When you land in London as an international student, the first thing you realize is how rapidly expenses pile up, from housing and groceries to transport and tuition fees. The next observation is the unique professional environment. The manner in which individuals work, communicate, and view creativity is completely different from your home country.
For me, part-time positions connected these two realms. They aided me in managing my finances and comprehending the UK market, particularly from the angles of marketing and customer experience. My inaugural and favorite position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing team. It felt surreal to earn money while crafting content for a prestigious university, and the experience significantly influenced my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Assisting the team and producing content that reached over 700,000 viewers across Imperial’s social media platforms made my time with the MORA group a dream come true. It wasn’t merely about filming or writing – it focused on storytelling and conveying the student journey, learning how prominent institutions communicate, and grasping the tone and authenticity that resonate with varied audiences.
Through this position, I encountered opportunities I never expected, such as interviewing notable figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of this would have been possible had I not accepted that small opportunity. The MORA team is welcoming, supportive, and provides you the creative freedom to explore. If you have a passion for storytelling and wish to engage in intriguing content projects, this is among the top part-time opportunities at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
Numerous avenues exist for discovering part-time work while enrolled at Imperial. I secured mine through Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. The essential point is to customize your CV for the specific role you’re applying for and to demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with your CV, interview preparation, and job searches. Keep in mind, most part-time employers value reliability, proactivity, and friendliness over mere experience.
Balancing work and study
Juggling work and classes necessitates planning. I only accepted shifts when my academic schedule was less demanding. Remember, your degree comes first, but a well-selected part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing coursework felt much more relevant when I could see those concepts in action within real-world jobs.
Exploring different part-time jobs
During my Master’s, I explored various positions such as waiter, event coordinator, barista, and bartender. Each job imparted something distinctive. My experience in hospitality taught me genuine customer service, instilling patience, teamwork, and composure in hectic situations. These insights and skills have stayed with me beyond my time at the café.
Financial independence and visa rules
On a financial note, my part-time positions proved to be a crucial support. I was able to cover rent, transportation, and living costs, and even managed to save a little. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks, which sufficiently balanced income and downtime.
It’s vital to adhere to visa rules vigilantly, as exceeding work hours may jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear instructions, and it’s prudent to verify conditions before accepting any employment.
Final thoughts
Reflecting on my part-time journey at Imperial, it was about more than just earning money. It was about fostering confidence, acquiring professionalism in a new cultural setting, and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Whether preparing coffee or developing digital campaigns, every position imparts invaluable lessons for the future.
So, if you’re embarking on your Master’s and pondering how to handle finances while gaining real-world insight and experience, I suggest looking into part-time roles early. You may discover that the small “yes” you offer today could lead to opportunities far beyond your imagination.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under Careers, Part-time job, postgraduate student life
Tagged part-time work, postgraduate work, student jobs, working as a student, working as an international student