Let's talk about the hidden benefits of working while studying

In addition to the extra cash, the right part-time job is also your key to important personal growth
Student questions her options

While it’s important to invest time and effort into your studies, a part-time job can help more than just your wallet. No matter where you work, focusing on process-driven tasks can have a number of benefits for full-time students that that go beyond adding to your CV.

The flip-side however, is that a part-time job can also add pressure to what already feels like a full schedule. If your course load allows you enough free time to take on a job, why not get started now?

Here are some things to think about when considering whether a part-time job is a good idea for you.

Student workers in a coffee shop

Your job can be a social outlet

The pace of university can sometimes limit the amount of time that you spend with your peers. Pull your head out of the books and take advantage of the built-in community that many service, or team-based work environments offer.

Professional skills take a long time to develop

Patience, empathy, problem solving and a sense of humour are all skills that can only be refined and tested out in the world. Work will help you to develop professional ethics and people skills that help you to stand out in future interviews, and will give you the life experience that's so important when learning how to work with different kinds of people.

Build your resumé while in school

Work experience is important to employers who are looking to hire new graduates. Avoid the ‘I need the experience to get a job, but I need a job to get the experience’ conundrum when you graduate by starting to build your CV now. Whether you're working one or three shifts a week, having a consistent job while studying shows that you're dedicated and capable of balancing more than one obligation at a time.

A student works on a construction site

Physical work like construction can be an excellent, well paying way to develop skills during the summer months.

Where can I get started?

Whether you’re looking for extra spending money, a new challenge or to add relevant experience for your resumé, there are several places where you can begin your search.

In addition to shopping malls, restaurants and small business nearby the university or close to where you live, be sure to investigate on-campus opportunities as well. Begin your search with these three resources.

Career services and Elevate

Begin by scheduling an appointment with a Career Specialist. Discuss your personal interests, strengths and employment options in this important first step. From there, check out Elevate, an online job board for opportunities within and outside of the university.

Co-op and internship programs

Looking for hands-on learning? Co-op and internship programs provide valuable work experience during your degree. They're coordinated by your faculty, so if you're interested, be sure to contact a faculty advisor to learn more.

Find volunteer opportunities

If you’re after experience in your field, start by speaking with an Academic Advisor in your faculty to learn about research opportunities that require student volunteers. Other great volunteering opportunities can be found by way of the Peer Helper Program - a site that lists open positions in campus offices.