Should you get a part-time job while studying? 

Adjusting to life at university while finding the right balance between studying and social life can be hard. Throwing a part-time job into the mix may make that seem impossible.

However, working while studying can have a whole host of benefits. Especially, when it comes to applying for employment post-graduation. 

Benefits of working part-time

Building your CV

The biggest benefit of a part-time job for university students is building your CV. Being able to juggle your studies and work at the same time will develop your time management skills and show prospective employers you are a responsible individual. 

Graduation may seem a while off but it’ll be here quicker than you think. While working alongside your studies you’ll be building a professional skill set. 

Transferable skills such as; communication, problem-solving, and adaptability will all look great on a CV when it comes to applying for internships and grad jobs. 

New friends

Working part-time as a student will also introduce you to people you wouldn’t necessarily encounter. It will help expand your social circle out of the bubble that is University life. 

Jobs such as retail or hospitality are renowned for employing a sociable bunch of people. So, you might just land a job and a new best friend. 

Juggling work and university

Remember, university should always take priority. It's not an exact equation but, generally try to work less than 15 hours a week. Any more and you may find that you’re taking too much time away from your studies or social life. 

A big plus for working a part-time job as a university student is the flexibility that working part-time offers. Set your availability to work around your university schedule so they don’t clash. 

Where to look for jobs

When it comes to part-time jobs for students, the most understanding and flexible employer will usually be your University itself.

Keep an eye on your student union website for regular work such as in the student bar or on-campus shop. Or, for more ad-hoc work, get involved with your department regarding open days for campus and faculty tours. 

Most universities will also have a careers service that will be able to help track down student-friendly part-time work outside of the University. There are also specific websites dedicated to helping students find work. For creatives out there there are also opportunities to freelance online. 

A part-time job however isn’t the only way to build your CV while studying. Partaking in relevant voluntary work and extracurricular activities also builds your professional portfolio. With the opportunity to build industry-specific knowledge and skills which employers actively seek out. 

Working as an international student

For non-EEA nationals, in order to work while studying in Ireland, you must be registered with Stamp 2 permission. 

Working hours are capped at 20 per week (excluding university holidays). To find out more about working while studying in Ireland check out the latest government policy. 

Part-time job, full-time accommodation. 

So, having a part-time job while studying can not only build your future career prospects but also broaden your horizons, making your university experience unforgettable. Almost as unforgettable as great accommodation, which we’re always here to chat about.