Upon relocating to London as an international student, you’ll soon realize how costs such as accommodation, food, transportation, and tuition can pile up. Another observation is the unique professional environment, with fresh approaches to work, communication, and perceptions of creativity when compared to your country of origin.
Part-time employment bridged these two worlds for me, assisting with financial management and providing insight into the UK market, especially in marketing and customer experience. My initial and favorite position was as a MORA Content Creator with Imperial’s central marketing team. Being compensated for producing content for a prestigious university felt surreal and had a positive impact on my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team, I produced content for over 700,000 users on Imperial’s social media platforms, transforming it into a dream job. This role encompassed storytelling and relaying student experiences, mastering institutional communication, and grasping tones and authenticity that resonate with varied audiences.
This position presented surprising opportunities, such as interviewing prominent figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. These encounters would not have arisen without embracing that first chance. The MORA team is encouraging, supportive, and offers creative autonomy. If you have a passion for storytelling and are keen on content projects, this role stands out as one of the greatest part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
Numerous avenues exist for discovering part-time work at Imperial. I utilized Imperial’s internal job portals on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV to match the role and convey enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service offers assistance with CVs, mock interviews, and job searching. Employers prioritize reliability, initiative, and friendliness over prior experience.
Balancing work and study
Maintaining a balance between work and study necessitates organization. I arranged shifts for weeks with lighter course loads. Your degree should take precedence, but a well-suited part-time job can complement your studies. Applying marketing topics to real-world jobs made my coursework seem more relevant.
Exploring different part-time jobs
During my Master’s program, I explored various roles such as waitress, event coordinator, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted distinct skills. Work in hospitality taught me about customer service, patience, teamwork, and keeping composed under stress. These experiences have remained valuable beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
Part-time positions were essential for financial support, aiding in rent, travel, and living costs while enabling savings. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours weekly during the academic term and full-time during holidays, ensuring a balance between income and rest.
It is crucial to comply with visa regulations, as surpassing work hour limits can impact your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, and it’s prudent to confirm conditions prior to accepting any position.
Final thoughts
My part-time experiences at Imperial transcended mere financial gain. They fostered confidence, imparted professionalism in a new cultural context, and connected me with a diverse array of individuals. Whether serving coffee or developing digital campaigns, every role provided invaluable lessons for the future.
If you are embarking on your Master’s and contemplating financial management while gaining experience, start exploring part-time positions early. A small “yes” today could lead to surprisingly significant experiences.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.