Living the student lifestyle can be demanding – juggling studying, socialising and of course, working! There is a common perception that whilst being a student, it is impossible to make or save money, however, we think this is not the case. It is very achievable to work and commit to your studies at the same time, it is just imperative to try to secure the right job for your schedule and lifestyle. We want to help you make the right decision and give you an insight into some of the jobs available to students that will offer a flexible schedule as well as a range of relevant skills that will help you eventually enter the workforce after graduating.
Retail Jobs
Retail jobs are among the most popular choices for students in Australia. The roles in retail vary depending on the store itself. Some roles include cashiers, sales assistants, and stock replenishment staff. Retail stores more than likely operate in shifts, making it easier for students to work around their university and studying schedules.
Benefits of Retail Jobs:
- Flexible Hours: Retail stores typically offer flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Customer Service Skills: Working in retail will undoubtedly enhance communication and customer service skills.
- Employee Discounts: Many retail jobs provide employee discounts, which is a great perk for students on a budget.
Hospitality Jobs
Overview: Australia is home to a bustling and vibrant hospitality industry and is a great source of employment for students. Like retail, there are many different jobs in this sector, these include waitstaff, bartenders, kitchen hands, and baristas. Keeping in mind the country’s thriving café culture and tourist influx, there are always openings in restaurants, cafés, and hotels.
Benefits of Hospitality Jobs:
- High Demand: There is a constant demand for hospitality workers, especially in tourist hotspots and the major cities.
- Skill Development: Hospitality roles develop multitasking, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Tutoring
Overview: Tutoring is an excellent job for students who excel in or enjoy a particular subject. This job involves usually assisting school-aged children with their studies. Tutoring can be done privately or through tutoring centres, and are usually quite flexible with times, allowing students to easily attend university.
Benefits of tutoring:
- High Pay: Tutoring often pays quite well, especially for specialised subjects like maths, science, and languages.
- Flexible Schedule: Tutoring sessions can be arranged according to the tutor’s availability, especially if you are going to tutor privately.
- Enhances Knowledge: Teaching others helps reinforce the tutor’s own understanding of the subject, and improves communication skills.
Administrative Assistant
Overview: Administrative assistant roles are available in many different industries, including education, healthcare, and corporate offices. These roles involve tasks such as data entry, filing, answering phones, scheduling appointments and day-to-day communications.
Benefits of being an administrative assistant:
- Office Experience: These jobs provide valuable office experience, which is significantly beneficial for future career prospects.
- Skill Development: Students will develop organisational and time management skills.
- Professional Environment: Working in a professional setting can be a helpful learning experience and could potentially offer networking opportunities.
Internships
Overview: Internships are temporary positions that will offer students practical experience in their field of study. While some internships are unpaid, many offer hourly wages. Securing a paid internship would not only be beneficial financially but also provide invaluable knowledge in your field.
Benefits of internships:
- Career Experience: Internships provide hands-on experience and exposure to the student’s chosen industry.
- Networking: Internships allow students to build professional relationships that can be beneficial for future job searches.
- Resume Builder: Having an internship on a resume can make a candidate more attractive to future employers.
Delivery Driver
Overview: With the rise of online shopping and food delivery services, delivery driver jobs have become increasingly popular and accessible. Companies like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and local businesses often seek reliable drivers.
Benefits of being a delivery driver:
- Flexible Hours: Drivers can often choose their working hours, making it easy to fit around a study schedule.
- Independence: This job offers a high degree of independence and doesn’t require constant supervision. This will enhance organisation and time management skills.
- Earnings: Earnings can be supplemented with tips from satisfied customers.
Call Centre Operator
Overview: Call centre jobs involve handling customer inquiries, complaints, and support requests via phone or online chat. There are many roles available in many different sectors, including telecommunications, banking, and retail.
Benefits:
- Communication Skills: This job enhances communication and problem-solving skills.
- Training Provided: Many call centres provide comprehensive training, making it easier for students to adapt.
- Shift Work: Call centres often operate 24/7, offering flexible shift options.
Freelancing
Overview: Freelancing offers a flexible work option for students skilled in areas like graphic design, writing, web development, and social media management. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide many avenues to find freelance work.
Benefits:
- Flexibility: Freelancers can choose their projects and work hours, and there is the benefit of working from home.
- High Earning Potential: Skilled freelancers can command high rates for their services.
- Portfolio Development: Freelancing allows students to build a portfolio of work that can be showcased to future employers.
Conclusion
Finding the right job as a student in Australia involves balancing flexibility, skill development, and earning potential. Whether it’s working in retail, and hospitality, or pursuing internships and freelancing, there are plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience and provide financial support. It is imperative that you choose a job that aligns with your lifestyle, study schedule and financial obligations. Don’t forget to check out our “How to stand out in a virtual job interview“.
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