It’s a dog eat dog world out there. Getting hired is hard after graduation, and the job market is becoming more competitive. To top it off, prospective employers do not want to spend time and money on training. So during that job interview, they do not only look at your academic qualifications, they also check to see if you have the right attitude and soft skills to be a valuable asset to their business.
But how do you improve your employability when you can’t commit to full-time employment? Internships, part-time and temporary jobs are great ways to get some work experience on your CV. Gaining work experience as a student can be crucial because it provides you with the opportunity to acquire and hone skills that will make you more attractive to employers after graduation. Still not convinced? Here are a couple of reasons why you ought to consider working and studying at the same time.
Benefits of Working while Studying
Learn the Art of Networking
Making connections with professionals within your field of study or desired career path is ideal and can help you make a successful career for yourself. These people could lend a hand by pointing you in the right direction or by simply recommending you to prospective employers.
However, if you get a job outside your field of study, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t network. When it comes to professional networking, you never know how the connections you make can help you later on or throughout your career. But do remember, building a network isn’t just about what others can do for you it’s also about being willing and open to do things for others.
Improvement of Time Management Skills
No matter the industry you hope to work in after graduation, you may find yourself in a fast-paced, demanding position. Learning how to prioritise your time is an important soft skill that will help you succeed in the workplace.
Holding down a job while studying is challenging, you would need to carefully plan out the week to make time to study. If you can pull this off, you’re not only working harder but smarter too. It can be an invaluable experience and will make adjusting to the corporate world after graduation much easier.
Get to Test Things Out
By having a job, you develop a better idea of what you enjoy or don’t enjoy. Also if you’re able to land a job within your field of study, it allows you to test the waters before you actually set sail into them. Many courses lead to career opportunities in multiple industries after graduation. For example, mass communication leads to careers in fields quite different from one another like publishing, advertising, film-making and much more. So if a mass communication graduate would have to choose which of these careers is best suited to them, it will be easier for them to decide if they have some sort of experience in the field. It’s best to figure out your field of interest before you start working, because once you’re a working professional, changing fields can be tough.
But before you jump on board, here are some things to consider.
1. Can you Handle It?
Before you start applying, create a schedule that includes your classes, study time and extracurricular activities to get a realistic idea of how much time you do have available for a part-time job. Keep in mind that there are always unforeseen circumstances that can also eat up your time.
Everyone’s different in what they can handle. If it’s too much, it’s better to back out then to overcommit and be unable to deliver on your responsibilities.
2. Will it be Worth it?
Not all jobs are created equal as some offer more valuable work experience and even provide you with valuable contacts and exposure. You have to ask yourself what you’re looking for in a college job. Is it for the paycheck? Or could it be a valuable headstart for your career? If a job doesn’t meet your requirements, you may want to reconsider taking it. It’s important that your part-time work enhances your goals rather than hampers them.
To conclude,
Working while studying has its advantages, if you feel that you’re up for the challenge, there are many suitable types of jobs for students like being a student assistant. Check out Jooble or Jobsora, great jobs portal that has many job listings for students. But if you feel this is not for you, you can opt for volunteering work or online education to upskill yourself. If you need help with your CV/resume, EduReviews is here to help!
Would you consider taking up a job while studying? Also, if you have any personal experiences that you would like to share, let us know in the comment box below.
