Category: Internships, part-time work and work experience
Student Money Week – mythbusting around part time work
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!
Check out the support and resources available to you for finding part-time work from where to look, to CV and application help and prepping for interviews!
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.
“I don’t need a National Insurance number”
Everyone who works in the UK needs a National Insurance (NI) number.
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.
Alternatively, you can speak to a trusted money advisor or read more on the money worries webpage.
You’re not alone.
The most important thing to remember is not to worry about your finances alone. The University can help and discuss what options are available to you.
If you are worried about money or debt it’s best to speak to one of the University’s money advisors who can give you some extra support.
Find out more on the University’s Money Advise webpage,
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.
For more help with part-time work, visit our part-time work webpages, speak to us on Live Chat or visit us on campus at 5 Tyndall Avenue.
Fancy making a difference on campus? Nominate yourself for a student leadership role!
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.
(more…)City Challenge with Not Impossible
City Challenges are a programme of events providing students with the opportunity to engage with charities and social enterprises.
They are a great way for you to support worthwhile organisations whilst developing skills to improve employability.
Not Impossible recently hosted a City Challenge with us at the Careers Service.
My SME Internship: Helen – Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre
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.
My SME Internship: Ollie – Rebellious Co
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.
Davitt Jones Bould Law: Undergraduate placements and assessment centre advice
Davitt Jones Bould, the largest specialist real estate law firm in the UK, have opened their Undergraduate Placement applications. They have written for us about their placement opportunities and provided some application advice too.
The placement is truly like no other as we deliberately don’t put you through a structured programme. Instead, you will be working in line with the real-time demands of the business, giving you experience of what running a business is really like.
You will work directly with a talented team of Davitt Jones Bould people, including colleagues in the Business Services Centre, lawyers based all over the UK and Davitt Jones Bould’s leadership team. You will be given responsibility straightaway for a wide range of tasks – some will play to your strengths, and some will challenge you to learn new skills.
You will be provided with dedicated on the job mentoring and training, as well as access to Davitt Jones Bould’s wider training programmes and courses.
Find out more about undergraduate placements and apply here.
(more…)Davitt Jones Bould Law: Undergraduate placements and virtual interview advice
Davitt Jones Bould, the largest specialist real estate law firm in the UK, have opened their Undergraduate Placement applications. They have written for us about their placement opportunities and provided some application advice too.
The placement is truly like no other as we deliberately don’t put you through a structured programme. Instead, you will be working in line with the real-time demands of the business, giving you experience of what running a business is really like.
You will work directly with a talented team of Davitt Jones Bould people, including colleagues in the Business Services Centre, lawyers based all over the UK and Davitt Jones Bould’s leadership team. You will be given responsibility straightaway for a wide range of tasks – some will play to your strengths, and some will challenge you to learn new skills.
You will be provided with dedicated on the job mentoring and training, as well as access to Davitt Jones Bould’s wider training programmes and courses.
To find out more information about undergraduate placements and apply today, click here.
(more…)Davitt Jones Bould Law: Undergraduate placements and cover letter advice
Davitt Jones Bould, the largest specialist real estate law firm in the UK, have opened their Undergraduate Placement applications. They have written for us about their placement opportunities and provided some application advice too.
The placement is truly like no other as we deliberately don’t put you through a structured programme. Instead, you will be working in line with the real-time demands of the business, giving you experience of what running a business is really like.
You will work directly with a talented team of Davitt Jones Bould people, including colleagues in the Business Services Centre, lawyers based all over the UK and Davitt Jones Bould’s leadership team. You will be given responsibility straightaway for a wide range of tasks – some will play to your strengths, and some will challenge you to learn new skills.
You will be provided with dedicated on the job mentoring and training, as well as access to Davitt Jones Bould’s wider training programmes and courses.
To find out more information about undergraduate placements and apply today, click here.
(more…)City Challenge: Changes Bristol
City Challenges are a programme of events providing students with the opportunity to engage with charities and social enterprises.
Students can support worthwhile organisations whilst developing skills to improve employability. By taking part in a City Challenge, students gain experience in problem solving, presentation skills, innovative thinking, and community engagement.
Changes Bristol
This month we invited Changes Bristol to host our latest City Challenge.
Changes is a user-led organisation and a unique recovery service for those in mental distress.