Student employment experiences

I think we underestimate how difficult it is to study and work (plus get work experience, volunteer, join on campus clubs, maintain a social life, have time for hobbies, cook and the list goes on)! Feeling the pressure to spend any spare minute earning money has become the norm.

I got my first job when I was freshly fifteen at McDonald's (which was slightly traumatising), but I have no regrets and I was able to build so much confidence and character. My customer service skills were established (and I could also make decent coffees)!

Fast track to the end of high school, I got a job at a cinema. This was such an enjoyable job and I was able to make so many friendships. I did come home smelling like popcorn (which... come to think of it, isn't actually a bad smell), and I didn’t have a social life due to the demand of working Friday nights and weekends. I was part-time and I was glad that the hours weren’t demanding during university hours – I usually just worked weekends and nights. This was the perfect job for somebody wanting a student job without the cons of fast food or retail (cinemas are a perfect blend).

I took a leap and resigned from my job at the cinema late last year. I was reaching almost four years there and I knew I was getting too comfortable, plus my hours were increasing. I was in the determined mindset to get as much volunteer and work experience possible even if it meant my savings came to a halt.              

At the beginning of this year, I worked odd jobs (including a Covid marshal, cleaner and brand ambassador). This was out of my comfort zone - and was inconsistent and required new skill sets. Then I got this job – writing as a student blogger (which is a highly rewarding job that I'm very appreciative of). Now to the present day, I’m juggling four casual jobs which total to about 15-20 hours a week. And… I actually love it. The jobs I have are so varied and unique that I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds.

Starting new employment is always intimidating, and sometimes it becomes quite easy to remain in a safe job for a long period of time. I’m glad I took the leap to resign from my part-time job last year, and have now taken up multiple jobs in various industries. My skill set has become so broad and I’ve enjoyed meeting all sorts of different people along the way. The CareerHub and AUU Jobs Board are fantastic resources to use as students.