Managing part time work whilst studying

Finding the right balance

It took me a while before I found a job I liked and I felt like I could balance the demands of it with my university work. When I first started I was excited about the prospect of earning money and finally taking trips and starting my food journey. However I quickly realized finding the right balance between work and study was easier said than done, it required careful planning, time management, and sacrifices. I applied to several cafes and restaurants before finally getting a response. Admittedly sending your CV to potential places is the way to go but I found out that walking into these establishments and engaging them is the fastest way to get a call back as a university student.

Resources

There are agencies that you could join giving you flexibility on the days you work and what shifts you would like to do. E.g.; Berkeley Scott, Mint, just to mention a few. The university also provides career options for students for part-time jobs. 

Time management skills

Working part-time forced me to become more disciplined with my time. I learned to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals for myself, and make the most of my time. Surprisingly, it also helped with my procrastination because every single moment counts, be it squeezing study sessions during breaks or sacrificing movie nights to meet a deadline, time management became my best friend. 

Learning to adapt

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from working part-time is the importance of adaptability. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities and it was left to me to seize this opportunity, ranging from dealing with demanding customers to collaborating with co-workers on projects. I learned to think on my feet, stay calm under pressure, and embrace it all

Gaining real world experience

While textbooks and lectures provide valuable theoretical knowledge, nothing beats real on hands experience. As a business student I got to implement some of my textbook theories as my job exposed me to diverse situations and people, helping me develop crucial skills such as communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. As a student ambassador for the university, I was so scared I wouldn't do a good job because I don't consider myself a people person. I applied for the job specifically to get myself out of my comfort zone and do something different and I have enjoyed every aspect of it.

From meeting different international students and helping them settle in, to making friends who share similar interests with other ambassadors and also understanding that the world is not as scary as I thought it was I just needed to try. The fun part about being an ambassador is being paid to do something enjoyable (making friends, helping people, partaking in events, and also wearing a really cute hoodie). I would absolutely love to continue sharing my experience and helping others through the blogs to understand life as a uni student.

Getting to write felt so daunting but once I picked up my laptop and started writing there was so much I realized I wanted to say to others to help them navigate life as a Leeds Beckett University student. Writing for the university blog squad is flexible and gives me enough time to still get my university work done without one or the other hindering each other and it feels like storytelling which I thoroughly enjoy.