When you get to London as an international student, the first thing that stands out is how swiftly expenses can pile up, ranging from rent and groceries to travel and tuition fees. The subsequent realization is the unique professional culture, where work etiquette, communication styles, and creativity are vastly different from those in your home country.
For me, part-time employment connected these two realms, aiding me in managing my finances while gaining insight into the UK market, especially within marketing and customer experience. My initial and most cherished position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing team. Being compensated for crafting 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 was a dream come true, as I supported the team and developed content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms. It required storytelling capabilities and sharing the student experience, grasping institutional communication, and recognizing the tone and authenticity that resonate with varied audiences.
This position provided unbelievable opportunities, such as interviewing public figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. Accepting that initial small chance paved the way for these experiences. The MORA team is encouraging, supportive, and provides a creative environment for experimentation. If you enjoy storytelling and want to engage in fascinating content projects, this stands out as one of the top part-time roles at Imperial.
**Finding part-time opportunities**
There are many avenues to secure part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I discovered mine via Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position you’re applying for and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can help with CVs, mock interviews, and job searches. Most part-time employers prioritize reliability, proactivity, and friendliness over mere experience.
**Balancing work and study**
Successfully juggling work and studies necessitates careful planning. I arranged my shifts around lighter class loads. Keep in mind that your degree takes precedence, but a well-suited part-time job can enhance your academic experience. My marketing coursework felt more pertinent when linked to actual job experiences.
**Exploring different part-time jobs**
Throughout my Master’s program, I explored various roles such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted unique lessons. Work in hospitality taught genuine customer service, patience, teamwork, and composure under pressure. These skills have been valuable well beyond the café counter.
**Financial independence and visa rules**
On the financial front, part-time jobs were vital, covering rent, travel, and living expenses while allowing for some savings. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, which helped me balance income and downtime. Following visa regulations is crucial, as exceeding work hours may jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear directions, and it’s prudent to verify conditions before accepting a position.
**Final thoughts**
Looking back on my part-time experience at Imperial, it was about more than just earning money. It was a journey of building confidence, understanding professionalism in a new cultural context, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether making coffee or developing digital campaigns, every position provides invaluable lessons for the future.
If you’re about to start your Master’s and are contemplating ways to manage your finances while gaining practical exposure, I suggest looking into part-time roles early. The small “yes” you commit to today could unlock experiences beyond what you can envision.
To discover more about my journey, 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