Considering doing a part time job while studying abroad: Read this.

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Wednesday — May 01, 2024

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Living and studying abroad is not always easy for most students, as it can get expensive and this is why it is recommended that students who are enrolled in a foreign university seek out a part time job. Part time jobs come with many advantages and some disadvantages as well, there are somethings that need to be remembered if a student plans to start part time work with her/his education.

1. Reason for wanting to do part time work

Usually students living abroad start part time employment for the money to cover their daily expenses. Living in a foreign country can get expensive and one way students can try to cover their expenditure is to do a part time job. Secondly, part time work can provide students with valuable work experience, if they are able to get job related to their field. This can really increase chances of getting high paying job post graduation.

2. What kind of work should students do with their education

Many students make the mistake of instantly accepting any job offer when they find out it is paid without properly thinking about other things such as time management and the amount of work required. Usually it is recommended that students who wish to do part time jobs should work as freelancers, take on campus jobs, or do jobs they can do from home; this not only reduces day to day travel expenses but can also save students valuable time they can spend on their studies. Websites such as elance.com or Upwork.com allow students to freelance from their homes/hostels.

3. Advantages of working part time with your studies

The biggest advantage of working part time is not the money, rather its the experience that a student gains firsthand. If a student is lucky enough, he/she can get a job related to her/his field of education. The experience can prove valuable in the long run when a student applies for a job post graduation. It is recommended that if a student is unable to find a job related to their degree, they should go for internship; though it may not pay well as a job, the experience can be rewarding. More importantly employers prefer students who have done internship or have some work experience.

4. Disadvantages of working part time with your studies

Realistically speaking, it is important to understand the disadvantages of working part time as well. The biggest disadvantage of working part time is lack of proper time management. It can prove difficult to manage a job with studies especially when both require work, and meeting deadlines. This means that a student must give equal importance to education as well as job. Secondly, finding a job which can increase experience can be difficult as well. Most jobs usually offer good payment but do not offer experience to the students. In short, finding a job which add to your CV can be difficult.

In conclusion, part time work is a good way to add some extra money to your daily spending, and increase on the job experience, but one must be realistic when deciding on whether to work on a part time job. The advantages and disadvantages all should be taken into account when choosing a job. It is recommended that students look for job to gain experience rather than just earn money and waste valuable time. Moreover, proper time management of education and job must also be ensured.