Balancing work and study
As long as it doesn’t take up too much study time, finding a part-time job is a great way to gain more money, less debt, and new skills for your CV.
As long as it doesn’t take up too much study time, finding a part-time job is a great way to gain more money, less debt, and new skills for your CV.
Most course providers recommend less than 15 hours a week, so make sure it’s flexible and can be scheduled around your lecture timetable.
For starters make sure it’s a safe job, and if it’s a large company, check whether you can work in your home town during the holidays too.
If you have definite career plans, you may be able to find part-time work that is directly relevant. Otherwise, you can gain a variety of 'employable' skills through any temporary job. These can include:
Some of these workplace skills may build on the abilities you demonstrate through study, whereas others will be complementary. Strategically, you may want to use work experience to build abilities that aren’t obvious on your CV.
Above all, employers will want you to display the same skills in fresh thinking and systematic working that make you a success academically.
Each tax year (6 April to 5 April the year after), you can earn an amount of money you don’t pay any tax on. This is called your ‘personal allowance’ and by working part-time you might stay under the limit – so no tax!
Any funding you receive shouldn’t be taxed either – nor should it be counted towards your personal allowance.