7 Reasons to get a job while at University
University is one of the most exciting times in your life. For most its the first time away from home, living on your own and often in a new city. You might want to focus on your studies and not commit to a job, but we have highlighted 7 reasons which may make you reconsider.
1. Flexibility
By taking on a flexible role you can choose the hours to fit around your studies and hobbies work weekends, nights or less during term time and more over holidays – its up to you. By choosing a flexible job you can ensure your grades dont suffer as a result of working. 77% of students now work to fund their studies. https://www.endsleigh.co.uk/press-releases/10-august-2015/
2. Money
At ASA we pay you weekly and that extra cash can come in very handy with all those parties and events to attend as well as supplementing your student loan. Changing legislation on student loans means the estimated debt of the average student is £44000. http://www.ifs.org.uk/comms/r93.pdf
3. Meeting new people
Moving to a new city can be a little daunting, a flexible job will allow you to work in a variety of places and is a good facilitator for meeting new people. A recent study has found that those with good social connections tended to live longer and good friends are apparently more important than exercise. http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/07/having-good-friends-is-just-as-important-for-your-health-as-working-out-says-science-5607884/
4. Building your CV
Whether youre a bartender studying for your Hospitality degree, or a Student Nurse doing shifts in a Social Care home, by getting experience in your chosen area of study, you will be more employable when you start applying for full time roles. Research shows 58% of leading employers value work experience more than grades and personality. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/leading-employers-prefer-work-experience-over-grades-says-new-research-10286829.html
5. Develop your soft skills
Employers arent just looking for education and direct experience, they also rate transferable softer skills demonstrating you are a team player, can work under pressure, have good time management and can show commitment can go a long way when being considered for positions. The British Chambers of Commerce conducted a survey with 3000 UK companies and found that 57% of young people are lacking these basic soft skills. http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20151118-this-is-the-real-reason-new-graduates-cant-get-hired
6. Networking
Who knows who youll meet? Getting professional contacts early on will put you in a great position when you do finish university and begin your career. Social Media may have changed the dynamics of professional networking but you cant underestimate the value of having real life connections. https://www.theguardian.com/natwest-partner-zone/2016/apr/18/networking-in-the-online-age
7. Be more independent
Being able to provide for yourself whilst at Uni is a great confidence boost, much better than having to ask the bank of Mum and Dad. Anyway you might want to save that resource for when you want to buy a house
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bank-of-mum-and-dad-finances-25-of-uk-mortgage-payments-in-2016-a7010756.html
University is about much more than studying. Its about planning effectively for your future and making all your experiences count. There are many benefits to working while at university and flexible positions are a great option for many students. 22% of people who currently earn more than £50,000 have been agency workers at some point in their lives.
Check out our current flexible working vacancies today.
