Considering part-time work but not sure where to start? Claire Muffett-Reece reveals the benefits, as well as the best places to begin

“Don’t forget about the part-time job fairs that almost all universities host”

“There’s seasonal opportunities – the retail industry in particular sees a huge increase in job prospects in the run-up to Christmas”

“Make time for yourself – be it simple downtime at home or out socialising – and learn to say ‘no’, never picking up extra shifts if you have a major assignment deadline approaching”

Facts/stats

Students working under 20 hours per week are 20% more likely to achieve a 2:1 or first than those working over 20 hours
(The Access Project)

Just shy of three-fifths (58%) of students have a part-time job

(Save the Student)

Nearly half of universities promote part-time work
(HEPI)

Think juggling a part-time job while studying is too hard to manage? First, sit down and work out exactly how many hours a week you need to be at uni. Next, work out how many hours you need to revise and do your coursework. The result? It’s pretty much certain you’ve enough time to take on some form of employment. Sure, you need to account for your regular chores, plus spending time with friends and family, but taking in some much-needed income is exactly what you want when money is on the tight side. Plus, there are many other benefits to getting a part-time job you may not even have realised.

ON THE UP SIDE
So, what are these benefits? First comes the financial aspect – extra income means you’ve more to spend on essentials like food shopping, coursebooks, and transport, as well as the chance to enjoy a few treats; from a new item for your wardrobe, to a meal out that you would otherwise not have been able to afford. You might also have an advantage over others applying for the same full-time job after completing your degree, with statistics showing two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. It also helps you to become more organised in terms of time management, as well as prioritising what’s important – think essential tasks you’d otherwise put off when not at work. The type of work you choose also has an impact: working in retail can improve your communication skills – think listening to the customer to ascertain exactly what it is they need; while working in an area such as technical support could see you benefit from problem-solving, both independently and as a team. Then there’s the advantage of networking, building valuable connections that may well help you with future career opportunities after you’ve graduated.

THE SEARCH BEGINS
You’ve realised the many benefits that come with part-time employment – now it’s time to start looking for the perfect role by using the various methods available for you. For a start, head to your university – they’ve a wealth of resources on campus. Start by checking the career portal – you’ll more than likely find they have one – specifically designed to connect students exclusively with employers. What’s more, they’ll also advertise roles available within the university itself, from student union vacancies, to working within the library, and plenty more. It’s well worth a search: 48% of universities include information about part-time work on their websites. Don’t forget to ask your lecturers if they know of anything, too – some may even be seeking student assistants to help with research. And don’t forget about the part-time job fairs that almost all universities host. Usually held in autumn and spring, it’s here you’ll find vacancies from local businesses.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Another resource are the specialist student job sites at your disposal. Here you’ll most often benefit from the fact that, unlike mainstream sites, employers don’t usually require you to have a vast amount of experience, meaning you’ve access to a wider range of jobs and learn as you go. You’ll also find they are pre-screened, offering flexible shift patterns that fit around university timetables – plus do not go against most universities’ recommended working hour limits of 20 a week. Looking for a job that caters towards your future career? Input this in to the site(s) you’re using, as they should push relevant local or remote part-time roles to your feed. What’s more, you’ll find you can tailor what you’re seeking by keying in your particular skills, such as having excellent interpersonal communication, to help match you to employment opportunities most relevant. Some sites even include one-off jobs – think flyering or cleaning – meaning no long-term commitment. Then there’s seasonal opportunities – the retail industry in particular sees a huge increase in job prospects in the run-up to Christmas.

THE DIRECT ROUTE

As well as going online to search for a part-time job, you could also try the direct route with your CV in person, especially when statistics show recruiters spend just six to eight seconds looking at CVs online. How to go about it? Visit shops, cafés, restaurants and anything else that interests you, choosing quieter periods so the manager has time to speak. And it’s not just about a job you’ve seen advertised – you can also head to local businesses that might not be actively advertising but could well be in need of extra help. Just be sure to introduce yourself, explain why you’re there, and make sure you’re speaking with the right person who could well take you on. You could also speak to friends and family to see if they know anyone hiring, and ask to be introduced this way; with referrals seven times more likely to be hired than those non-referred. And don’t forget about other job fairs besides student-specific ones. Attending local in-person recruitment events or career fairs are another great way to network – and hopefully find the right part-time work for you.

WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

When it comes to searching for employment, as a general rule student jobs tend to fall into retail/hospitality, campus/university roles, tutoring, and freelance. So, which is right for you? Working in a bar, restaurant, coffee shop or retail outlets tend to be more suited to those confident and comfortable dealing with customers, and who enjoy a fast-paced environment. Here you can benefit from evening and weekend shifts, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to leaving weekdays free for lectures. University jobs, meanwhile, are suited to a specific person depending on what job it is they apply for. Your university may need a part-time content creator for their social media, which is best suited towards someone outgoing and approachable, whereas working in the library leans towards organisation and someone who prefers not to be in the limelight. As for tutoring, you need patience – it may take a while for the person you tutor to get to where they need – while freelance work, such as a delivery driver, is ideal for someone who is self-disciplined, but who prefers working independently.

KEEP IN CONTROL

You’ve found your part-time job – but how do you manage your work/life balance so you don’t burn out, especially when a study revealed that 43% of students reported stress, anxiety or depression caused or worsened by work? It all starts with strict boundaries and smart scheduling, putting your degree first. Make sure your class times and independent study hours are non-negotiable, and don’t take on any shifts that clash with what you need to do. Keep an open communication with your employer, being clear about what you can and can’t do, as well as giving plenty of notice surrounding upcoming examinations. Try to stick to the maximum of 20 hours a week during term time to keep those grades in check – and don’t forget to factor in proper time for yourself, both in terms of your physical and mental wellbeing. Exercise should be a regular part of your routine – research revealed that 35% of people who exercise puts them in a good mood, while 30% also saying it made them feel less stressed. Make time for yourself – be it simple downtime at home or out socialising – and learn to say ‘no’, never picking up extra shifts if you have a major assignment deadline approaching. Because the last thing you need is for your grades to suffer.

5 employment apps

Handshake (Android, iOS, free)

An app for students that helps you find jobs, and connect with people and events that move your career forward.

Intelligent CV (Android, iOS, free)

Create a professional CV in a few minutes with more than 50 templates available, and step-by-step guidance.

Ogram (Android, iOS, free)

This gives you the tools to boost and manage your part-time career, giving you the ability to work across restaurants, hotels, bars, and more.

Interview Hammer (Android, iOS, free)

Get instant interview tips and guidance, while the mock interview practice giving you feedback on improving your tone and content in seconds.

pymetrics (Android, iOS, free)

Assessing cognitive and personality traits using a series of neuroscience games, this app recommends optimal career paths to job seekers.