Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Upon relocating to London as an international student, the first aspect that strikes you is how rapidly expenses pile up, from housing and food to transportation and tuition fees. The next awareness is the unique professional culture, characterized by varied perceptions of work, communication, and creativity compared to your home country.
Part-time employment connected these two realms for me, aiding in financial management while gaining insight into the UK market, especially from a marketing and customer experience viewpoint. My inaugural and preferred position was as a MORA Content Creator with Imperial’s central marketing department. It was extraordinary to receive compensation for crafting content for a prominent university, positively influencing 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 turned reality. This role involved narrative creation and sharing the student journey, grasping institutional communication, as well as recognizing the tone and sincerity that appeal to varied audiences.
This position granted me incredible experiences, such as interviewing notable individuals like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. These opportunities would not have presented themselves without embracing that initial role. The MORA team is supportive and nurturing, offering a creative environment for experimentation. For those passionate about storytelling and participating in intriguing content projects, this represents one of the top part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
Numerous avenues exist to discover part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I secured my position through Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and the career fairs during Welcome Week. The essential strategy is to customize your CV for the specific position you’re targeting and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CV preparation, practice interviews, and job hunting. Most part-time employers prioritize reliability, initiative, and friendliness over mere experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing work alongside classes necessitates organization. I accepted shifts only when my class timetable was less demanding. Your degree remains the focal point, yet a wisely selected part-time job can enhance your educational journey. My marketing studies felt richer when linked to actual work experiences.
Exploring different part-time jobs
During my Master’s, I explored an array of positions, including waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each job imparted distinct lessons. Work in hospitality taught genuine customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under stress. These competencies have remained with me beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
From a financial standpoint, part-time jobs were incredibly beneficial, covering rent, travel, and living costs, along with some savings. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during break periods, facilitating an effective balance of income and rest. Adhering to visa regulations is crucial, as exceeding work limits can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial provides transparent guidance, so it’s important to confirm conditions before accepting employment.
Final thoughts
Looking back on my part-time experiences at Imperial, it was more than just earning an income. It revolved around cultivating self-confidence, acquiring professionalism in a new culture, and engaging with a diverse array of people. Whether it involved brewing coffee or developing digital campaigns, every role provided valuable insights for the future.
If you’re embarking on your Master’s and pondering how to balance finances while gaining practical exposure and experience, consider exploring part-time positions early on. A small affirmative decision today could lead to vastly greater experiences than you envision.
To learn more about my journey, read my Imperial story.