Working while studying

As much as we'd all like to be able to concentrate solely on our studies, often it is necessary to get a part-time job to help finance our time at university. Part-time jobs also provide vital work experience that could help to clinch that desirable graduate position. So what type of part-time work is suitable for students?

Convenient hours

The first priority should be a job that fits in around your studies. As much as you need the money, jobs which clash with lectures and take up time you need to spend on revision are counter-productive. This usually means jobs in an evening, such as bar work, or a weekend position, such as in a shop.

Good money

The other priority is money. It goes without saying that the more money you get per hour, the less hours you have to work. Simple. However, bar and shop work isn't the best paid work, and students sometimes have to make the sacrifice of low pay over convenient hours. Some employers can take advantage of this, so be careful. Try and get a job that pays as much as possible without having to work lots of hours. Use your skills you already have. If you have industry experience, then you should look to get work which uses this. It is likely to be better paid and give you more flexibility that traditional student jobs.

Use your existing skills

Look in less traditional places for work. Yes the university union job shop may have lots of tempting positions but they may not pay so well. Try the job section of the local town's newspaper, or keep track of what jobs are coming up at the local council. Interesting jobs which use your skills such as sports coaching, or leading drama workshops will pay more per hour and provide much more relevant work experience.

Paying tax (or not)

If you work in a job that has irregular hours, for example you work a lot more hours during the holidays than during term-time, make sure you do not pay too much tax. Income tax is paid over a year, but worked out by your employer on your weekly wage. Some weeks you will pay too much tax. You can claim it back at the end of the year by filling in a P50, but this is not good if you need the money right now. Instead, you can also apply for an exemption, but to do this your total earnings for the year must be lower than your personal allowance, which is around £6,500.

Building experience

If you plan on using a part-time job to boost your CV and help your future career then it is better to look for a job in the area in which you are interested in working. If you want to be a marine biologist then don't work in a factory. Ask if there are any jobs at the local aquarium, even if it's working in their gift shop. If you like history, then look for weekend work at the local museum. Don't be afraid to stray from the student areas to find more interesting, better-paid work.

Other ways of making money

There are also money-making opportunites available which tap into your student status. Some companies who want to sell to students have commission-based schemes where you can earn money from liaising with social groups like societies or sports teams. For example, your sports team needs new kit, you take the order and place it with the company and you get a share of the sale value.You'll never get rich this way, but for some it can be easy money if you already have the contacts and a flair for sales. Watch out for opportunites like this on websites such as http://www.gumtree.com/.

Above all, try not to let any part-time work interfere too much with your studies. Sacrificing good marks for a bit of extra cash may not be the best long-term strategy. Better financial management might be a better option than working too many hours.

Good luck, and happy job-hunting.