Upon relocating to London as an international student, the first observation is how swiftly costs pile up, ranging from housing and food to transportation and tuition fees. The following realization is the unique work culture, with differing approaches to working, communicating, and interpreting creativity compared to my home country.
For me, part-time employment connected these realms, supporting my finances and providing insights into the UK market, particularly in marketing and customer experience. My first and most cherished position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing team. Being compensated to create content for a prestigious university felt surreal and significantly impacted my year.
**Becoming a MORA Content Creator**
Assisting the team and generating content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media was a dream come true. It entailed storytelling and sharing the student journey, acquiring institutional communication skills, and grasping the tone and authenticity that appeal to a variety of audiences.
This position yielded unexpected prospects, such as interviewing notable personalities like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of these experiences would have occurred without embracing that initial opportunity. The MORA team is welcoming and supportive, offering a creative environment to explore. If you enjoy storytelling and wish to engage in intriguing content projects, this role is among the top part-time positions at Imperial.
**Finding part-time opportunities**
There are numerous means 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 held during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position you are targeting and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can help with CV preparation, mock interviews, and job hunting. Most part-time employers look for dependability, initiative, and a friendly demeanor, not solely experience.
**Balancing work and study**
Managing work and coursework necessitates organization. I arranged shifts for times when my class load was lighter. Your degree remains the priority, yet a strategically chosen part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing courses felt more relevant when related to actual work 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 distinct lessons. Hospitality roles taught me genuine customer service, patience, collaboration, and maintaining composure under pressure. These insights have stayed with me beyond the café environment.
**Financial independence and visa rules**
From a financial perspective, part-time jobs were essential. They helped cover my rent, travel, and living costs, with some savings as well. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during breaks, balancing income and rest periods.
Compliance with visa conditions is vital, as exceeding allowed working hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear instructions, and it’s prudent to review your conditions before taking a job.
**Final thoughts**
Looking back on my part-time experience at Imperial, it was about more than just earning money. It fostered confidence, taught professionalism in a different culture, and connected me with a diverse range of individuals. Whether making coffee or developing digital campaigns, each role imparted invaluable lessons for the future.
If you’re beginning your Master’s and are curious about managing finances while gaining hands-on experience, consider exploring part-time jobs early. A small “yes” today could lead to far more enriching experiences than you can envision.
To discover 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