Authored by Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Relocating to London as an international student soon exposes one to the elevated living expenses, encompassing rent, groceries, transportation, and tuition fees. Another prominent transformation is the unique professional environment, showcasing novel approaches to working, communicating, and interpreting creativity compared to one’s home country.
Part-time employment aided me in connecting these two realms, allowing me to manage my finances and grasp the UK market, particularly through a marketing and customer experience lens. My inaugural and most cherished position was as a MORA Content Creator within Imperial’s central marketing unit. Being compensated to generate content for a prestigious university felt surreal and positively influenced my year.
The Journey to Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team, crafting content viewed by over 700,000 individuals on Imperial’s social media platforms was a dream come true. It entailed storytelling and relaying the student experience, absorbing institutional communication, and comprehending the tone and authenticity that resonate with various audiences.
This position presented unforeseen prospects, such as interviewing notable personalities like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. Embracing that minor chance led to greater opportunities. The MORA team is inviting, supportive, and encourages creative exploration. For those passionate about storytelling and participating in captivating content projects, this is among the finest part-time positions available at Imperial.
Locating Part-Time Opportunities
Imperial provides multiple avenues to discover part-time employment. I secured mine via Imperial’s internal job boards on JobsLive, LinkedIn, and during career expos in Welcome Week. Customize your CV for the position and express enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can help with CVs, mock interviews, and job hunts. Employers prioritize dependability, initiative, and amiability rather than just experience.
Balancing Work and Academics
Successfully juggling work and academics necessitates planning. I arranged shifts to correspond with lighter class loads. While your degree should take precedence, a well-selected part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing classes became more relevant when connected to real-world work experiences.
Experimenting with Various Part-Time Jobs
Throughout my Master’s program, I explored different roles such as waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each one imparted distinct lessons. Work in hospitality instilled genuine customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These abilities have remained with me long after leaving the café.
Achieving Financial Independence and Visa Regulations
From a financial perspective, part-time jobs were essential. I managed to cover my rent, transportation, and living costs, while also saving a portion. As an international student, I was permitted to work up to 20 hours weekly during term and full-time during breaks, allowing me to balance earnings and downtime.
It’s crucial to comply with visa stipulations, as exceeding work hours could jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers explicit guidance, and it’s prudent to confirm the conditions before accepting any position.
Concluding Thoughts
My part-time experience at Imperial encompassed more than just earning income. It fostered confidence, cultivated professionalism within a new culture, and connected me with a diverse array of individuals. Each role, whether serving coffee or developing digital campaigns, imparts invaluable lessons for the future.
If you are embarking on your Master’s and are curious about managing finances while gaining practical experience, consider seeking part-time roles early on. A small “yes” today could unlock greater opportunities than you can envision.
For more insights into my experiences, read my Imperial narrative.