5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying as a Campus Manager
TL;DR
- Fresh Prints works with 600+ Campus Managers in over 200 campuses nationwide.
- Fresh Prints trains and mentors you while you run a real custom-apparel business and learn sales, outreach, and client management.
- There's no cap on how much you can earn through commission, but the bigger win is real-world skills like negotiation, sales & marketing, and more.
- If you like learning by doing and can handle awkward starts, this role can stretch you in the best way.
Maybe you saw a LinkedIn message. Maybe you got an email. Or maybe someone from school mentioned it to you. Regardless of how you heard of the Fresh Prints Campus Manager (CM) role, you’re now here, quietly going down a rabbit hole (we don’t blame you).
You’re probably wondering things like:
“Can I actually get sales?”
“Is this going to take over my entire college life?”
“Will this actually help me when I graduate?”
All very valid questions!
The Fresh Prints Campus Manager role isn’t a typical campus job. And it’s not an internship either. It’s an opportunity designed for students who want to learn ownership and get real business experience before graduation.
And to help you figure out if this kind of role fits where you are right now (+ where you want to be in the near future), here are 5 important questions to ask yourself before applying.
1. Are you comfortable owning outcomes?
Fresh Prints Campus Managers essentially run their own custom apparel business on campus. That means you manage conversations, timelines, and client relationships—without someone hovering over you 24/7.
That might sound intimidating and overwhelming. It can be at first.
But students who thrive in this role usually like having responsibility. They’d rather be trusted than micromanaged. They like knowing that when something goes well, it’s because they made it happen.
One CM from the University of South Carolina described their early experience as "a roller coaster." Some orders closed quickly. Some took tons of follow-ups. Some fell through. But regardless of all the highs or lows, what they appreciated was that the work felt real. And that’s because it is!
That level of ownership can make you feel uncomfortable a lot. The good thing is, you’ll be supported with training and mentorship. You’ll never be your own, but you will be the one steering the ship.
If that excites you more than it scares you, that’s a good sign.
2. Can you put yourself out there (even when it’s awkward)?
Outreach is a core part of being a CM. That means reaching out first, following up more than once, and not hearing back every single time, especially in the beginning.
Most Campus Managers say the same thing early on: the first month is hard. You send messages that don’t get replies. You second-guess your approach. You wonder if you’re doing it "right."
Learning how to move through silence and rejection without losing confidence is one of the biggest skills this role builds. If you’ve ever wanted to get better at networking, pitching ideas, or starting conversations with people you don’t know 100%, this role can lead to that growth.
And remember: it’s not about being naturally outgoing. It’s about always being willing to try.
3. Can you realistically make time for it?
The Campus Manager role is flexible. That’s one of its biggest perks. But flexibility only works if you’re consistent and on top of your time.
Most successful CMs block off specific hours each week for:
- Outreach
- Follow-ups
- Client meetings
- Managing active orders
It doesn’t have to take over your schedule. But it can’t live in the "I’ll get to it later" category either.
Many CMs say one of the biggest unexpected benefits was how much better they got at time management. Balancing classes, leadership positions, social life, and this role forces you to plan each day instead of reacting to each moment.
If your semester is already maxed out, it’s okay to be honest about that. But if you’re looking for something flexible that builds structure instead of just endless chaos, this role can do that.
4. Are you motivated by growth, not just income?
The Campus Manager role is commission-based. That means earnings vary.
Some students love that because it connects effort to results. Others prefer guaranteed hourly pay. Neither is wrong—it just depends on what you know motivates you.
What most Campus Managers reflect on later isn’t just the money. It’s the skills they built:
- Sales experience
- Negotiation
- Relationship management
- Tracking metrics
- Communicating professionally
One CM put it simply: “You’ll learn more than most classes teach you.”
Growth isn’t automatic. It happens when you lean into the process. And if you’re the kind of person who values skill-building as much as stability, then this could be for you.
5. Do you like learning by doing?
This isn’t a passive "campus ambassador" role. You’re not handing out flyers or just reposting stuff on social media.
As a Fresh Prints Campus Manager, you’re building trust with students and organizations. You’re helping them bring ideas to life. And you’re responsible for making sure orders go smoothly from start to finish.
You have to be very hands-on. Students who enjoy problem-solving, talking to people, and figuring things out as they go tend to find this role especially rewarding. You don’t need prior sales or business experience, most Campus Managers start without it.
But what sets the best apart? Curiosity and actually following through on feedback and learnings as they go.
More ways to self-assess
Before applying, ask yourself:
- Do I want more ownership than a typical campus job gives?
- Am I willing to be uncomfortable for a few weeks/months while I learn?
- Do I like the idea of building something that’s mine on campus?
- Would I benefit from real metrics and results on my resume?
If those questions make you lean in and more interested (even slightly), that’s worth paying attention to.
You don’t have to be perfectly confident. Most CMs weren’t when they started.
You just have to be open!
FAQs
Who is the Fresh Prints Campus Manager role best suited for?
Students who are self-motivated, comfortable with outreach, and interested in learning by doing. It’s a good fit for those who want ownership and growth rather than fixed shifts or guaranteed outcomes.
Is the Campus Manager role hard?
It can feel challenging at first, especially during the first month. That learning curve is expected and is where most growth happens, but you’ll always have a strong support system and dedicated mentor through it all.
Do Campus Managers need prior sales or business experience?
No. Most Campus Managers start without experience and build confidence through training, mentorship, and hands-on work.
How can I tell if the Campus Manager role is right for me?
If you’re okay with discomfort, value growth over predictability, and can stay consistent without constant supervision, this role may be a good fit.
So…should you apply?
Only you can answer this question honestly. To sum the role up, "what you put in is what you get out." If that mindset resonates, the Campus Manager role could be a strong fit for you.
And if you’re still unsure? That’s okay too. A little curiosity is usually how this starts. Browse more of our CM guides below to know more about the role and past CM experiences.