University College Plymouth St Mark & St John

The Benefits

Many students view part time work as simply a way of providing a useful additional income to supplement their student loan.  Any work experience enables you to develop essential transferable skills and enhances your employability to future prospective employers.  So, that bar job you took in the first year of your studies provides evidence of your “ability to work within a team, resolve conflicts and maintain high standards of customer service”.  If you have a particular career in mind, your choice of work could be used to reflect this.  For example, if your aim is to work within sport, a part-time post as a receptionist in a leisure centre would give you an insight into an aspect of the industry.  Part time work can also be a great way to meet new people and improve your social networks.

The Pitfalls

When considering taking part time work, you should be conscious of the impact that this could have on your studies.  Although your timetable of lectures and seminars may initially appear to leave you with time to spare, this is because there is a greater focus on self-study.  Beware also of over-committing yourself during vacations when you may have assignments and revision to factor in.  Outside work commitments are not an acceptable reason for absence from timetabled sessions and missed deadlines.  Employment that allows for more flexibility, such as jobs within the hospitality sector, may enable you to combine work and study effectively. 

Your Rights

Even if you are employed on a casual, part time basis, you are entitled to certain employment benefits, such as minimum wage.  If you are in any doubt as to your terms and conditions, you should contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Vacancy Sources

Part time vacancies are advertised in the same places as full time posts, such as local newspapers, recruitment agencies and websites and the Job Centre.  Additionally, there are several websites specialising in employment for students, such as e4s.  Keep an eye out for flyers, shop window advertisements and supermarket notice boards.

Speculative Approach

Many part time vacancies are not advertised, due to the expense that this involves.  Often, it is a case of ‘being in the right place at the right time’.  You can increase your chances of finding employment by ensuring that all your friends and family know you are looking for work.  If a vacancy arises, personal contacts can provide a useful ‘foot in the door’.

The direct approach can be a very effective job search method, showing initiative and motivation.  Arm yourself with an appropriate CV, i.e. not a ‘graduate’ CV, but one that focuses on your work experience and relevant skills, and be prepared to answer questions about yourself on the spot.  Make sure you dress to impress and demonstrate your interpersonal skills.  This type of approach works well for businesses connected with the service industry, such as hotels, restaurants and bars.  If this approach feels a bit too direct for you, you may be more comfortable sending your CV to prospective employers, with a covering letter detailing the type of position you are seeking and what you can offer.  It is usually more effective to send your application to a ‘named’ person and then perhaps to follow up your letter with a telephone call a few days later.