Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Relocating to London as an international student quickly highlights how costs such as rent, groceries, transportation, and tuition can pile up. Furthermore, the workplace culture feels remarkably different, featuring new methods of working, communicating, and interpreting creativity compared to my home country.
Part-time employment served as a bridge between these different worlds, assisting in financial management and offering perspective on the UK market, particularly from a marketing and customer experience viewpoint. My initial and most cherished role was as a MORA Content Creator with Imperial’s central marketing team. Being compensated to produce content for a prestigious university felt surreal and positively influenced my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team to generate content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms was a fantasy come true. It entailed storytelling and showcasing the student experience while learning about institutional communication and grasping the tone and authenticity that connect with varied audiences.
This position revealed unforeseen opportunities, including interviewing prominent figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. These interactions would not have come to fruition without accepting that first opportunity. The MORA team is supportive, motivating, and offers a creative environment for exploration. If you are passionate about storytelling and wish to get involved in captivating content projects, this is among the finest part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are numerous ways to seek part-time positions while enrolled at Imperial. I discovered mine through Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position you are vying for and demonstrate eagerness. Imperial’s Careers Service can support with CVs, mock interviews, and job hunts. Remember, employers appreciate reliability, initiative, and friendliness just as much as previous experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing work alongside classes necessitates organization. I arranged shifts for weeks with lighter class loads. Your degree should be the main focus, but a well-selected part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing coursework gained more significance when applied to actual job situations.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I experimented with various positions such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each job imparted distinct lessons. Work in hospitality provided insights into authentic customer service, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under stress. These abilities have proven invaluable beyond the café setting.
Financial independence and visa rules
Part-time jobs were essential financially, aiding in covering rent, travel, and living costs, with some savings. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during holidays, balancing earning and relaxation. It is essential to comply with visa restrictions, as exceeding work hours can compromise visa status. Imperial offers clear instructions, so verify conditions before accepting positions.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial exceeded mere financial gain; it fostered confidence, imparted professionalism within a new culture, and linked me with a diverse group of individuals. Whether serving coffee or developing digital campaigns, every position provides valuable insights for the future.
If you are embarking on your Master’s and pondering how to manage finances while obtaining real-world experience, seek part-time opportunities early. A small “yes” today might lead to significantly more enriched experiences.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.