQ page! Or comment down below.

March 17, 2020. My rollercoaster, fun-filled freshman year at college came to a halting stop. My life was packed in the back of an old Mustang as I returned to my home in California with no clear idea of what lay ahead. 

No need to rehash it for you. The world was in disarray. A virus was on the loose.

People still needed to eat though. In fact, people seemed to want to eat more (and I’m not just saying that). Stress and uncertainty can do that to you. What did I do to capitalize on this? I downloaded the Doordash app. Gamechanger. 

It literally was a game. How much money could I make in a day? How efficient could I be? How would I optimize my location and the peak hours? These questions engrossed me.

In recent years, the job market has been transformed by gig jobs like Doordash. But why? I can think of a couple reasons, namely flexibility, autonomy, diverse skill development, and increased earning opportunities. And maybe the fun, too.

In this article, I’ll explore how the gig economy has contributed to job creation and examine the factors driving its growth. I’ll also discuss how Stutor fits into this category of gig jobs. 

Understanding the Gig Economy

What does gig economy even mean? The gig economy gets its name from individual tasks of work being akin to a ‘gig’. It is also referred to as a “sharing economy” or “collaborative economy”. How wholesome.

The gig economy is characterized by temporary, flexible, and on-demand work arrangements. Gig jobs may involve freelancing, independent contracting, or providing services through digital platforms (like Stutor!). 

Because of this freedom, workers in the gig economy typically have the freedom to choose their own projects, set their own schedules, and work with multiple clients simultaneously.

Factors Driving the Growth of Gig Jobs

For many, gig jobs help them cover gaps in income or create more of a cushion of savings. Others report that they are engaged in the gig market to control their schedule or be their own boss. 

Whatever the reason, roughly 16% of the American workforce is gig workers. That is about 1 in 6 workers. How is this happening?

Let’s explore some of the driving factors. 

Technology. That fancy phone you got in your hand? Yep. The growth of gig jobs can largely be attributed to the rapid advancement of technology, particularly the internet and mobile connectivity. This infrastructure provides the perfect grounds to support gig work.

COVID-19. If it was not already so, the pandemic changed the modern workforce to seek more flexibility, autonomy, and a better work-life balance. Gig jobs offer precisely that, allowing individuals to work on their terms, choose projects that align with their interests, and enjoy a flexible schedule.

Cost Efficiency for Businesses. Gig jobs offer businesses a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time employees. Instead of incurring fixed labor costs, businesses can engage gig workers on a project-by-project basis, reducing overhead expenses while accessing specialized skills as needed.

Stutor in the Gig Economy

I remember first explaining Stutor to my parents. I babbled for five minutes, trying to help them understand the simple business model. My explanation was falling flat on its face. Then I hit the golden line: “It is like Uber… but for tutoring!” Immediately, their heads tilted back in understanding. 

Stutor could be a brick-and-mortar tutoring business, but where is the draw in that? 

Stutor could hire professional teachers to tutor students, but where is the draw in that? 

Instead, Stutor leverages mobile apps to create a simplified process to connect students—at the same university—to each other for tutoring. 

Here’s how Stutor aligns with the principles of the gig economy:

1. On-Demand Service: Stutor runs 24/7 for students to get the help they need when they need it. This allows those being tutored to find tutors quickly when they require assistance, and tutors can fill their schedules with sessions that align with their schedules. 
2. Rating and Reviews: Like other gig platforms, Stutor incorporates a rating and review system. Positive reviews and high ratings can help tutors build a reputation within the app and attract more students, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment (think my 2020 Doordash fun). 
3. Payment Structure: Tutors are paid for their services on a per-session basis, and the app platform takes a commission or service fee for facilitating the connection between tutors and students. This pay-as-you-go model aligns with the gig economy’s focus on task-based payment rather than traditional employment contracts.

As the gig economy continues to evolve, it will likely play an even more significant role in the future of employment. The flexibility and opportunities it offers will attract individuals seeking alternative work arrangements, while businesses will continue to embrace the cost-effective benefits of engaging gig workers. Ultimately, the gig economy revolution is reshaping traditional employment models and paving the way for a more dynamic and flexible workforce.

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different” (Coco Chanel).

