What is a student’s biggest worry, other than passing their degree? Well ask most students this and I’ll bet the majority of them will say that money is their biggest worry as a student. So as a student, what do you do about this? Turn into an alcoholic… well some might I suppose, but most students will try to find part time jobs, student jobs or even summer jobs to give them that extra bit of income that they need.
So in light of these thoughts, I decided to go and investigate what it is like, how easy it is, how difficult it is for a student to get a part time job. As a young person myself I know plenty of students who have had part time jobs in Leeds, part time jobs in Cumbria, part time jobs in Newcastle and many other places, so I had plenty of research subjects to prey on.
My first port of call was to go on a night out with some of the Northumbria University student jobseekers, which basically translates as a night out where you hardly spend a penny. I’d had plenty of previous experience in this field, but when you are out with a purpose to learn things you never knew about a lifestyle that you are so used to and involved in, it felt pretty different. On my first bit of prey, I dropped into a conversation the question ‘How do you cope for money when you’re in full time education, have rent and bills to pay and more things like nights out and food?’ The response I got wasn’t what I expected, they simply said they don’t cope at times, they have their student loans and they get a weekly allowance from their parents, but it’s still not enough.
By pure coincidence, the next thing I knew I was standing at a bar on Newcastle quayside chatting to a person who was trying to recruit students to take up holiday jobs which can lead to graduate jobs. I wasn’t drunk at this time, so yes it was a real funny coincidence. This person was talking about how it’s so difficult to recruit uni students due to their already hectic schedules. I then actually introduced one of my student friends to this person and to my ultimate satisfaction, I found that less than a couple of hours into this night out, I’d already got one of my friends a part time student job.
We then proceeded to a strange little establishment that I can only best describe as, well… a strange little establishment. I never even knew this place existed, yet there I was partying on down on a dance floor with a man with a withered arm and a woman on what appeared to be a dog lead – they were doing this strange hop along dance move. It was good entertainment to be fair and it seemed to have all the students’ enthusiasm and attention, so it was all good fun. Well in this strange little establishment I started talking to the woman who to my astonishment actually was on a dog lead (fashion accessory i guess), and she was saying about her daughter who had went off to Uni in Leeds and had managed to find part time jobs in Leeds that were relevant to her course which ironically was fashion. This gave me food for thought indeed, so the night went from strength to strength and then before i knew it i was being told it was time to call it a night. So as we all slumped back home in the bright light of the early morning with professionals on their way to work looking at us as if we were some sort of unique and wild species, all I could think about was what could be done to give students a better chance of finding student jobs, holiday jobs, summer jobs, and part time jobs.
The next morning, or should I say afternoon, I went online and started searching for a service that could help with what I am trying to find. Then after a few minutes of browsing I came across a website called www.ukstudentjobs.com, whose motto was ‘Discover new jobs to fit in with your student life’ BINGO! I’d found what I was looking for, a very colourful and artistic little corner of the internet which was dedicated to helping students within the UK to find part time jobs, summer jobs and even graduate jobs. So I would suggest that if you’re a student reading this, give UKstudentjobs.com a go because not only is it an ideal service, the help and support from their support team is second to none.
By Ben Little ©
By: Daaaaavid
Posts Tagged ‘Student Loans’
A Student’s Guide to Getting Part Time Jobs/student Jobs When at University or College
November 5th, 2009The Benefits Of Student Jobs
October 29th, 2009It is a common occurrence for students to have jobs while working toward graduating college. Many have realized with the consistent increase in college tuition, jobs are the only way to afford postsecondary educations.
Holding down a job while enrolled in college can be very stressful for a student. College departments that offer student jobs tend to have a better understanding of the academic demands that are placed on the students that they hire. Since many of the college departments only hire for part time help, it is not hard for them to work around their schedules. Other employers, that are not part of the college environment, may not be as willing to work around class schedules.
Finding student jobs on campus can be beneficial. Students, who are able to help run the campus, are more likely to adjust to college life.. Jobs on campus are a great way for students to meet other students and get to know their peers and professors. Campus jobs are usually offered in many areas like the bookstore, cafeteria, and several administrative offices.
At most universities nationwide, those working student jobs account for nearly 25% of the universities non-professional staffing. Staff members hold important positions that contribute to the overall success of the universities.
Despite all the stress and grief that employment can cause to some, seeking employment during the academic school semesters may be inevitable. With the raising cost of college tuition, many students are finding that federal financial aid and or student loans are not capable of covering all tuition related expenses. For those that are able to get a free ride, employment is needed to cover the cost of expensive college textbooks and a little extra spending money.
It may seem that the more hours jobs take out of the students weekly schedules, the worse students will do in their classes. Studies have shown that this is not the case at all. It has been observed through several studies that students who are employed do as well and in some cases better than those who are not working jobs. The same studies found that grades tend to improve the more hours a student works during a week, but the improvement levels off if one works more than 20 hours per week.
Students who are employed during schooling are not only more likely to receive better grades, but are more likely to complete a degree program than their non working peers. Also, jobs are beneficial after graduation. When an employment position comes down to several candidates with the same educational qualifications, employers are more inclined to hire the graduate who has work place experience. Having a job while attending college shows the potential employer that you are able to manage your time, stay organized, work hard, and multi-task.
Even if their jobs are unrelated to the students career path, they will still develop work related competencies and many work place skills that are transferable to any career sector.
Making the decision to work toward a college degree may be the most important step in securing a bright future. Working, while attending college, may also be a step in the right direction. Remember whether its building good resumes, creating lists of good references, or learning important time management skills, student jobs are not only a source of money, but may be the main factor in getting great jobs after graduation.
By: Greg Shuey
