If you are a student at university, you are probably aware of the multitude of expenses that seem to crop up week by week. Beyond the ever-increasing fees for school, everything from housing to transportation to course materials costs additional money. It is therefore increasingly important for students to recognise career opportunities and make efforts to establish a network that can help them enter the workforce more fluidly after graduation so these expenses are not overwhelming.
There are a variety of ways for university students to earn money or to further their eventual careers while still devoting a majority of their time to their studies. Having a part-time job or an internship it is an essential part of gaining career experience and forming lasting connections in the workforce. If you are a university student, here are some guidelines to jumpstart your future career and take care of the many costs of student life.
Seeking Out Career Opportunities as a Student
For students looking to find a job that will pay money, the best place to start is researching part-time opportunities on campus. Often, various academic departments or administrative offices will post job offerings for students. Working alongside faculty and staff members is a great way to establish a network within the university that could eventually lead to a full-time job there or elsewhere.
Another wise way for students to further their eventual careers is to apply for an internship, which may be paid or unpaid. If it is unpaid, sometimes internships will offer class credit and effectively save students money on additional course fees. Interning for a company while studying not only looks great on a resume, but it will often lead to a job offer after graduation.
Other Avenues to Earn Money
Besides taking on a part-time job or an internship, students at university can find other avenues to supplement their bank account in a career-savvy way. Since students are often quite busy, it is more important that free time is well spent—and spent in a way that can lead to future job opportunities or money making.
For students looking to earn extra money, some ideas to try out include:
- Writing or editing a campus publication like a student newspaper, which usually pays reporters for their articles
- Putting creative talents to use, such as photography or videography, and selling one’s work to the campus community
- Seeking out a position within the student body that pays, like a role in the student government or heading a student organisation
Ultimately, it is crucial for students to always make decisions throughout their university years that will hopefully lead to several career opportunities. By taking on an internship, part-time job, or paid extra-curricular, students can establish long-term networks and fruitful career connections that can offset the heightened expenses of life at university.
Written by guest blogger: Jenny Holt
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