Student Jobs: Pros and Cons

If it can’t be helped, go out of your way to find something which is relevant to your interests, and at which you can learn something useful. Almost every university will have a counselling service and/or an international office where you can get some guidance and advice from those who have prior experience and some useful information to impart.

“Network—talk to professors, utilize the services of the career centre. Use on-campus or off-campus jobs as an opportunity to build skills, not just extra money. A student may be able to find a position which is related to their field of study and provides a foundation from which they can meet their career goals,” says Brendan O’Brien, Director of the International Students and Scholars Office, at Cornell University.

By and large, though, universities discourage students from working during term-time. A University of Oxford spokesperson told us that, “The University gives consistent advice to students that working during term-time is not a good idea. Oxford’s terms are short but intensive, and leave little time for taking on part-time work, particularly as students are only resident in college during term. Many students do choose to take on jobs outside of the 8-week term schedule, however.”

(Working during your time off and putting some money aside for term-time may one way to enjoy the best of both worlds – although be warned, it’s unlikely your holidays will be devoid of academic obligations.)

A spokesperson from the University of Cambridge adds, “It’s important that students have sufficient time both to keep up with the academic demands of their course and to give themselves time out to take advantage of the social and recreational opportunities available at the University.”

Remember – if you’re a full-time student, it will be just that: full-time, so be realistic. You don’t want to look back and see that you allowed your grades to suffer as a consequence of a part-time job.

Be sure that you are confident of your time management and organizational skills in order to make sure you can fulfil your academic potential. O’Brien concludes, “Students need to budget their time wisely. Academics can be demanding, on-campus employment can be time-consuming and it is important to have additional time for activities, recreation and exercise. Don’t spread yourself too thin, particularly in your first semester.”

• More advice on funding your studies >
• Earning potential: Lucrative degree subjects >

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