Looking to develop skills and earn extra income alongside your studies? Part-time work could be the answer!

Hello, I'm Hannah, a second-year Law student and one of your Student Content Shapers. Securing part-time employment during your studies not only enhances your CV but also cultivates crucial skills essential for future careers and beyond.

Here are my insights on finding part-time work to maximize your university experience:

1. Explore Worklink on Campus:

Did you know the University and your School offer dedicated part-time opportunities for Birmingham students? Visit the Worklink website or the Worklink Hub in University Centre (within the Food Court). Open Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm during term time, the Hub allows you to discuss vacancies directly with the team. This is precisely how I discovered the paid Student Content Shaper role. I strongly recommend monitoring Worklink's vacancy listings year-round. Many roles involve representing the University, offering a valuable way to contribute to the student community. The Students' Union also provides part-time positions popular with many peers – explore their website too!

2. Leverage Careers Network:

If you encounter difficulties in your job search, the University's Careers Network provides practical advice and support. Crafting an effective CV is foundational; Careers Network can assist if you're unsure where to start. Utilize their virtual CV checker for immediate feedback or book an appointment with a professional careers consultant. I found this resource immensely valuable; consultations alleviated future anxieties and offered strategic advice for career progression. Subscribing to Careers Network's daily or weekly opportunity emails tailored to your field is an excellent step towards boosting employability.

3. Align Work with Your Interests & Skills:

Unsure what role suits you? Target positions resonating with your current interests, skills, or hobbies. If you enjoy public interaction and teamwork, roles in retail or customer service could be ideal. Birmingham offers abundant opportunities in locations like the Bullring city centre and Selly Oak retail park. Ensure your unique passions and strengths shine through in applications. When applying to be a Student Content Shaper, I highlighted my video production enthusiasm and showcased relevant editing skills, significantly aiding my success.

4. Adopt a Proactive Approach:

Maximize your chances by starting early. Don't wait until the first week of term; apply consistently throughout the semester and holidays as new vacancies emerge continuously. Utilize job search engines like Indeed and student-focused sites like Save the Student, leveraging their filters to find roles perfectly matching your needs and schedule.

5. Cultivate Patience & Persistence:

Finding the right role requires perseverance. Stay organized: track vacancies and deadlines using a spreadsheet, or create a schedule dedicating daily time to tasks like refining your CV or searching listings. This approach effectively combats burnout and procrastination.

Remember: If financial pressures cause overwhelm, support is available. The University's "Time to Talk?" page lists free, confidential services. For financial support or money management advice, visit the University's Cost of Living Support site.

I hope these strategies guide you towards securing rewarding part-time work. It presents exceptional opportunities to build connections, gain practical experience, and lay a solid foundation for your future career. Start applying today!