by Amina
This year I am really looking forward to making the most of my third year at university. Securing my role as a student career coach has allowed me to widen my network within UWE and consider alternative career options that I otherwise would not have been aware of.
Within this role, I have been able to connect with students and support them with their career goals, which has been rewarding. The opportunity to develop my own skills, while helping students to unlock their own potential, has inspired me to continue positively impacting students here at UWE.
I have found it beneficial to work alongside my degree as I have been able to become more self-aware of my strengths and areas for improvement. Gaining work experience can be valuable as it allows you to cultivate a higher level of self-awareness that is essential for personal growth, career development, and academic success. You also develop transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and time-management, which can enhance employability.
Even if your work experience is not directly linked to your degree, having a part-time job will allow you to discover what you enjoy and don’t, boost confidence, and allow you to start building a professional network.
If you are balancing a part-time job alongside your studies, it is important to plan effectively so that you can continue to succeed in your studies.
Here are a few top tips to help you manage your workload and studies:
- Plan effectively – make sure to plan well ahead and create a schedule so that you stay on top of lectures, shifts, studying, and breaks.
- Set clear goals – setting targets for yourself can help to keep you accountable and focused on tasks.
- Know your limits – don’t take on more than you can manage and only accept shifts that you are able to work. If work is getting overwhelming, speak to your manager about reducing your hours or taking a break. Alternatively, if your university life is making you feel overwhelmed or stressed seek support.
- Take breaks – it’s important to prioritise your health and wellbeing so please remember to take breaks and do not push yourself too hard.