Communications and Engagement Assistant Fatima Malik has suggested the different options available to you when trying to find part time work. Read on to see Fatima’s suggestions and how any job that you do builds your CV.
When studying in one of the most expensive capitals in the world, it is difficult to not be money conscious at all times. With inflation and living costs on a steep rise, making your pound stretch is more crucial than ever as a student. From weekly grocery shops to travel and nights out – everything has a cost attached! Being financially astute and having a bit of disposable income is vital to a positive student experience. Getting a part-time job is a great way to build your CV, network and most importantly generate some extra cash. When picking a role, you want to ensure it is both flexible and sustainable – fitting conveniently around your uni timetable. Below I have a few ideas to get you started on your money-making adventures:
Tutoring – tutoring is one of the most popular jobs held amongst uni students – and with good reason! As a tutor you can set your own working hours and teach according to your personal schedule. Per hour, tutoring is one of the best paying jobs out there and you can earn up to £20 for each 1-to-1 session with most agencies. You can tutor from the comfort of your own home with online lessons which means you’re also able to save on travel costs! There’s a high demand for tutors from top, Russell Group universities and as such, being a KCL student puts you in a good position to be charging premium prices considering your academic credentials. Though the money is particularly attractive, tutoring is also great for acquiring a transferable skill-set (which will be handy when applying for future careers). It allows you to develop patience, clear communication skills and problem-solving abilities as you tailor your teaching style to suit the individual needs of each student.
Get a job with your uni – Sometimes the best opportunities are right beneath your nose! King’s offers a variety of different part-time roles, both remote and in-person that might interest you. All vacancies pay nothing less than the London Living Wage – so be assured you are being paid both fairly and appropriately! Positions are made available and updated on a regular basis, so check out King’s Talent Bank and the King’s CareerConnect vacancy board to see weekly job listings. You can use filters to narrow your search by pay, number of hours and role on each of these sites which can help you find your ideal job simply. Jobs at the university are wide-ranging. For example, as a Student Ambassador your main duties consist of giving guided tours around the campus to new or prospective students and inform them of your own experience at King’s. Alternatively, in a role like mine as a Communications and Engagement assistant, I am often tasked with creating engaging and fun content via Instagram posts and TikTok reels advertising upcoming events as well as designing templates for departmental use. Get paid whilst having a direct and rewarding impact on the university itself- a win-win!
Complete paid surveys – filling out paid surveys online is one of the easiest and most laid-back ways to make money. As a student, your opinion is sought-after by big global brands for market research purposes. You will be compensated for your time through cash, gift cards or product rewards. Online surveys involve only a few tick boxes and comments, being comparably less exhausting than some more labour-intensive jobs/ time-consuming jobs in retail or warehouses for example. Before taking these surveys, do check out the legitimacy and reviews of the website. Some trusted websites include YouGov and Opinion Panel here in the UK.