Careers Advice Blog

Find a part-time job: The perks of working while at uni

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What does every student need more of? Money! Earlier this year I switched from being a full-time to part-time student in order to accommodate a job, and I haven’t looked back. But you don’t even need to do that. Loads of people work at the weekend or in the evenings without it affecting their course, and it’s surprising how much flexible work is actually out there.

Not sure if the search is worth all the effort? I’ll try and persuade you!

You’re getting an education and you’re in the ‘real world’

Rather than writing myself out of the employment market for a few more aeons, or getting a job and abandoning the thing I want to study at university, I feel like I’m getting a sweet deal: both at once. I know at least a couple of employers who look positively at someone who has had a part time job during their degree (or whichever qualification you have chosen), as it shows you’re able to manage your time brilliantly and you have gained more than the usual skills. Look for an employer who is sympathetic to the needs of a student, though – make sure they know that you are also studying, so you can’t pick up all the shifts for that person who’s gone on holiday. Even jobs that don’t sound super-impressive are worth it; for example, working in bars or restaurants is often very flexible, as well as sociable, and it shows your future employer you know how to do the hard graft.

You’ll never get bored

There’s nothing like going to work to break you out of that essay hole. When you’re tearing your hair out over how to finish your paper, having a job reminds you that study isn’t the be-all and end-all, and likewise, you’ll appreciate your course way more at the end of a long work shift. I’ve found it really good, too, to meet people outside of the university environment. Variety is the spice of life. ‘Nuff said.

You’ll be more financially stable working while at uni

One of the worst things about student life is not having enough money when you need it. I still can’t get over the notion of going to the pub or supermarket with enough money to actually buy stuff. By working out my working pattern with my employer, I’m making back rent every week, and if I cover for someone, it’s a nice bonus on top. It’s a great feeling to stand on your own two feet and not worry about who you owe money too – one of the top reasons to work in a part time job while at university.

Would you like to work when you’re studying? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: Rhodesj / Flickr

Charlotte SalterFind a part-time job: The perks of working while at uni

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