Amidst today’s cutthroat job market, standing out from the crowd is no easy feat. How do you captivate interviewers and land your dream job? The secret lies in showcasing unique skills and experiences that go beyond the “basic” and “typical” repertoire. 

But wait, here’s where things get exciting! Brace yourself for a revelation: tutoring. Yes, tutoring brings a plethora of benefits that can work wonders for your resume and turbocharge your career prospects. 

In this article, we’ll explore why tutoring is not just a good job, but an absolute game-changer that you should definitely consider adding to your resume. We’ll also cover some tips for what to put on your resume and some examples! 

Displays Transferable Skills

Tutoring is not just about helping others academically; it also provides an opportunity for personal growth and the development of valuable transferable skills. As a tutor, you enhance your communication skills by effectively conveying complex concepts to students of varying levels of understanding. 

Hear that? That is the sound of a beautiful bullet point descriptor on your resume. But wait, it keeps getting better (This article is brimming with remarkable descriptors you can proudly add to your resume today). 

You also develop patience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities as you tailor your teaching methods to meet individual student needs. These skills are highly sought after by employers in various industries and can greatly enhance your employability. 

Demonstrates Expertise in a Subject

By tutoring others, you not only showcase your expertise in the subject matter but also your incredible knack for sharing knowledge. It establishes you as a subject matter expert. Think about it. You reviewed the same material again and again and again. It is chiseled in your brain, so dazzle employers with your smarts and leave them clamoring for your expert status. 

Whether it’s your geeky love for social sciences or math, there’s no shame in showcasing your passion. “Passion is just as, if not more, important as experience in a job interview,” says Kristen J. Zavo, author of Job Joy: Your Guide to Success, Happiness, and Meaning in Your Career. Your enthusiasm can be truly inspiring and help you stand out from other candidates even if the subject matter isn’t directly related to the job you’re pursuing (though that would certainly be an advantageous plus). ‘

Highlights Leadership and Mentorship Abilities

Tutoring opens the door for you to step into a leadership role and become a trusted mentor. And let’s face it, these opportunities can be rare gems, especially when you’re just starting out in your career. 

When you guide and support students on their academic journey, it’s like being a real-life superhero—leading, inspiring, and making a difference in their lives. Talk about heartwarming stuff! And guess what? Employers absolutely adore those who can work their magic as mentors and motivate their team members. 

Shows Commitment and Dedication

Tutoring requires commitment and dedication as you invest time and effort in helping others succeed academically. By including tutoring on your resume, you demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Studies show a direct link between commitment levels and job performance. Employers appreciate candidates who exhibit dedication and a willingness to go the extra mile. 

Tips for Highlighting Tutoring Experience on Your Resume 

Did you know most resumes get no more than 10 seconds of attention from someone deciding whom to interview? That is not a whole lot of time. One needs to be concise and focus on outcomes. Here are a couple tips when adding tutoring to your resume:

1. Showcase Student Success: Highlight how you helped students improve grades or understand challenging concepts.
2. Emphasize Communication: Highlight your ability to explain concepts effectively and listen to students’ questions.
3. Demonstrate Leadership: Mention any responsibilities like creating lesson plans. 
4. Include Relevant Skills: List skills such as communication, patience, problem-solving, and adaptability.
5. Provide Specific Examples: Mention the subjects you tutored and any notable achievements.

Examples

Stutor 

June 1880-June 1884

• Tutored 50+ college-level students in various Economics classes, resulting in a 100% class pass rate. 
• Developed personalized study plans based on students’ learning styles and goals, helping them grasp complex concepts. 

Stutor 

December 2022-current

• Assisted 20+ students in developing effective study strategies and time management skills, resulting in improved organization and better academic outcomes.
• Received an average rating of 4.7 on 100+ sessions. 
• Utilized strong communication skills to explain difficult concepts in a clear and concise manner. 

Tutoring isn’t just your run-of-the-mill job; it’s a chance to grow, develop your skills, and make a real difference in people’s lives. When you include tutoring experience on your resume, you’re not just showing off your subject expertise, but also your leadership chops, unwavering commitment, and a whole lot of dedication. Plus, it’s like a secret sauce for boosting your communication and interpersonal skills, which employers go crazy for in any industry.

Embrace the perks of tutoring and set yourself up as the all-around superstar candidate in this wild, competitive job market!

