Computer Science student, Chris Dueck, tells us about his experience of finding part-time work that fitted in with his studies.

Finding part time work at university can be a big deal for a lot of people. Whether it’s going towards rent or nights out, it’s always helpful to earn a bit of extra cash while you study. Unfortunately, finding a flexible job that lets you work around your lectures and deadlines can still be a challenge, and working every weekend throughout the year isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why I recommend working part time with UniTemps.

On their website, I can find temporary jobs that I’m interested in whenever I want and apply to them in just few clicks. It takes a whole lot of hassle out of the process and has given me a lot more time to concentrate on studying and just having fun at university.

I first signed up after I became a student ambassador in my first year at Surrey, and since then I’ve worked in a range of roles with all sorts of people. Not long ago I worked on a weeklong summer school for year 12 students based on engineering subjects at university. It was a lot of fun and didn’t even feel like working! However, student ambassador work is only one aspect of what’s available.

Types of work I have found through Unitemps

This summer, I’ve also worked at 2 open days for my department, where I talked to prospective students and parents and gave tours of our facilities, as well as answering questions in the information fair. It was an interesting experience, and I even had one parent recognise me from the university website while I was there!

It’s worth noting that not all jobs advertised through UniTemps are related to university. I recently worked 4 days at Farnborough International Airshow as a magazine distributor, handing out daily news to business people on the private trade days of the show.

My most recent job was taking calls on the university clearing line on A level results day. It was certainly stressful and busy at times, but I also had a great time and met a few new people who were really helpful and supportive throughout the day.

It may sound like I’ve been working a lot, but really, I’ve only worked when I wanted to. Admittedly, I may have spent a little more than I should have in first year! However, this summer I’ve also had to spend a lot on my house for year two, and without UniTemps, affording it all could have been a lot more difficult for me.

How to find suitable roles

Once you’ve uploaded your CV, the process of searching for and signing up to a job is super easy. Not only that, but you could set up job alerts so that whenever a new role appears you get an email showing you all the details of what it is, when/where it will take place and what the pay rate will be.

I think what I’m trying to say is that there really is no downside to signing up. If you’re looking for some quick work, it’ll be a big help. If you aren’t, it’s still worth having available in case that changes. If you’re not sure what kind of work you want, check the job alerts when you get them and see if one interests you.

UniTemps has helped shape my university experience for the past year. Sign up and see what it can do for you.

 

ECC note:

• Information about preparing your CV available in our Useful Information Leaflet
• Unitemps will be at the part time work and internship fair. To book your place at the fair click here
• Unitemps website click here