When relocating to London as an international student, the first thing that may catch your attention is how rapidly costs accumulate, from rent and food to travel and tuition. The second insight is the unique professional culture, where work, communication, and creativity are viewed differently than in your home country.
For me, part-time employment connected these two worlds, aiding in financial management and gaining an understanding of the UK market, particularly in regards to marketing and customer experience. My inaugural and preferred position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing team. It felt surreal to receive compensation for generating content for a prestigious university, an experience that greatly enhanced my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Assisting the team and producing content viewed by over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms was a dream come true. It entailed storytelling and conveying the student experience, learning about institutional communication, and grasping the tone and authenticity that connects with varied audiences.
This position opened unexpected doors, such as interviewing notable figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of these experiences would have materialized without my initial agreement to that opportunity. The MORA team is supportive, encouraging, and fosters creative exploration. If you are passionate about storytelling and want to participate in engaging content projects, this is among the best part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are numerous avenues to discover part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I found my position through Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the role you are applying for and display enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CV preparation, interview practice, and job hunting. Most part-time employers look for reliability, initiative, and friendliness, not solely experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing work alongside classes requires organization. I accepted shifts only when my class schedule was less demanding. Keep in mind that your degree is the primary focus, but a well-selected part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing coursework became more relevant when I observed those concepts applied in real-world jobs.
Exploring different part-time jobs
During my Master’s, I explored a variety of jobs such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each job imparted something distinctive. Hospitality roles taught me true customer service, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under pressure. These insights and skills have remained with me beyond the café setting.
Financial independence and visa rules
From a financial standpoint, part-time positions were a crucial support, helping to cover rent, travel, and living costs, with some savings. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods, managing income alongside rest. It’s essential to adhere to visa regulations closely, as exceeding work hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, so always verify conditions before accepting a position.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial extended beyond mere earnings. It was about building confidence, learning professionalism in a different culture, and connecting with a diverse array of people. Whether making coffee or developing digital campaigns, every position imparts valuable lessons for the future.
If you’re beginning your Master’s and contemplating how to handle finances while acquiring real-world exposure, start looking into part-time positions early. A small “yes” today might lead to opportunities far beyond your expectations.
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