Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Relocating to London as an international student swiftly unveils how costs can stack up, from rent and food to transportation and tuition fees. Another insight is the unique professional environment, where work styles, communication, and creativity vary from what I was accustomed to.
Part-time employment helped connect these two realms for me, aiding in financial management and familiarizing me with the UK market, particularly regarding marketing and customer experience. My first and favorite position was as a MORA Content Creator with Imperial’s central marketing team. Getting compensated to create content for a prestigious university was surreal and significantly enriched my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team and generating content for over 700,000 people across Imperial’s social media platforms was a dream come true. It entailed narrative crafting and sharing the student journey, learning institutional messaging, and grasping the tone and authenticity that connects with diverse audiences.
This position provided unforeseen opportunities, such as interviewing notable personalities like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. These experiences stemmed from accepting a minor opportunity. The MORA team is welcoming, supportive, and encourages creative experimentation. If you relish storytelling and wish to partake in captivating content projects, this is one of the finest part-time roles available at Imperial.
Finding part-time opportunities
Numerous avenues exist for discovering part-time employment while studying at Imperial. I located my job through Imperial’s internal job listings on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and career fairs during Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position and convey enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CVs, mock interviews, and job searches. Most part-time employers value reliability, initiative, and friendliness over just experience.
Balancing work and study
Managing a balance between work and classes necessitates strategic planning. I arranged shifts during periods when my class schedule was lighter. Your degree remains the priority, but a well-selected part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing coursework became more relevant when applied to real-world roles.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s, I engaged in various positions such as waiter, event coordinator, barista, and bartender. Each job imparted distinct lessons. Hospitality work taught me genuine customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These abilities have persisted beyond the café environment.
Financial independence and visa rules
Financially, part-time jobs were essential for me. I managed to pay for rent, transportation, and living costs, and set aside some savings. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, striking a balance between income and rest.
It’s crucial to comply with visa regulations, as exceeding work hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear guidance, so always verify conditions prior to accepting a position.
Final thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial extended beyond simply earning money. It built my confidence, imparted professionalism within a new culture, and connected me with a diverse array of individuals. Whether making coffee or crafting digital campaigns, every position provides essential lessons for the future.
If you’re beginning your Master’s and pondering how to balance finances while gaining practical experience, seek out part-time roles early. A small “yes” today could lead to significantly greater experiences than you would expect.
To learn more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.