Hello, I’m Katie, studying BSc Sociology. I completed an SME internship with Next Customer Please, a digital marketing agency based in Bristol.
Next Customer Please help law firms to get more qualified leads through search marketing campaigns, including using Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). During my internship, I delved deep into the social media marketing especially for LinkedIn. Over 10 weeks, I had the opportunity to contribute to digital marketing campaigns and develop marketing skills, especially in the legal field.
Vlad Dayblovskiy, a current student at the University of Bristol, recently joined EY on a paid, four-week Audit Summer Internship Programme. We caught up with Vlad to find out how he found this experience.
Gain valuable experience and boost your employability skills as a Master’s student on this 3-week internship with the Business School.
The University of Bristol Business School offers Master’s students the chance
to take part in a 3-week authentic industry project designed to prepare you for the workplace through real business challenges.
The programme is running twice this year with two different groups of students. Our next intake is in June 2025 and you can express your interest here.
Thinking about careers can easily slip to the bottom of the list when you’ve got other things on. The uncertainty of “what next” can be de-motivating and sometimes it can be simpler to just not think about it.
It’s National Student Money Week Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March! The perfect time to talk openly about money, budgeting, and any money worries you have.
Looking for part-time work for the first time can be daunting. Luckily, the Careers Service is here to help!
There are a few common misconceptions that we hear alot from students around working part-time at university.
So, let’s do some myth busting to help you feel more confident about money and work!
“There are only part-time jobs in retail and hospitality”
Don’t disregard part-time work just because you don’t fancy working in a cafe or bar. There are plenty of other roles that you can do alongside your studies, including ones they will help you in your future career.
Explore part time roles and filter your preferences on mycareer, for example, try searching for remote roles for more flexibility or for ones based at the university itself!
“I can work as many hours as I want”
The University recommends, for all students, no more than 15 working hours a week, so as to not interfere with your studies.
It’s important to strike a balance that is effective and manageable for you.
If you are an international student hoping to work alongside your studies, you should check the specific requirements of your Visa. Often there is a maximum number of hours that you are permitted to work under the agreement. You can find out more information about working whilst studying as an international student on the Student Visa Services website and this guide on mycareer.
If you have had to apply for a visa you may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.
If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for it once you’re in the UK and you must apply by phone.
“I will get my first pay cheque immediately”
While students often turn to part-time work when they are in need of some extra cash, it isn’t an immediate solution. The reality of part-time work is that you are often paid ‘a month in arrears’ which means you are paid for the work you have completed the previous month – so you may not see your first pay cheque for 4 to 8 weeks after starting your role.
If you are in a financial situation that needs resolving quickly, you can get in touch with the Money Advice Team at the University.
“It’s normal to be asked for my financial details when applying for a role”
In short, no! If a company asks for financial details during the application process it is likely a scam. No reputable organisation will ask you to pay to secure a job. Read our blog for more tips on how to spot job scams.
No one else worries about money at university
Most students feel concerned about their finances at some point in their university career. Try speaking to your friends about what’s on your mind, they might be in a similar situation.
There are two main hardship funds that can support you during your time at the University of Bristol; The Financial Assistance Fund provides a safety net if you find yourself in financial difficulties during your studies and the Digital Support Fund provides financial help towards the cost of IT equipment needed for your course.
Hopefully, you are now going into National Student Money Week feeling more confident about part-time work and talking about money than ever. The University is always here to support you with whatever concerns you may have.
Each year, the Bristol SU elections are a chance for you to choose a student leader who represents you and the change you want to see on campus.
You can vote to elect the people you trust to represent your community and make a positive impact. Over 900 student leaders are elected, playing vital roles in amplifying student voices.
You can vote from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 March. Make sure you vote and make your time at Bristol the best it can be.
However, you can go one step further…
Are you the person to make a difference?
Are you passionate about improving the wellbeing services or making changes to the food options on campus? If so, do more than just vote, and run for an SU-elected role today. The SU elections are the perfect way for you to make a positive change for you and your fellow students.
Hi, my name’s Helen. While studying for my History MA, I undertook an SME Internship at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.
