Working While Studying : Part-Time Jobs and Internships

University life is full of excitement and challenges. Balancing lectures, assignments, and social events can make finding time for work experience feel overwhelming.

This guide explores top part-time jobs and internships for UK university students, tips for balancing work with studies, and ways to maximise these opportunities.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance your career prospects or need extra financial support, this guide will help you choose the right path and make informed choices.

Is working while studying the right choice ?

Balancing work and studies can be tough, so understanding your reasons for working is essential. Students often take on jobs for various reasons, and the benefits can be significant.

University life offers a chance to become financially independent, but managing expenses isn’t always easy. Many students take part-time jobs to supplement their income and ease financial pressure. These roles often provide flexible hours, making it easier to balance work with studies while earning to support your needs.

Part-time jobs and internships also help you gain valuable experience in your field of interest, enhancing your CV. If you already know your career path, applying for internships or relevant roles can give you an edge when seeking full-time opportunities after graduation.

Additionally, these jobs help you build key skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork, and communication. Even if your role isn’t directly related to your future career, these transferable skills will prove invaluable in the long run.

How to balance working while studying ?

Thinking about taking on a part-time job or internship? One of the first things to plan is how you’ll manage your time effectively.

University life is already a balancing act, with classes, studying, social activities, and extracurriculars all competing for your attention.
Start by assessing whether your current schedule can accommodate a job or internship.

If it feels overwhelming, you might need to adjust your commitments to make room. To help you manage this balance, here are some useful tips to ensure you stay on top of your responsibilities while making the most of your opportunities.

• Set Your Priorities :Start by listing everything you need to accomplish for the week and rank your tasks by importance. This will help you organise your time and create a practical plan that ensures high-priority items get done first.
• Use University Support Services : Universities often offer career guidance through their career offices, where you can explore internships and discuss future job prospects. They’re a great place to find leads! You’ll also find resources like tutoring sessions and workshops to help you manage your academic workload alongside part-time work or an internship.
• Cut Down on Travel Time : Consider how much time you spend commuting to work and university. If it’s excessive, balancing your schedule could become harder. Moving closer to campus might save time and give you more freedom to focus on studying and other commitments.

Difference between part-time work and internships

Internships: A Path to Practical Learning – The main purpose of internships is to extend your education into a professional setting. They are designed for students, recent graduates, or career changers to gain hands-on experience in a specific field, bridging the gap between theory and real-world practice.

Part-Time Jobs: Focused on Earning Income – Part-time jobs are primarily about earning money. While they can help develop valuable skills and work experience, they don’t always align with your field of study or career goals. The focus is typically on income rather than career-specific growth.

Why Choose an Internship?

• Enhance Your Resume: Internships add weight to your resume, helping you stand out in job applications after graduation.
• Gain Real-World Experience: They offer hands-on opportunities to apply classroom learning directly in your industry.
• Build Your Network: Internships provide a platform to connect with professionals in your field, opening doors to future career opportunities.

If you’ve decided an internship is the right move for you, here’s how to make it happen.

Most universities provide career centres with tailored resources such as job boards, internship fairs, and personalised guidance, making them a great starting point for finding opportunities that align with your career goals.

Additionally, online platforms like LinkedIn, Gradcracker, RateMyPlacement, Prospects, and Internwise offer an extensive range of internships and job listings, allowing you to explore options from the comfort of your device.

If you have a specific company in mind, their website is worth checking for job openings and contact details. Even if they aren’t hiring, sending a thoughtful email to express your interest can demonstrate initiative and help you stand out.

Types of Internships in the UK

Choosing the right type of internship depends on your schedule, career goals, and stage of study. Here are some options to consider:

• Summer Internships: Typically 8-12 weeks long, these are ideal for gaining hands-on experience during the summer break.
  Part-Time Internships: Designed to fit around your studies, these offer flexibility and allow you to gain work experience during term time.
• Virtual Internships: Remote roles are perfect for those unable to commute or relocate, offering valuable experience from home.
• Graduate Internships: Targeted at recent graduates, these last 3-12 months and can often lead to permanent employment.
• Placement Year Internships: Often integrated into your course, these year-long opportunities occur between your second and third years and provide in-depth experience.

Choosing the Right Internship

When deciding on an internship, consider your workload, where you are in your degree, and your long-term goals. Think about what you hope to achieve—whether it’s hands-on experience, networking, or exploring an industry—and select an option that fits your needs.

Where can you find a Part Time Job

Taking on a part-time job while studying is a fantastic way to earn extra cash and gain valuable experience. Many students find flexible and rewarding opportunities in industries like retail, which includes roles in supermarkets, boutiques, and bookshops.

Hospitality is another popular choice, offering jobs in bars, restaurants, cafés, and hotels for those who enjoy fast-paced, customer-focused environments. Administration roles, such as receptionist, secretary, or office assistant, are ideal for building organisational skills.

Balancing a part-time job with your studies not only helps cover expenses but also provides practical experience that can benefit you in the future.

Students have access to various free resources to help them find a part-time job that fits their needs. University job boards are a great starting point, offering roles tailored specifically for students.

Online platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn provide a wide range of job listings to explore. Additionally, recruitment agencies can connect students with suitable opportunities, making the job search process even easier.

Working while studying a postgraduate degree

If you’ve decided to take on a job or internship alongside your postgraduate studies, it’s essential to plan how it will fit into your schedule. Postgraduate diplomas often require a significant time commitment, similar to a full-time job, which can make balancing work challenging. However, there are ways to manage both.

Many postgraduate programmes offer part-time options, enabling you to study and work simultaneously. These courses typically have lower yearly fees but may cost more overall due to the extended study period. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available for international students, as a full-time student visa is required for studying in the UK.

To find the right balance, consider your available time and look for roles with flexible hours, evening shifts, or freelance opportunities. Remote jobs are another excellent choice for gaining experience while studying, as they eliminate commuting and often provide greater flexibility depending on the role.

Balancing work and studies can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to build valuable skills, gain experience, and earn extra income. Part-time jobs and internships offer flexibility, allowing you to manage your academic workload while preparing for your future career.

Whether you’re looking to improve your CV, expand your network, or simply ease financial pressures, there’s a range of options to suit your schedule and goals. By planning wisely and exploring the resources available, you can find the right opportunity that fits your needs. Working while studying is a step toward personal growth and professional success.

If you are looking for student accommodation for the next year, then be sure to check out the EVO student’s website and find your next home away from home with ease!

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