Why You Should Get a Part-time Job
Getting a part-time job for students is often seen as an extra burden on top of classes, assignments, and campus activities. Yet, the reality is that working while studying can offer far more than just extra cash in your pocket. A part-time role helps you build real-world experience, sharpen essential skills like time management and communication, and prepare for life after graduation. Far from being a distraction, it can be one of the smartest decisions you make during your university years.
Why you should get a part-time job
Between classes, sporting and social clubs, studying and just living life, university is stressful enough. Naturally you might be thinking, “with everything I already have on my plate, why would I add a job into the mix?“
That’s a fair point, but you are going to need to get a job eventually. In addition to a degree, employers are also looking for time management skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills.
These you can develop these skills in small doses in class, but the best place to develop them is in the workplace. And the best time to develop these skills is before you graduate and before your first post-graduation job interview. There is no teacher like the real world and so, despite the added stress, it is a good idea to get a job whilst still studying.
Real world experience with the part-time job
University teaches you information, and how to process and analyse said information. The real-world application and practices, however, are not taught in university, you can only learn them in the workplace.
Being in the workplace, whether it be retail, hospitality or in an office, you’ll learn to deal with people, manage responsibilities and solve problems under pressure. It doesn’t matter if your student job isn’t in the industry you’re studying towards because the skills you develop will be looked for by all employers and you will have real world examples to give during interviews.
Build a strong CV
If do a quick search through Indeed or any other site that has job listings, you’ll see that many job require some working experience before you even get your foot in the door. So having a job in university makes sure that you at least have that.
Even if the job is not related to the industry, simply having your CV show that you managed to split your time between achieving your degree and having a job shows, some initiative, time management skills and a strong work ethic. This is something that employers love to see and it will put you ahead for the pack when it comes to applying to internships and full-time job positions.
Balling on a budget
Once thing that all students know is that money is tight. Between rent, tuition, textbooks, food and transport there really isn’t a lot of wiggle room when it comes to spending money on things you want rather than need.
Having a part time job can help you cover your costs and if you spend your money carefully you could even have enough to spoil yourself a little occasionally. Financial freedom and independence are very empowering, and it is a crucial step to achieve in adulthood.
Time management
Time management is an ever-crucial skill that you need to master. There will only ever be 24 hours in a day, but an endless number of things to do. Working while you study forces you to plan, prioritise and manage your time effectively.
It is not an easy skill to master but understanding how to do it will be crucial for you long after your university days have come to an end. Not only that but you will become better at focusing, organising your schedule and making the most of the few hours a day that you have.
Networking as a benefit of a part-time job
Having a part-time job gives you the opportunity to network and market yourself. You will meet people and learn how different industries operate and maybe even discover career paths and opportunities that you weren’t aware of that you are actually very interested in exploring.
Working while you study give you the opportunity to get your foot in the door before everyone else. Some places can even offer you a job conditional on your graduation, so you know that once you’ve graduated you already have a job ready and waiting for you.
Personal growth
Having a job is great for your personal growth. You will learn how to interact and work with people that you might not like or frequently disagree with. You will learn how to solve conflicts in a professional setting and manner.
You will gain a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses which you can then improve on and use to your advantage in a classroom situation. You will grow more confident in your ability to make decisions. There is tremendous personal growth that comes with having a job.
Work ethic
Being able to manage having a job during university shows tremendous work ethic. It shows an ability to stand by your commitments despite having other things to deal with. It teaches you the importance of time. That means arriving at work on time, listening to instructions, finishing tasks by specific deadlines and working diligently. Work ethic is an important skill to have and will provide many career growth opportunities if you have a consistent work ethic.
Retirement
Chances are that at this point in your life you haven’t even given a thought to what your retirement will look like. All I can say is that time is your friend. If you have a job, it is a good idea to open a retirement annuity and start contributing towards it. Even if you only contribute R200 a month, the number will increase over time as your income increases.
The most important thing when it comes to retirement is that you invest enough money over enough time to ensure that you will retire comfortably. So, start now don’t wait until after university to start. Having a job in university, could be the start of ensuring that you have a comfortable life once your working life has come to an end.
Read More: How To Find Healthcare Services Near Student Accommodation
Independence
The goal for any young adult should be independence. Financial independence is where it all starts. Having a job is the starting point to achieving financial independence. It allows you to start building your retirement as discussed earlier and to put some money into your savings so that you can start your independent life after university.
Once you are financially independent then you can say that you are fully independent. Financial independence means that you can manage your money well. This in turn will allow you the ability to take out loans to buy a car or a home, if not buy then you can afford to rent a place and move out of your parents’ house.
Financial literacy
Working will help you learn how to budget, save and manage your money. You know that you earn a set amount per month and that you have certain expenses that you need to cover. Having a job will give you the opportunity to learn how to make the most of the money you earn and just how quickly that money can disappear if you are not careful with your spending.
Final Thoughts
Getting a part-time job while studying is about much more than earning extra money. It’s a chance to build real-world skills, strengthen your CV, and gain the independence you’ll need after graduation. The experience you gain in balancing work and studies will give you a head start in your career and help you manage your personal finances more effectively.
But to thrive as a student with a part-time job, you also need a safe, reliable place to live that keeps you close to campus and your work. That’s where KCI Properties comes in. We provide modern, affordable student accommodation that supports your lifestyle — giving you the comfort and convenience you need to focus on your studies, your job, and your future. Apply today with KCI Properties and secure accommodation that works as hard for you as you do.
