There is a popular quote that says, “Having a part time job is better than having no job at all”.
A part-time job can also be a great learning opportunity and act as a stepping stone for greater things to come.
For students in particular, having a part-time job is a practical way to put what you’re learning into practice, as well as possibly secure a full-time position once you graduate.
Aside from learning and your stepping stone to future success, a part-time job offers a multitude of other benefits.
What are the benefits of part-time jobs for students?
A crash course in adulthood
Transitioning from student life to working professional is already a challenge for graduates. Part-time jobs teach you responsibility. You learn what it means to be of service, to handle work tasks with efficiency and the importance of productivity. Having a part-time job as a student gives you a healthy dose of reality in the work environment.
Job experience
It’s never too early to think about updating your resume. Even as a student, you should be thinking about how to acquire the work experience employers are looking for. You certainly won’t find that in a classroom. Part-time work offers that job experience to update your resume and start apart from your peers. It’s much easier to sell yourself as a candidate with working experience under your belt.
Time management
No one truly understands that time is money until you have a job. As a part-time employee/student, you will have to manage your time by developing a stable work and study schedule. Maintaining this schedule allows you to get to work on time, get your work activities done and reserve time for your studies.
Develop interpersonal skills
Part-time work significantly develops and improves your communication skills. From speaking assertively during interviews, being courteous with clients, interacting professionally with managers and collaborating with co-workers, part-time employment trains you to listen, interpret and speak effectively.
Start networking
Developing your interpersonal skills also refine your networking skills. Having a part-time position brings you into closer contact with working professionals who can boost your career. Once you perform well on the job, your part-time position can lead to full time opportunities or entry into other industries. If you choose to go into entrepreneurship, your former colleagues could very well be the clients that you will one day serve.
Learn the value of money
Perhaps the obvious benefit of having a part-time job is having a source of income. This income can assist in covering your student expenses such as tuition expenses, books, rent and other living expenses. Another benefit of earning your own income as a student is the exposure to proper financial management. Covering your expenses means you will have to learn to budget, save and allocate accordingly. Learning the value of money is a critical skill. As you progress in your career, it will help you manage your finances appropriately.
Skill development
Companies need skilled people. It is becoming increasingly obvious that some skills cannot be taught in a classroom. Aside from time management, interpersonal and networking skills, other valuable soft skills a part-time position offers are self-management – how you present yourself, taking ownership, initiative, resourcefulness, accountability and relationship building.
Benefits of working part-time vs. full-time
While there is no clear consensus as to which arrangement is better, the final decision could come down to your priorities and the stage you are in life. For students, working on a part-time basis offers much more rewarding benefits such as:
Flexibility
Working full-time and studying takes a lot of commitment and energy. At this stage in your life, if flexibility is important to you, working part-time offers that. You have the hours you spend working, as well as the hours you can allocate to studies, family responsibilities, dependents, or any other priorities.
Gain experience in other fields
With a full-time job, you’re working roughly eight hours at the same company. Part-time work, due to its flexible nature, allows you to hold multiple positions at different companies. Once there is no conflict of interest, you can work two jobs for example, build a network in two different companies, and earn a sizeable income.
Starting point to entrepreneurship
Once you’re a part-time employee, your work hours are dedicated to your employer. Your off hours are yours with which you can decide how that time is spent. If you’re deciding to take the entrepreneurship route, a part-time job can act as both your safety net and source of capital, while allowing you sufficient time to build your business. This would be far more challenging to do if you’re working full-time.
Pivot into other fields
Whether you’re working part-time or full-time, people always seek better opportunities. Being a part-time employee, you have more time to look for other career opportunities if you decide where you currently work is not your ideal career choice. Full-time employees have less time for job hunting given their working schedule is less flexible.
Where to search for part-time job offers?
As a student, your best resources will be your current environment and technology. Numerous organisations require additional human resources throughout the year and tend to advertise these positions to students. For part-time opportunities, you can search:
- Job boards -both around your university campus or online job boards
- Lecturers/Tutors – if you’re interested in part-time work, let your lecturers know and ask if they know any vacancies or persons who can help. Aside from informing you of the opportunity, they can also provide a good recommendation for you.
- Traditional media – Don’t ignore the career sections or classified jobs section of your local newspapers or magazines.
- Social media – Companies advertise on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for part-time positions. Use LinkedIn’s job filter to search for part-time opportunities in your area or simple search #parttimejobs on social media and see what is available.
- CaribbeanJobs.com – The #1 trusted and leading employment and career resource tool offers different types of job opportunities (including part-time) across the Caribbean. Log on to www.caribbeanjobs.com. You may even spot a part-time opportunity in another Caribbean territory which can be performed remotely.
