Making the most of Further Study

Taking on further study is about more than just learning and expanding your knowledge, it is also the ideal time to get experience and make contacts for the world of work when you finish your course. Many undergraduate students complain they did not make the most of their time at university to plan ahead for their careers, either by finding relevant part time work or networking to gain a jump start into a job on graduation. To make the most of further study, working while studying can help ensure you are in the best possible position when you graduate – here are a few ideas of the type of work you might be able to pursue.

1) Part Time Work During Term Time
It’s always a good idea to earn a little during your spare time while studying to make your budget stretch that little bit further. However, rather than settling for a simple job that brings in the money, try to find work that will aid you in your career. For example, if you want to pursue a writing career, there are numerous websites to submit to as well as

2) Take advantage of the long vacations
Work experience, internships and placements are all options to consider during vacations if you can spare the time away from the books. You might want to extend the hours of a part time job to earn more and perhaps adopt a larger role with more responsibilities, or look for work that is close to what you want to do when you complete your studies if you’re not already.

3) Network
Always take the time to talk to speak to employers about opportunities available both at the business you’re at and the wider world of work – especially if you’re doing a job you enjoy and related to your preferred career. Building up a good rapport with workmates is key to showing a desire for the job as much as performing well, so take the chance to socialise too if you’re really keen to be on the minds of the recruiters. Very often you can get offered a job before you complete your studies, always a bonus if you want to graduate with your next step already organised.

However, one rule you should always follow is not to put paid work first. Employers might put pressure on you to work extra shifts, eating into time spent on course work or revising for exams. If this happens, consider whether it is really worth the effort: you set out to complete a postgraduate qualification to your best of your ability, don’t hamper this by getting bogged down with additional responsibilities unless you can see the extra hours genuinely furthering your career.