Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Relocating to London as an overseas student quickly highlights how costs can pile up, including rent, groceries, transportation, and tuition fees. Moreover, the work environment feels notably different, with unique methods of operating, communicating, and viewing creativity in contrast to my home country.
Part-time employment served as a bridge between these two realms for me, assisting in financial management while gaining insights into the UK market, especially regarding marketing and customer experience. My initial and most enjoyable position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing department. Getting paid to generate content for a prestigious university felt surreal and significantly impacted my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team was a dream come true, producing content that reached over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms. It required crafting narratives and sharing the student experience, mastering institutional communication, and grasping the tone and authenticity that resonates with varied audiences.
This position presented unforeseen opportunities, such as interviewing prominent figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. These experiences would not have been possible without embracing that initial chance. The MORA team is supportive, motivating, and encourages creative experimentation. If you are passionate about storytelling and eager to participate in engaging content projects, this is among the finest part-time positions at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
There are numerous avenues to discover part-time jobs while studying at Imperial. I found my position through Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs held during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the role and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CV crafting, mock interviews, and job searching. Employers look for dependability, initiative, and friendliness, not solely experience.
Balancing work and study
Juggling work and classes necessitates careful planning. I arranged shifts during periods when my class schedule was lighter. Your degree must take precedence, yet a well-selected part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing assignments felt more relevant when linked to actual job experiences.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I experimented with various jobs including waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted distinct lessons. The hospitality sector taught real customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under pressure. These capabilities have remained with me beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
Financially, part-time jobs were essential, covering rent, travel, and living expenses, along with some savings. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, balancing income with rest. It’s important to comply with visa regulations, as exceeding work hours can influence visa status. Imperial offers guidance, so always verify the conditions before accepting a position.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial transcended mere income; it was about cultivating confidence, grasping professionalism in a new culture, and connecting with diverse individuals. Every position, from preparing coffee to executing digital campaigns, imparts meaningful lessons for the future.
If you’re about to start your Master’s and are contemplating how to manage finances while gaining practical experience, consider part-time jobs early on. A small affirmative decision today could lead to significantly greater experiences than anticipated.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.