Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Upon relocating to London as an international student, the first insight is how swiftly costs add up, from rent and food to transportation and educational fees. The next insight is the unique professional environment. The methods of working, communicating, and viewing creativity vary greatly from my home country.
For me, part-time positions connected these two realms. They assisted me in managing my finances and grasping the UK market, particularly regarding marketing and customer experience. My inaugural and favorite position was as a MORA Content Creator with the central marketing team at Imperial. It felt surreal to be compensated for generating content for a prominent university, significantly influencing my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Contributing to the team and developing content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms made collaborating with the MORA team a dream come true. It was centered around storytelling and communicating the student journey, mastering institutional communication, and appreciating the tone and authenticity that connects with varied audiences.
This position presented unforeseen opportunities, like interviewing well-known figures such as Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. Such experiences would not have materialized without embracing that initial opportunity. The MORA team is welcoming, supportive, and fosters creative exploration. If you enjoy storytelling and wish to partake in captivating content initiatives, this is one of the premier part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are numerous avenues to discover part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I secured mine via Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career expos during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position you’re targeting and express genuine enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service is available to assist with your CV, interview preparations, and job hunts. Always keep in mind, employers value reliability, initiative, and friendliness in addition to experience.
Balancing work and study
Successfully juggling work and classes necessitates organization. I accepted shifts only when my course schedule was less demanding. Your degree takes precedence, yet a thoughtfully selected part-time role can enhance your academic experience. My marketing studies felt significantly more relevant as I applied those theories in practical jobs.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I experimented with a variety of roles, including waiter, event coordinator, barista, and bartender. Each job imparted distinctive lessons. The hospitality sector instilled in me the essence of customer service, patience, teamwork, and composure under stress. These insights and skills continue to benefit me well beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
On a financial level, part-time roles proved to be a lifesaver. I managed to cover my rent, transportation, and living costs, and even set aside some savings. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holiday breaks, striking a balance between earnings and downtime.
Adhering to visa regulations is vital since exceeding working hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, and it is prudent to verify conditions before accepting any employment.
Final thoughts
Reflecting on my part-time experiences at Imperial, it was about much more than just earning money. It encompassed building self-assurance, acquiring professionalism in a fresh culture, and establishing connections with a diverse range of individuals. Whether it was preparing coffee or designing digital campaigns, each position has imparted essential lessons for the future.
If you are embarking on your Master’s and considering how to handle finances while gaining practical exposure and experience, I highly suggest pursuing part-time roles early on. That small “yes” today could lead to significantly greater opportunities.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.