Relocating to London as an international student quickly exposes one to the steep living costs, encompassing rent, groceries, transportation, and tuition fees. Moreover, the work culture is significantly different, featuring new methods of working, communicating, and interpreting creativity.
Part-time employment assisted me in bridging these two realms, balancing my finances while gaining insights into the UK market, particularly in marketing and customer service. My inaugural and preferred position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing team. Getting paid to produce content for a top university felt surreal and had a beneficial impact on my year.
Transitioning to a MORA Content Creator
In collaboration with the MORA team, I generated content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms. This role encompassed storytelling and conveying the student experience, mastering institutional communication, and appreciating the tone and authenticity required for varied audiences.
This position presented unforeseen opportunities, such as interviewing notable figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of these experiences would have been possible had I not embraced that initial opportunity. The MORA team is encouraging and stimulates creativity. If you have a passion for storytelling and participating in intriguing content projects, this is among the top part-time positions at Imperial.
Discovering part-time job opportunities
Numerous avenues are available to seek part-time work at Imperial. I utilized Imperial’s internal job platforms on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and attended career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position and express enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CV crafting, interview practice, and job hunting. Employers are looking for dependability, initiative, and friendliness, not just prior experience.
Managing work and studies
Successfully balancing work and academics necessitates planning. I arranged my shifts during lighter class days. Your degree should take precedence, but a thoughtfully chosen part-time job can enrich your studies. My marketing coursework felt more pertinent when applied to actual job situations.
Investigating various part-time roles
Throughout my Master’s program, I explored different positions such as waiter, event organizer, barista, and bartender. Each experience imparted something distinctive. Working in hospitality taught me about customer service, patience, teamwork, and remaining composed under stress. These competencies have remained with me beyond my time at the café.
Financial autonomy and visa regulations
From a financial perspective, part-time positions were vital. I managed to cover my rent, travel, and living costs, and even saved some money. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, maintaining a balance between income and relaxation.
Adhering to visa regulations is crucial, as surpassing allowable work hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidelines, and it’s prudent to verify conditions before accepting any employment.
Concluding reflections
My part-time experience at Imperial transcended mere financial gain. It fostered confidence, introduced professionalism in a new culture, and connected me with a variety of individuals. Every job, from making coffee to developing digital campaigns, imparts valuable insights for the future.
If you’re commencing your Master’s and considering how to manage finances while gaining experience, seek part-time roles early on. A simple “yes” today could evolve into significantly greater opportunities than you ever anticipated.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.