Getting an education is expensive nowadays. And while your loan should cover the basics, you might need another source of income if you want nice things (like a social life or something edible that isn’t instant noodles).
This is why many students work as well as studying. But how do you find a student job that will let you avoid poverty without distracting you from your scholarly duties?
1. A Balancing Act
Whatever work you do shouldn’t cut into your studies, whether this is attending lectures regularly or getting assignments handed in on time. Ideally, you’ll want a part-time job with flexible hours.
Budgeting can help, as this will give you a sense of how much you need to earn. You can then use this and your university schedule to find a job that offers appropriate shifts.
2. Get Your CV in Order
Once you know what you’re looking for, make sure your CV is up to scratch. This means updating it with recent achievements (especially if you’re involved in societies at university) and tailoring each CV to suit the job you’re applying for.
Also, don’t forget to proofread your CV and any cover letters before sending them to employers. Even a few errors can make a bad first impression and affect your chances of getting the job.
3. Working on Campus
Most universities and student unions have job listings aimed specifically at students, often including work on campus (e.g. in the union shop or at cafes and bars on site).
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These roles are generally flexible time-wise, so you can fit work around your regular studies. They’re also often based on campus, which saves time spent travelling, and you’ll usually be working alongside fellow students, which makes swapping shifts easier.
4. Searching High and Low
If working on campus doesn’t suit you or there isn’t any work available, you might have to look elsewhere. Luckily, these days there are lots of places to find work online, including sites dedicated to student jobs. You can also use social media to get in touch with recruiters.
And, if all else fails, the-old fashioned approach of hitting the streets and talking to people still works. Try smaller or local businesses if you’re doing this, remembering to take a CV with you.
5. Summer Loving Working
If you don’t have the inclination to work during term time, you could get a summer job instead. This lets you save up for when the academic year starts, sidestepping the challenge of balancing your work against your studies.
What you do is up to you – working at festivals is a popular option – but you need to start looking early on, as many companies begin recruiting for summer in the spring.
The downside of this is that you don’t get to join your friends on the beach during the sunniest time of year. But it’ll all seem worthwhile once you’re back at university with fat wads of cash in your pockets.
