Is it possible to be a full-time student with a part-time job?
We all know that school is expensive, and
in order to finance an education (which is
essential in today's credentials-obsessed job
market), some students may have to take on
a part-time job.
I realized early on in my first year at Western University the implications of not having a job coupled with my lack of savings from my summer job. While my friends were spending copious amounts of money on nights out, I was at the mercy of my parents providing me with necessity money for textbooks, food and the occasional special event like a concert. I can't complain, I had a great first year, but in second year I really wanted to make my own money and not have to rely on my parents.
I ended up getting a job as a caller at the Western call centre, which was within walking distance from my residence. I worked nine hours a week, and because it was associated with the school, they were great about working around my schedule. Not every job is as flexible, but if you pursue jobs on campus, you have a better chance that your boss will work around your tests or classes.
When you are juggling a job, school and homework, time management is a must. Your program may have a heavy course load, so maintaining a job and good grades can be tricky, but with a little bit of planning and the right job, you can do both. Before applying to jobs, you should take into consideration its distance from your home and how long it will take you to travel there and back — it may not be worth the time it will cost you to commute. Finding a job in relatively close proximity allows you to get home quickly and squeeze in some crucial studying the night before that big test.
Working on campus can eliminate that commute altogether. Resources such as Fanshawe's Career Services not only help you in perfecting your resume and cover letter, but also give you a list of available jobs offered through the work-study program. Many of these jobs are offered in the College and are program-specific. Opportunities such as the photographer position offered at the Athletic department are a great way for Photography students to get program-specific work experience. Keep in mind that a job with the work-study program only allows you to work up 12 hours a week, and you will have to consult the department offering the position for more details. After I enrolled at Fanshawe, I took on a job as a writer for Interrobang. In my role as a reporter, I'm acquiring industry work experience, and, as a bonus, it pays! Even better, I'm building my portfolio with stories that I choose to write. There are many other jobs available, and by applying early you will save yourself the headache of trying to find them halfway through the semester when many businesses have finished hiring for the year.
Having a job while attending school is possible. My first year got me acquainted with post-secondary workload and it prepared me for what to expect second year. As a result, I felt like I could handle the pressure of attending school and having a job.
Having a part-time job gives you some financial freedom and independence. I would strongly advise taking advantage of the jobs offered through the work-study program at Fanshawe, as it is very hard to find jobs in your field to gain experience from as a student. Just remember to schedule yourself to have fun, too!
To apply for the work study bursary that will allow you to work on campus, go to tinyurl.com/fanworkstudy13.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
I realized early on in my first year at Western University the implications of not having a job coupled with my lack of savings from my summer job. While my friends were spending copious amounts of money on nights out, I was at the mercy of my parents providing me with necessity money for textbooks, food and the occasional special event like a concert. I can't complain, I had a great first year, but in second year I really wanted to make my own money and not have to rely on my parents.
I ended up getting a job as a caller at the Western call centre, which was within walking distance from my residence. I worked nine hours a week, and because it was associated with the school, they were great about working around my schedule. Not every job is as flexible, but if you pursue jobs on campus, you have a better chance that your boss will work around your tests or classes.
When you are juggling a job, school and homework, time management is a must. Your program may have a heavy course load, so maintaining a job and good grades can be tricky, but with a little bit of planning and the right job, you can do both. Before applying to jobs, you should take into consideration its distance from your home and how long it will take you to travel there and back — it may not be worth the time it will cost you to commute. Finding a job in relatively close proximity allows you to get home quickly and squeeze in some crucial studying the night before that big test.
Working on campus can eliminate that commute altogether. Resources such as Fanshawe's Career Services not only help you in perfecting your resume and cover letter, but also give you a list of available jobs offered through the work-study program. Many of these jobs are offered in the College and are program-specific. Opportunities such as the photographer position offered at the Athletic department are a great way for Photography students to get program-specific work experience. Keep in mind that a job with the work-study program only allows you to work up 12 hours a week, and you will have to consult the department offering the position for more details. After I enrolled at Fanshawe, I took on a job as a writer for Interrobang. In my role as a reporter, I'm acquiring industry work experience, and, as a bonus, it pays! Even better, I'm building my portfolio with stories that I choose to write. There are many other jobs available, and by applying early you will save yourself the headache of trying to find them halfway through the semester when many businesses have finished hiring for the year.
Having a job while attending school is possible. My first year got me acquainted with post-secondary workload and it prepared me for what to expect second year. As a result, I felt like I could handle the pressure of attending school and having a job.
Having a part-time job gives you some financial freedom and independence. I would strongly advise taking advantage of the jobs offered through the work-study program at Fanshawe, as it is very hard to find jobs in your field to gain experience from as a student. Just remember to schedule yourself to have fun, too!
To apply for the work study bursary that will allow you to work on campus, go to tinyurl.com/fanworkstudy13.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
