Debunking 5 Common Campus Manager Role Myths

If you’ve ever Googled the Fresh Prints Campus Manager role, you’ve probably seen…things.

Totally fair, btw. The internet doesn’t forget, even if the information is from almost a decade ago.

And when a role doesn't clearly fit into "internship" or "campus job," it’s easy for assumptions to fill in the blanks. So instead of pretending they don’t exist, let’s talk about them.

Here are five common myths about the Campus Manager role, and what’s actually true.

Myth #1: It’s Just a Flexible Side Hustle

Sure, the role is flexible. You get to work remotely. You don’t clock in or out. And no one assigns you shifts.

So it must be something you casually plug into your schedule, right? Not necessarily.

Yes, you decide when you work, and you can build your week around your classes and other commitments. But flexible doesn’t mean effortless.

When a student organization is counting on you to help them get merch in time for Recruitment Week or any major Greek life event, there’s real responsibility there. They’re trusting you to follow up, confirm details, and keep things moving.

The Campus Manager program is structured so students can get real business exposure without the financial risk of starting something on their own. And with that exposure comes accountability. Being a CM means being flexible, but never passive.

Myth #2: You Need to Be “Good at Sales” to Succeed

A lot of students hesitate applying because they assume they need to have sales experience or be naturally persuasive and outgoing from day one. But most Campus Managers don’t start that way!

It's true that your first outreach message can feel awkward, and sending a bunch of follow-ups for the first time will make you feel like a needy ex. A lot of the "no's" you'll get will feel more personal than they should, too. That’s all normal.

But what actually matters in this role isn’t built-in charisma. It’s consistency.

Student organizations already need custom apparel. Your role is to help them organize ideas, timelines, and options. Over time, it will feel less like "selling" and more like managing conversations.

And besides, the students who grow the most aren’t always the loudest in the room. They’re usually the ones who keep showing up and improving little by little.

Myth #3: It’s Just About Selling Merch

On the surface, it can look that way. Yes, you’re helping student organizations order custom apparel for events, recruitment, and campus initiatives. But the work behind that is more layered than it seems.

You’re managing conversations that don’t move in straight lines. You’re tracking timelines across multiple groups. You’re navigating last-minute changes. You’re coordinating with internal teams to make sure nothing slips.

That’s not just placing orders. It’s managing accounts.

When someone later asks you about handling pressure or solving problems, you won’t have to think too hard for examples. You’ll remember the order that almost missed approval, the design that had to be adjusted hours before submission, or the conversation that took multiple follow-ups before it closed.

Myth #4: Commission-Based Means Quick, Easy Money

When students hear “commission-based,” they think: if I send a few messages and close a couple orders, the money should start rolling in.

It sounds simple on paper. Reach out, get a yes, earn commission. But commission-based doesn’t mean instant results. It means your earnings are directly tied to the work you put in and the relationships you build.

Student organizations don’t usually make decisions overnight. Orders involve budgets, design approvals, group chats, and timelines that don’t always move fast. There’s a natural rhythm to how things close.

In the beginning, especially, there’s a learning curve. You’re figuring out your outreach style. You’re understanding how different orgs operate. You’re building credibility on campus. Momentum needs to be built over time.

Campus Managers who see strong results usually aren’t the loudest ones in the room or doing anything flashy. They’re staying consistent. Following up. Keeping conversations warm instead of expecting instant yeses. Commission isn’t about fast money. It’s about earned momentum. And once that momentum builds, it compounds.

Myth #5: You’re On Your Own

Some students assume that because the role is remote and independent-leaning, you’re basically left to figure everything out by yourself. That’s not how we work at all. Yes, you’re responsible for outreach and building relationships. But you’re not operating without backup.

• There’s training and onboarding at the start.
• There are internal teams handling design and production.
• There are systems that have already been built and refined over 10+ years.
• There’s a Business Development Manager you work with consistently.

You’ll never have to source your own manufacturers, pay upfront costs to get clients, or troubleshoot problems solo at 12 MN. So never think that you’ll be isolated during the entire process. The independence is real, but so is the support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does a Fresh Prints Campus Manager do?

Campus Managers represent Fresh Prints across 250+ schools in the U.S. - building relationships with student organizations, helping them with merch planning and design, tracking timelines, and managing custom apparel orders. 

How do Campus Managers get paid?

Campus Managers earn through commission, earning a percentage of every order they close. This means your income reflects your outreach and client management. Many Campus Managers earn several thousand dollars over a semester once they build momentum.

Do I need sales experience to apply?

No prior sales background is required to apply. Fresh Prints provides proper training and mentorship for all accepted Campus Managers. Much of the work is learning consistent outreach and relationship building, which improves with practice.

What kind of training and support will I get?

There’s an online onboarding program and weekly check-ins with your Business Development Manager (a former Campus Manager who took on higher responsibilities and works full-time). You’ll also get to work with our internal teams for design and operations support.

Can I apply even if I’m not in Greek life?

Yes! While Greek organizations are common clients, you do not need to be in Greek life to succeed as a Campus Manager. Any student comfortable connecting with organizations can apply.

The Bottom Line

The Campus Manager role isn’t about easy money or effortless success. It’s about learning how to handle real responsibility while you’re still in college with support behind you, but ownership in your hands. 

It’s not built for everyone. It’s built for students who want more than predictable tasks and fixed shifts. If you’re willing to move past the myths and look at the role for what it actually is, you’ll know pretty quickly whether it’s for you.

If you’re curious and want to hear directly how the role works today, you can schedule a call or explore more Campus Manager guides to get a clearer sense of what the experience actually looks like.