Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Upon relocating to London as an international student, one soon realizes how costs such as rent, food, transportation, and tuition fees start to add up. You also encounter a transformation in professional culture, with novel approaches to working, communicating, and understanding creativity.
Part-time positions connected these realms for me, aiding in financial management and providing insights into the UK market from a marketing and customer experience viewpoint. My initial and most cherished position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing department. It felt surreal to be paid for generating content for a prestigious university, positively impacting my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team to produce content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms was a dream come true. It entailed storytelling and sharing the student experience, mastering institutional communication, and grasping the tone and authenticity for varied audiences.
This position opened up unexpected avenues, such as interviewing prominent figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. It all began with accepting a minor opportunity. The MORA team is nurturing, fostering creativity and innovation. If you are passionate about storytelling and content projects, this is one of the top part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are numerous methods to discover part-time employment at Imperial. I secured mine through Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CVs, mock interviews, and job searches. Employers seek dependability, initiative, and friendliness, not solely experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing work and study necessitates organization. I planned my shifts when my coursework was less demanding. Your degree should remain the priority, but a thoughtfully selected part-time job can enhance your education. My marketing classes felt more pertinent when related to real-world positions.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I explored diverse roles such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted distinct lessons. Roles in hospitality instilled genuine customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under pressure. These abilities have extended beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
From a financial perspective, part-time jobs were vital. I managed to pay for rent, travel, and living costs while saving a little. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during breaks, achieving a balance of income and downtime.
It is essential to comply with visa regulations, as exceeding work limits can impact visa status. Imperial offers guidance, and it is prudent to verify conditions before accepting employment.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial transcended simply earning an income. It fostered confidence, imparted professionalism in a new cultural setting, and connected me with a diverse array of individuals. Every job, from making coffee to crafting digital campaigns, delivers invaluable lessons for the future.
If you are embarking on your Master’s and contemplating managing finances while gaining experience, consider exploring part-time jobs early. A small “yes” today might open doors to larger experiences than you anticipate.
To learn more about my experiences, check out my Imperial story.