When you reach London as an international student, the first thing that strikes you is how expenses pile up rapidly, from rent and groceries to travel and tuition. The second insight is the unique professional culture, where the way of working, communicating, and expressing creativity feels completely different from your home country.
For me, part-time positions acted as a link between these two environments. They enabled me to manage my budget and gain insight into the UK market, especially concerning marketing and customer experience. My initial and favorite position was as a MORA Content Creator with the central marketing team at Imperial. Being compensated for creating content for a prestigious university was surreal and had a positive impact on my entire year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Supporting the team and producing content viewed by over 700,000 users across Imperial’s social media platforms was a dream come true. It revolved around storytelling and sharing the student journey, mastering institutional communication, and grasping the tone and authenticity that resonates with varied audiences.
This position provided opportunities I never envisioned, including interviewing public figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of this would have materialized without accepting that initial opportunity. The MORA team is welcoming, supportive, and provides a creative environment to innovate. If you enjoy storytelling and wish to participate in engaging content projects, this is one of the premier part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are various avenues to discover part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I secured mine through Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. The essential factor is to customize your CV for the position and express 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 rather than just experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing work alongside classes necessitates planning. I only accepted shifts when my class workload was lighter. Your degree should remain your foremost priority, but a well-chosen part-time job can enhance your academic experience. My marketing assignments felt more relevant when I encountered those concepts in real-world settings.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I explored various positions such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each one imparted unique lessons. Working in hospitality taught me genuine customer service, patience, teamwork, and composure under pressure. These lessons and skills have remained with me beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
From a financial perspective, part-time jobs were essential. I managed to pay my rent, travel, and living costs while also saving some money. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks, balancing income with relaxation.
It is vital to adhere to visa regulations, as exceeding working hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, and it’s prudent to verify conditions before accepting any position.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial extended beyond merely making money. It was about gaining confidence, learning professionalism in a new cultural context, and connecting with diverse individuals. Whether brewing coffee or crafting digital campaigns, every role imparts valuable lessons for the future.
If you’re beginning your Master’s and contemplating how to manage finances while acquiring real-world experience, start exploring part-time roles early. The small “yes” you say today could lead to experiences beyond your wildest dreams.
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