BUDGET & FUNDING
How to find a student job to finance your studies ?
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Are you going to study in another city? Time to say goodbye to mum and dad, you’re over the moon, total freedom is yours! Here’s the deal. Independence is great, but it's expensive. Registration fees, rent for your cosy nest, going out (you need to relax...): to finance your studies, you can find a student job. Then you can earn a salary and give your CV a boost at the same time, demonstrating your motivation and determination to future recruiters. All in all, it’s a win-win situation! How do you go about finding the student job of your dreams? No idea? Nemea has some tips.
Student jobs: which sectors to target?
Paid work experience: almost one in two students works in a student job while undertaking further education. Whether it's to pay the rent, registration fees (without draining your savings), leisure activities or student parties (you own the dancefloor!), a student job is still the best way to avoid bankrupting your parents and it helps you become independent too! Aim for part-time work contracts with flexible and adaptable hours that can fit in perfectly with your student schedule. As a rule, recruiters specify whether the position is suitable for a student in the job ad.
In terms of industry, you have a great choice: large and medium-sized retailers, hotels and restaurants (get ready to take home those tips!), private tuition (ideal if you have a head for maths), housework, regular baby-sitting, deliveries, kids activities (revise those nursery rhymes!), etc. You might also want to apply to temporary employment agencies at the same time, they often have one-off assignments, for example in catering (waiters at weddings, survey takers, etc.).
Have you just moved to a new city? Remember to look at the town hall's website and find out about local businesses, there are sure to be some good ones. Looking for a student job in Marseille? If you’re a champion swimmer you could join the naval-firefighters (awesome right?). Are you heading west towards Rennes for your studies? Lucky you, did you know as a city it probably has the most party goers and bars per square metre? If you are looking for a student job in Rennes, you can go around the bars with your CV, chances are they’re in need of extra staff!
How to apply?
Are you wondering how to go about finding your perfect student job? The first step is to have a CV (preferably up to date) and a cover letter (mistake and stain-free if you please). Register with temporary employment agencies, check out job offers online and also on the notice boards of your university or the CROUS, for example, and above all brave approaching the companies that interest you directly (especially hotels and restaurants) with your application. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is the best way to find the student job of your dreams!