The Working Student

When I first thought about going to uni I remember thinking to myself, It will be so great not to have a job! To be paid to study! What a luxury! Oh how life has taught me otherwise.

To be fair at least I do acknowledge that it was more serendipity than intentional for me to work my way through university. In working at a school before the summer holidays, I was given the opportunity to take on the job and part time to suit my studies. It hadn't been drilled into me yet how having a job role or work experience in a similar field to my course was beneficial.

Now - in 2nd year - it's all I hear! Work experience. Add to your CV. Experiment in job roles. Learn first hand about job roles. I hear this every day as well as through my emails, how valuable it is to have something to show for your years in university. They say that 2nd year is the best year because you've had a chance to get into your studies and have some ideas of what you're interested in.

And I agree completely. In working in a school I have seen firsthand what roles others play in schools, the social workers, teachers, SEN Coordinators, Language Support, to Counsellors to name just a few. All people I am working alongside and talking to and getting information from, some of them have even helped me in my assignments related to their job roles or just with advice. Great stuff. I have also mentally added ticks and question marks to the roles that I have found myself connecting with. Of course this is not the same as work experience or having those roles, but I feel competent should someone in an interview ask me what I know to expect of a role, PLUS (and a big plus) I know a little more about what I am interested in and would like to pursue.

Another advantage to working while studying, even if a minor role like mine, I feel that because my employers know I am studying in relation to my work, that I am serious about my career, and I believe that is the main reason why they gave me the job. After 9 months I have already been given new responsibilities that stretch my learning and capabilities (in a good way), I also have the prospect of a decent promotion in my role - something I am preparing for.

And yes, as they say, it is all something to go on my CV. The learning curves, the people-skills, and personal time management (who cannot respect someone who learns on the job and in a university in the same week?). Not to mention the fact that I actually manage to put something in my purse at the end of the month and am not one of those poor, penniless students - poor things.

However, having a decent job and studying at the same time usually results in an extra pile of this by the weekend …

PS:

I have also taken up the paperwork towards the EDGE Award (something I wish they did down at the Job Centre!), and it is teaching me about reflective working, applications and job research, plus interview skills when applying to the job you're dreaming of. I will have to keep you posted on this as I am right now working on it, as I know it is the same work I will need to submit for one of my unit's assignments. But pop over to the Careers and Employment Centre if you're interested.