Here are some other great resources for tips on writing resumes:

College life is tough. There is no denying that. One day you may be threatening to drop out and the next you are marveling at a good grade on a tough exam. When it comes to navigating the rollercoaster of university, having a tutor by your side can be a lifesaver. 

This article presents five compelling reasons why having a tutor significantly benefits you as a college student.

Personalized Attention 

AKA someone who knows the mud you are trudging through. In a bustling classroom with peers, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. You may have a lecture with hundreds of students. It is by no means easy to get any one-on-one attention from the professor or teacher assistants. With a tutor, you can get that attention. 

A tutor tailors their teaching approach to your specific learning style and addresses any individual challenges or questions you may have. We are pretty confident it is far less intimidating to ask a “stupid” question to one person than in front of your entire class. 

This personalized attention fosters a greater understanding of the material and allows for you to fill in any gaps in your grasp of complex concepts. 

Improved Grades

Struggling to achieve the grades you desire? A tutor can be your academic ally. Music to your ears, eh? Tutors are an avenue to improve academic performance and higher grades. It is that simple. A study by San Bernardino Valley College revealed that students who receive extra academic help performed, on average, 13% better. 

Better Study Habits and Time Management 

Effective studying goes beyond merely memorizing facts. A tutor can impart invaluable study strategies and techniques that can revolutionize your approach to learning. 

They can guide you in developing efficient study habits, such as organizing study materials, creating comprehensive study plans, and utilizing time management skills. These essential skills not only benefit you during your college journey but also lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Confidence Boost 

Confidence plays a pivotal role in achieving academic success. There is a direct link between self-esteem and academic achievement. Collaborating with a tutor can instill a sense of confidence in your abilities. As you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and witness your progress, your self-assurance naturally grows. 

Tutors can offer constructive feedback, highlight your strengths, and help you overcome academic obstacles. Get ready to feel boosted! A person cheerleader empowering you to tackle challenges head-on.

Career Preparation 

Beyond immediate academic benefits, tutoring can also contribute to your long-term career prospects. By leveraging the expertise of a tutor, you can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your future profession.

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The financial strain of college life often leaves students searching for ways to expand their grocery budget and alleviate the notorious “ramen diet.” If you’re looking to save money and make the most of your resources, these practical recommendations will help you stretch your budget without sacrificing your nutritional needs or breaking the bank.

Create a Budget

Crafting a detailed budget is a crucial step in gaining control over your finances. By tracking your expenses and income, you’ll gain a clear understanding of where your money is going and identify areas where adjustments can be made. Stick to your budget religiously, and you’ll find yourself saving more money each month. Here are some of the best budgeting apps! 

Get a Part-Time Job

Securing a part-time job while in college not only provides additional income but also offers valuable work experience and boosts your resume. Explore on-campus or off-campus job opportunities that align with your schedule and interests. The extra income earned can go a long way in expanding your grocery budget.

Look for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Maximize your financial resources by exploring scholarships and financial aid options available through your college or university. Many institutions offer grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid to assist students with tuition fees and other expenses. Research and apply for these opportunities to help lighten your financial burden. Federal Student Aid is a great resource!  

Be Mindful of Expenses

Practicing mindfulness when it comes to spending is essential for students on a tight budget. Evaluate your expenses critically and identify areas where you can cut back. Avoid unnecessary spending on items such as dining out, expensive clothing, and the latest technology. By curbing these expenses, you’ll free up more funds for your grocery budget.

Sell Items You Don’t Need

Take a look around your living space and identify items that are no longer useful or needed. These items can be sold online through platforms like eBay or Craigslist, or you can organize a garage sale to generate extra income. Not only will you declutter your space, but you’ll also add a financial boost to your grocery budget.

While the financial challenges of college life may seem overwhelming, implementing these practical recommendations will empower you to expand your grocery budget and enhance your overall financial well-being. By creating a budget, seeking part-time employment, exploring scholarships, being mindful of expenses, and selling unnecessary items, you’ll take significant steps toward financial stability and a healthier, more varied diet.

Remember, building the habit of saving money takes time and commitment, but the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. Review and adjust your budget regularly to ensure you’re making the most of your financial resources.

We understand the demands of college life. You’ve got this!