Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Relocating to London as an international student swiftly demonstrates how costs can escalate, from housing and food to transportation and tuition fees. The professional environment also appears significantly distinct, with unfamiliar approaches to working, communicating, and interpreting creativity compared to my homeland.
For me, part-time positions connected these two realms, aiding me in financial management and gaining insights into the UK market, particularly regarding marketing and customer experience. My initial and most cherished position was as a MORA Content Creator with Imperial’s central marketing team. Being compensated to generate content for a prestigious university felt surreal and positively influenced my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Contributing to the team and producing content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social platforms made my experience with the MORA team a dream come true. It included storytelling and showcasing the student journey, learning institutional communication, and grasping tone and authenticity that appeal to a variety of audiences.
This position provided opportunities I never envisioned, such as interviewing notable figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of this would have been possible without accepting that initial chance. The MORA team is supportive, uplifting, and offers a creative environment to innovate. If you enjoy storytelling and desire to be involved in captivating content projects, this is one of the top part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are numerous avenues to discover part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I discovered mine via Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career events during Welcome Week. The trick is to customize your CV for the position and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service offers assistance with CVs, mock interviews, and job searches. Most part-time employers value dependability, initiative, and friendliness over mere experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing work and classes necessitates planning. I accepted shifts only when my class schedule was lighter. Keep in mind, your degree is the main focus, but a well-chosen part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing coursework felt more relevant when I observed those principles applied in actual jobs.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I explored various roles such as a waiter, event coordinator, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted something distinctive. Hospitality work taught me genuine customer service, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under stress. These insights and skills have remained with me beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
From a financial standpoint, part-time positions were invaluable, covering rent, travel, and living expenses, with some savings. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during vacations, maintaining a balance between income and relaxation. It’s essential to adhere to visa regulations, as surpassing working hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, and it’s prudent to verify requirements before accepting any position.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial was more than just financial gain. It was about cultivating confidence, mastering professionalism in a new culture, and engaging with diverse individuals. Whether crafting coffee or developing digital campaigns, every position imparts essential lessons for the future.
If you’re about to commence your Master’s and are contemplating how to navigate finances while acquiring real-world experience, I suggest looking into part-time positions early. The small “yes” you agree to today might unlock opportunities beyond your wildest expectations.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.