Tips and tricks of where to look and what to do

Being a student can be difficult, especially financially. This blog will discuss tips and where to look for getting a job while at uni.

Getting a job can be a great way to improve your university life. I have now been a Reslife Assistant for 3 years. This has been almost my whole university life. This has been a great job to have whilst at university. It has allowed me to connect with new students, get some great experience and life skills and earn extra money. It is a fun-filled job with lots of variety. The money from the job has allowed me to have extra cash to do nice things and contribute to my day-to-day cost of living. I would really recommend getting a part-time job whilst at university. I will be including some pictures of me at work throughout this blog.

It is also important to manage your time and not work too much which is why a part-time job is great for this. It allows you to have time to study and work without overdoing it as it is also really important to make time for yourself.

Where to look:

-       My first tip is to have a look internally. There are often university job boards where you can find lots of part-time jobs. You can start by asking your course director. There are often student ambassador jobs. These can typically help out with open days at the university but also help out with any calls and other jobs that may need doing. There also may be jobs in the university cafes or shops so it is worth going at asking about these too. Keep an eye out on social media, the Coventry website and any posters as we also hire FutureLets ambassadors and will need Reslife assistants for next year too. The university offers great flexible working jobs that can allow you to work and study whilst earning some extra cash with a flexible job.

-       My next tip is to look at Indeed. Indeed typically have lots of part-time and zero-hour contracts that allow for flexibility. They also have longer-term jobs too. Make sure your CV is up to date with any experience and skills you may have acquired. You can also use the indeed quick apply feature which allows you to input your CV and then quickly apply to lots of jobs without having to fill out individual applications which can save you lots of time.

-       Have a look into local businesses. Don’t overlook your local shops, cafes, and restaurants. These businesses often need part-time help, especially during busy hours. Whether it's waiting tables, making coffee, or working retail, this can be pretty flexible, and you get to meet some great people along the way. Plus, you’ll likely score some great discounts on snacks, coffee, or even clothes. Head into town with your CV and have the confidence to go and hand it in. This can create a great first impression and offer a friendly face to these local businesses to help you stand out.

-       Make use of LinkedIn. Lots of jobs are often advertised there, so make sure your profile is up to date with recent photos, jobs and skills you have and also having your CV uploaded onto there is another great tip. As well as posting occasionally. LinkedIn advertises jobs on there but it is also great to message some of your favourite local brands in Coventry on there and ask if they have any positions going, send over your CV and maybe they will keep you in mind for the future.

-       Have a look into tutoring. There is lots of online tutoring platforms available as well as in-person tutoring. Were you good at a particular subject in school or during A levels? You can put this great knowledge into use and have a look at becoming a part-time tutor. This is a great flexible way to earn extra money here and there and can also be really rewarding.

Getting a student job doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your studies. There are lots of ways to earn money without adding too much stress to your already busy schedule. Just remember: It’s all about finding the right balance. Whether you end up working a few hours a week at a coffee shop, working in the university, or tutoring, every bit of experience counts. They can also add some great skills to your portfolio and help to show future grad jobs that you have some essential skills.

Happy job hunting!