By Vijay (India), MSc Strategic Marketing
Upon relocating to London as an international student, the first thing that stands out is how rapidly expenses can add up, including rent, groceries, travel, and tuition. The second insight is the unique professional environment, where work, communication, and creativity are viewed differently compared to my home country.
For me, part-time positions acted as a bridge between these two realms, assisting me in managing my finances and gaining insight into the UK market, especially regarding marketing and customer experience. My initial and favorite position was as a MORA Content Creator with the central marketing team at Imperial. It felt surreal to receive compensation for creating content for a prestigious university, and the experience significantly influenced my year.
Becoming a MORA Content Creator
Collaborating with the MORA team and producing content for over 700,000 individuals across Imperial’s social media platforms was a dream come true. It required storytelling skills and sharing the student experience, while also learning about institutional communication and grasping the tone and sincerity that resonate with varied audiences.
This position opened unexpected doors, including interviews with notable figures like Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty. None of these opportunities would have materialized had I not seized that first chance. The MORA team is welcoming, supportive, and encourages creative exploration. If you have a passion for storytelling and wish to participate in captivating content projects, this is among the finest part-time positions available 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 fairs during Welcome Week. The key is to customize your CV to the specific position you are applying for and demonstrate enthusiasm. Imperial’s Careers Service can assist with CV writing, mock interviews, and job searching. Employers look for more than just experience; they seek reliability, initiative, and a friendly demeanor.
Balancing work and study
Finding a balance between work and classes necessitates planning ahead. I arranged my shifts for periods when my course load was lighter. Keep in mind that your degree must come first, but a well-chosen part-time job can enhance your studies. My marketing assignments felt more relevant when I related those concepts to real-world job experiences.
Exploring different part-time jobs
Throughout my Master’s program, I engaged in a variety of jobs including waiter, event manager, barista, and bartender. Each position imparted unique lessons. Working in hospitality taught me genuine customer service skills, patience, teamwork, and how to remain composed under pressure. These insights have remained with me far beyond my time behind the café counter.
Financial independence and visa rules
From a financial perspective, part-time positions proved invaluable. I was able to cover rent, travel, and living expenses and even save some money. As an international student, I was allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, achieving a balance between earning and recharging.
Adhering to visa regulations is vital, as exceeding the allowed working hours can jeopardize your visa status. Imperial offers clear instructions, and it’s prudent to verify conditions before accepting any position.
Final thoughts
Looking back on my part-time experience at Imperial, it was about more than just earning income. It centered around building confidence, adapting to professionalism in a new culture, and making connections with diverse individuals. Whether I was brewing coffee or developing digital campaigns, every role provided valuable lessons for my future.
If you’re starting your Master’s and are curious about how to manage finances while gaining practical experience, I advise investigating part-time roles early on. A small “yes” today might lead to opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.
To discover more about my experiences, read my Imperial story.