How I Found a Job at Uni: A Student’s Guide for UK Students

• Author: Marissa Burgess-Tasker, International Tourism Management BSc, School of Business and Law

Hello everyone, my name is Marissa and I am a third-year International Travel and Tourism student at the University of Brighton. I am here today to give you some tips and tricks about finding a job within the university while managing your studies. 

Navigating the complexities of university life can be challenging, especially when it comes to balancing finances. Securing a job while studying can not only ease financial strain but also enrich your university experience. Here, I’ll share my journey of finding a job at university, specifically as a student ambassador, and offer insights into the kind of work involved, how to balance study and work, and the benefits I’ve reaped from this experience. 

Being a Student Ambassador: What Kind of Work do I do?

Before I started as a Student Ambassador, I was a student helper, which meant I often worked open days alongside lecturers and other students. At these events I would carry out meet and greets and fill in gaps within the staffing requirements on the day. Being a student helper made me realise I would like to do this type of role on a more permanent basis, so I applied to be a student ambassador. Being a student ambassador allows me to do more paid work whilst also connecting with potential future employers. I get to meet inclusion and disability officers from other universities and educational institutions, which works towards my aim to increase inclusion and disability knowledge, not only in the tourism industry, but in working environments overall!

When I first considered getting a job at uni, I wanted something that would fit around my studies and add value to my university experience. Becoming a student ambassador has been the perfect solution for me, the work is varied and involves a range of activities, including: 

• Campus Tours: Leading prospective students and their families around the campus, sharing insights about university life, and answering their questions. 

• Open Days and Events: Assisting with the organisation and execution of university open days and other promotional events. 

• School Visits: Visiting local schools to talk about university life and encouraging students to consider higher education. 
  
• Online Outreach: Engaging with prospective students via social media, live chats, and virtual open days, including featuring in marketing pieces for the University of Brighton social channels. 

The work is dynamic and engaging, offering a chance to develop communication, leadership, and organisational skills. Each day brings new tasks, preventing the job from becoming monotonous and allowing ambassadors to showcase their university pride. 

Balancing Study and Work 

One of the major concerns for students considering employment during their time at university is how to balance work with academic responsibilities. As a student ambassador, I found that the role was designed with students’ needs in mind. Here are some strategies that helped me manage both: 

1. Flexibility: The student ambassador programme at my university offered flexible working hours, allowing me to fit work around my lectures and study schedule. 

2. Effective Time Management: I learnt to prioritise tasks and manage my time efficiently. Using planners and digital calendars helped me keep track of my commitments. 

3. Communication: Keeping open lines of communication with both my academic tutors and job supervisors ensured that I could adjust my work commitments during busy academic periods, such as exam seasons. 

4. Study Groups: Joining study groups allowed me to combine social time with study, making it easier to stay on top of coursework while maintaining a social life. 

Balancing work and study requires discipline and good time management, but with the right approach, it is entirely achievable. 

How Has Having a Job Benefited You? 

As a full-time wheelchair user on benefits, finding a job that not only complemented my studies but also topped up my benefits was crucial. The student ambassador role provided the perfect balance, allowing me to work without worrying about my income. 

Working as a student ambassador has brought numerous benefits, in both a tangible and intangible way. Here’s how the experience has enriched my university life: 

1. Financial Independence: Earning a regular income helped alleviate some of the financial pressures of university life, covering daily expenses and reducing reliance on student loans. 

2. Skill Development: The role has significantly boosted my confidence and developed key skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and event management, which are highly valued by employers. 

3. Networking: I’ve had the opportunity to meet a wide range of people, including university staff, prospective students, and fellow ambassadors, expanding my professional and social networks. 

4. University Involvement: Being an ambassador has deepened my connection with the university, giving me a sense of pride and belonging. 

5. CV Enhancement: Having work experience related to my university added valuable content to my CV, making me a more competitive candidate in the job market. 

How I Feel About Being a Student Ambassador

In conclusion, securing a job at university, such as a student ambassador, can be a rewarding way to balance financial needs with academic commitments. The experience not only provides financial relief but also enhances personal and professional growth. 

By taking on roles like campus tours, open days, school visits, and online outreach, I’ve developed crucial skills and expanded my network, all while maintaining my academic performance through effective time management and communication. 

I hope my journey and tips inspire you to explore similar opportunities, enriching your university experience and setting a strong foundation for your future career. Thank you for listening, and I wish you all the best in your endeavours!