The Trust is a non-profit charity which maintains the bridge, educating the public on its historical significance. During my internship I worked at the museum and visitor’s centre on the Leigh Woods side of the river.
Have you thought about getting a part-time job? This blog considers the benefits and things to consider.
Why work part-time?
For many students, the opportunity to earn some extra cash is the main draw of part-time work. However, there are several other benefits. You can:
Student Ambassador working at a University of Bristol open day
Develop your skills and confidence
Gain experience for your CV
Meet new people
Practice job searching, writing applications and interviews
Get first-hand experience of a working environment
Potentially get a “foot in the door”, and make connections with people in a sector that you might want to work in longer term
Things to consider
How much time do you have available? Part-time work mustn’t impact your studies. To get the balance right, the University advises working no more than 15 hours per week in term-time for undergraduates, or 20 hours for postgraduate students.
Regular or flexible hours? Some jobs have set hours, whilst some are more changeable. Weigh up the benefit of a regular wage versus flexibility around other commitments.
What roles would suit me? What skills do you have that might be useful in a part-time job? What would I enjoy doing? See exploring career ideas: understanding yourself for support with these questions.
What do I want to gain or develop? From transferable skills and attributes (e.g. communication, problem solving, using initiative, resilience) to more technical skills, consider roles that may help you to develop in different areas. See top skills employers look for when you graduate. Also, see the researching sectors and employers guide for ways to identify skills relevant to any future career interests you have.
In person, remote or hybrid? The nature of the job may impact whether you need to work in person, or whether working at home is an option.
Employed or freelance? Whilst many students work for an employer, some offer their skills on a freelance basis. This could mean more flexibility and choice in your work.
Any visa restrictions? International students should check their visa’s terms before applying for part-time work. You will also need a National Insurance Number to work in the UK. See the guide for international students for further information.
What adjustments might help me? If you’re a disabled or neurodivergent student, consider whether you might need adjustments. This could be when applying for, or when you’re in a job. See advice for disabled and neurodivergent students to consider what you might need and how to ask for it.
What kinds of part-time jobs could I do?
Here are some common areas for part-time work:
Hospitality, retail and other service-based jobs are common. There are many opportunities in Bristol in these sectors.
Admin jobs can also use skills developed whilst studying. Administrative experience in a professional context could also be useful for future applications for office-based roles.
Education and childcare jobs such as babysitting, nursery worker, tutoring and teaching assistant.
Health and social care such as working in a care home or healthcare assistant roles.
Marketing and social media, such as copywriting and social media marketing. These can be a great way to apply social media skills in a professional context.
Jobs on campus are popular and can come up throughout the year. Examples include: Student Ambassador, PASS Leader, working in Sports Exercise and Health, Global Lounge Ambassador, Telephone fundraiser, Careers Ambassador, BILT Student Fellow, Senior Resident and Sustainability Champion. Many (but not all) roles advertise in Spring to start the following academic year.
You could see if there are opportunities related to a graduate career you are exploring. See our work experience and internships guide for help with finding relevant opportunities.
If they don’t have anything advertised, you can also reach out to employers. This could be with a speculative application or by visiting them at their premises.
Finally, recruitment agencies or reaching out to people in your network (if applicable) and asking if they’re aware of any roles you could apply for.
Know your rights
Make sure you know your rights for part-time work, including pay, tax, holidays and contracts and where to ask for help. See this article on your part-time worker employment rights (TargetJobs) for answers to common questions.
Hi, I’m Ollie and during my second year studying Politics and International Relations BSc I completed an internship with Rebellious Co in Bristol.
Rebellious Co. operate informal “Rebel Meetup” events for entrepreneurs working all over the world who were born in Bristol. Their aim is to use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to disrupt the status quo. I met the founder Ash at the Bristol chapter, where I suggested the SME Internship idea.
My role was to research, develop, and add a syndicate investment model to the existing community system. This work aligned with my interests in start ups and venture capital and helped me hone my skills.
I also supported Rebel Meetups globally. This included finding event sponsors, editing slides, and joining town hall events with global meetup hosts.
