The Iglu Guide | Blog
7 reasons to work while you study
Starting out at university is an exciting time of life, an important first step towards independent living. But it can also bring about an element of stress as you manage a new environment, learn how to balance your time and meet a whole new set of people. Many students decide to take on a part time job while at university, whether that’s to help out with the bills, widen their network or prepare for life on the outside. Here’s 7 reasons how getting a job at uni can benefit you both now and into the future.
1. Beat the rising costs
It’s no secret that everyday prices have been putting the squeeze on households around Australia, and students are no exception. Having a little bit of extra income to put towards tuition fees, student accommodation and living expenses is a no brainer – and something that can really help lift the financial pressure. When you first arrive at university, it can be a real shock to discover what it actually costs to house, clothe, and feed yourself in the real world. Learning to acclimatise to your new environment and balance the budget at the same time is a skill that takes some time to master. Securing a part time job gives students the opportunity to enjoy a little extra money along the way, safe in the knowledge that you definitely have it covered if you ever want to reward your efforts.
2. Gain useful skills and experience
Getting a part time job as a student can actually prove extremely useful for the future, as it provides valuable work experience and transferable skills that will help you stand well out from the crowd. No matter what the position entails, whether it’s retail, service-industry or office-based, it will always require a certain set of skills. Think communication abilities, personal interaction, time management, commitment and adaptability. The list is endless – and applicable to almost any working environment. If you manage to secure an industry internship while at university, this will further strengthen your resumé and enhance your prospects for future employment – as well as demonstrating that you have real ambition and dedication to your chosen industry.
3. Improve your confidence
Taking on new responsibilities in a workplace environment is a big step for many students – and a great way to build inner confidence and understand where your strengths truly lie. It also gives students another huge advantage for the future, by highlighting any skills that might need a bit more development and attention. We all have a vague theoretical idea about what we might be good at, or enjoy most. Putting it to the real-life test can often reveal some interesting truths. Gaining insight into your own abilities is a valuable way to guide your thoughts around future careers and opportunities. And having the relevant experience to back up your thoughts is the best way to improve self-confidence and belief – and something that will shine through to a potential employer.
4. Grow your network
The very idea of networking while at uni is enough to make most students scuttle straight back into their rooms. But if you think about this activity in its most simplest form, it’s really just about establishing connections with other people. And actually, that’s something that we are all doing for much of the day, whether in real life or on social media. Getting a job as a student exposes you to a whole new environment, and a social world that you would not ordinarily come across at university or in your student accommodation. You’ll meet people from all different situations and backgrounds that may be entirely new to your world of thinking. It helps broaden your mind to new opportunities, and you never know who may be a useful contact to have in the future. Growing your network doesn’t have to be a specific outcome from working, so don’t let this aspect put you off. But it is often a natural by-product that can prove hugely beneficial when you finish university and are looking to explore different opportunities.
5. Enhance your time management
When you first head off to university, understanding how to manage your time efficiently can be a real challenge. Whilst studying will always be the top priority for most students, part of the learning process is about working out how to make the rest of your life work efficiently. Finding time to get the laundry done, stock up on food supplies or clean the house are all everyday tasks that will need regular attention alongside your academic requirements – and this can seem like a full time job in itself! If a part time job might seem a bridge too far right now, you’ll soon discover that working can actually help you become more organised with your free time – and you’ll really start to appreciate the free time that you do have. Remember there are sensible legal limitations in place, and as a student studying in Australia you are only permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight.
6. Enjoy your independence
Having a job while studying means that you have to develop top notch organisational skills, and that’s across all areas of your life. Think time, money, studying and social life. Packaged up together, these aspects all contribute to a growing sense of independence as you start to manage your life efficiently and effectively in every way. Meeting new people, gaining new skills, taking responsibility for your budget and how you spend it are all important aspects required to lead an independent adult life – all while fulfilling against your academic criteria.
7. Taste financial freedom
The best part about working is having a stable cash flow, and a little window into how you can begin to take control of your financial future. The university years are undoubtedly an expensive time, with certain fixed costs such as tuition and student accommodation to take account of. Whilst many students use loans and financial aid to help make it all happen, a part time job is a great way to ease the process and make university life more fun. You might want to try out something new, upgrade your laptop, or explore the area. Having the ability to make those independent decisions is one of the most rewarding aspects of working while you study.
Not sure what job’s right for you? Check out these tried and tested options.
