Job's a good 'un: how students can fund their university education

Advising your child about work and study can be tricky – both the pressures of university and the world of work have changed drastically over the past two decades. But rising fees and costs have forced more students into working to support themselves. Here’s how to help them get the most out of that part-time job.

First, match jobs to studies if you can. There’s nothing wrong with working behind a bar or in a warehouse, but students should also consider trying to find something that’s relevant to their degree subject, or the career they are considering. “At the start of the autumn semester, many universities organise their own part-time jobs and volunteering fairs,” says Paul Fennell, head of careers and employability at the University of Sheffield. “There, students can meet employers with part-time vacancies in retail, finance, web development, customer service, marketing and more.”

Second, find a balance. It’s generally recommended that students don’t work more than 12–16 hours per week if they are studying full-time – any more could adversely affect their studies. Encourage them to think about how they’re going to balance these demands, and keep lines of communication open. “Talk to your prospective students about the importance of staying connected with friends and loved ones,” says Priscilla Preston, director of student services at Leeds Beckett University. “Working and studying can feel overwhelming, becoming a barrier to maintaining those ties with others. Yet it’s those ties that can help to keep things in perspective if students are feeling lonely or isolated.”

Also, bear in mind that many universities run their own job search agencies, where jobs are checked for fair rates. There’s also usually plenty of work available at the university itself, from working in the student shop to being a student ambassador. “We would always recommend students use their university job searching team as their first port of call when looking for work, as they can advise on local employers who recruit students and also what opportunities to avoid,” says Fennell. “If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is!”

Whatever job your child ends up with during their time at university, it’s a good idea for them to keep a log of the skills they acquire. Post-university job applications will all be boosted by skills and experience gained while working in those part-time positions – whether that’s communication skills learned behind a counter or working as a team when catering for a big event. They’ll all come in useful when it comes to compiling a CV.