Tag: Career planning

Working part-time alongside your studies: things to consider

Posted on by Careers Service

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 Bristol open day, talking to a group of visitors.
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.  

A customer being served at a cafe by a male cafe worker.
Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash

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. 

See this list of student jobs you probably haven’t considered for further inspiration. 

Where can I find part-time jobs? 

Visit the part-time work page for sources of part-time jobs.  

  • 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. 

Next steps 

How to navigate changing career aspirations at university

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi, I’m Olivia. I’m a fourth-year Politics and International Relations student, I am also a Communications Intern at the Careers Service.

Olivia smiling

For the first three years of my degree I wanted to be a journalist. I spent hours researching schemes, writing for student papers and completing work experience.

But during my year abroad I had a change of heart and although it was hard to admit, I realised that was no longer what I wanted to do. The world of media and reporting didn’t excite me anymore and I decided that I wanted a career that helped people in a more tangible way.

After much deliberation, I chose to go down the path of a career in human rights, but it felt like I was starting from scratch. 

Changing your career plans towards the end of your studies can be daunting and overwhelming, but I’m here to tell you why it doesn’t have to be such a scary thing and how you can make the most of this new chapter. 

(more…)

How Student Circus saves you time in your global job search

Posted on by Careers Service

We know there are lots of competing demands on international students’ time that can make your job search difficult.

The Careers Service has partnered with job portal Student Circus to help. Here’s how to make the best use of this platform, which is completely free to our students and alumni.  

Quickly find pre-filtered UK sponsored jobs 

Student Circus lists jobs across a range of sectors which employers are willing and able to sponsor under the Skilled Worker route. So rather than contacting HR to check if sponsorship is provided, you can focus your energy on writing high-quality applications.  

(more…)

Graduate Stories: Working as a graduate hardware engineer at Ocado Technology

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi, I’m Louise, I graduated from the University of Bristol in 2022 and I now work at Ocado Technology as a Graduate Hardware Engineer.

A photo of Louise in her graduation robes.

My university experience

In 2018 I began studying for an integrated master’s degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. The first three years of my degree were transformative in building my confidence and passion for engineering.

One of the best extra-curricular activities I did during my time at university was being a Course Representative as this helped me to get to know both my cohort and my lecturers. During my second year I also completed the Bristol PLUS Award, a programme organised by the Careers Service. The best thing I gained from this programme was learning how to articulate the value I had gained from my extra curricular experiences in my CV and in job interviews.

(more…)

From Wills Memorial to the Palace of Westminster – my Civil Service Fast Stream journey

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi, I’m Annie, a Bristol graduate (BA English, MSc Public Policy) currently working in the Ministry of Justice as part of the Civil Service Fast Stream graduate programme.

Back in 2018, when I decided to study English at Bristol, careers were the furthest thing from my mind. I was passionate about reading and literary history, especially the political contexts of my favourite novels, plays and poems, and knew that Bristol would be the perfect place to develop.

(more…)

How to write a winning CV

Posted on by Careers Service

Employers can spend as little as 30 seconds looking at your CV, so you need to make shortlisting easy for them.

Make sure you stand out from the crowd and showcase your unique selling points, by following these top tips. If you are unsure how to start or need a bit of feedback, check out the range of resources available on mycareer.

Resources available on mycareer:

(more…)

Unlock your career potential with the University of Bristol’s recruiter in residence series

Posted on by Careers Service

Navigating your career path can be a daunting experience, but the University of Bristol’s recruiter in residence series makes it easier. This opportunity invites employers to campus, offering you the chance to meet and engage directly with the people who could shape your professional future.

(more…)

Welcome to your Careers Service

Posted on by Careers Service

Welcome (or welcome back!) to the University of Bristol. We are your Careers Service. We are here to support you in preparing for your next steps during or after you finish your studies. It’s never too early to start!   

Whether it’s help in getting a part-time job, finding internships and graduate roles, writing CVs and applications, or deciding what you want to do after your degree, we’re here for you.     

First things first, you are going to hear us talking about mycareer a lot this year. mycareer is your portal to resources, vacancies, events, appointments and more. You can set up a profile in there that will tailor content just for you. 

Log in, complete your profile and off you go! 

The front entrance of the Careers Service at 5 Tyndall Avenue.
(more…)

Mentoring matters – your chance to open doors and create opportunities

Posted on by Careers Service

With just one week to go, Bristol Mentors is still open for applications for home UK students returning for study in 2024/25.

Bristol Mentors provides successful student applicants with an alumni mentor working in the sector/industry they are aiming to break into.

Mentorship can be an enriching experience and our student mentees are always happy to tell us more about the range of benefits they have gained whilst on the programme.

(more…)

Reflecting on the Universities Business Challenge

Posted on by Careers Service

On 1 March this year, two teams consisting of members from the University of Bristol Business School and School of Economics, were delighted to attend the semi-finals of the Universities Business Challenge held in London. 

One team of five students, and one of four, made the journey to London after their work in the first round of the competition was recognised as being worthy of a semi-final place. 

Universities Business Challenge Worldwide logo
(more…)