2 minsAs a full-time international student in the UK; you have the opportunity to work part-time in the UK. A different set of rules apply for students from the European Union (EU) and students from non-EU countries. Based on the type of visa that the student is in the UK; usually a Tier-4 visa; students from non-EU countries get to work on an average of 10 hours per week during semester-time and for 20 hours a week during the holidays or semester-break. The maximum hours you can work during term-time are normally printed on your visa sticker or Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP).
Top Five Resources for Part-Time Jobs in the UK:
- Contact the Careers Team at your institution for information on jobs on-campus and in local businesses.
- Check localised job-listings in newspapers.
- Browse popular part-time job websites like - Student Jobs, Careers Group London and E4S.
- Be a part of the social network - join job vacancy groups on Facebook, Google and Yahoo and keep yourself updated on latest vacancies.
- If you are part of a large university keep yourself aware of internal job-vacancies in allied departments or faculties within the university.
Job Opportunities and Wages:
Part-time jobs within the institution that you study may be limited in number; popular jobs include - library assistants, computer laboratory assistants and jobs in the science laboratory. Data-entry work might also be available wherein institutions choose to digitise information like student records and administration records.
The UK government has clear rules on what kind of jobs students cannot do; these include:
- Entrepreneurship (self-employment)
- Professional sports-person or sports coach
- Professional entertainer
- In no circumstance can a student secure a full-time job.
Popular part-time jobs that students get include - working as waiters/waitresses in restaurants, catering assistants, pizza-delivery boys, working as baristas in cafes; working in amusement parks and theatres as ticketing and parking assistants; and support staff in call centres. Wages depend on the complexity of the job and the job-location. Students may earn anywhere from 125 GBP to 200 GBP a week.
Voluntary Work:
In addition to part-time jobs; voluntary work and unpaid internships are also available. These opportunities are usually provided by charitable trusts and non-governmental organisations working in areas as diverse as cancer awareness and environmental safety. An internship is a good way to create a network of contacts that can be used at a later date. One also gets valuable experience on a variety of job roles. Some students may also get to visit African and Asian countries as part of the voluntary work of charitable organisations.
Importance of a CV:
Be it your first professional full-time job or your first part-time job; a well-written and structured CV is something that all potential employers admire. Be true and mention your skills, education details and details of prior work experience. Remember we are in a world dominated by the ‘Internet’ do not fudge data on your CV. Background calls and checks may be done to verify information and if you are caught lying, be prepared for the legal ramifications that will follow. Use crisp simple language and outline your goals and skills and describe how you will be able to add value to your prospective employer.
Work-Study Balance:
Remember that your primary focus is completing your course with a good score. Do not pick up a job that eats into your study-time and has a negative impact on your studies. Strive to find harmony in your studies and your part-time job.
Visit the UKCISA website for details on employment rules and regulations.
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