For many of us, finding a job to supplement income while being in school can be a daunting task. Like many others, I arrived at LSE campus on my first day determined to find work, only to be met with rejection from many businesses. As someone who worked while studying during my undergraduate degree, I was determined to find a way to sustainably supplement my income during my masters. Looking for a job in a new country and new community while pursuing a demanding degree can seem impossible… where do you start? Hopefully this guide can give you some ideas about where and how to look for part-time jobs as an LSE student.
The LSE community and LSE CareerHub
As LSE students, we are extremely fortunate to have a huge amount of job-search advice and resources exclusively available to us. There are often some advertised roles on-campus in campus-wide emails, both within specific departments and more generally. This is how I was able to find work as an LSE Student Blogger, and it has been extremely easy to balance my work and assignments with this role. Be sure to keep an eye on any communication from LSE for things like volunteering and assisting with on-campus events or temporary roles.
In addition to providing guidance on specific working requirements such as visa type, legal/recommended working hours as a student and National Insurance information (particularly valuable to us international students), the LSE CareerHub allows employers to market roles directly to the LSE community. Alongside part time roles for things like tutoring and nannying, one can find professional training programs, vacation schemes, and even some full-time or international roles after graduation.
Cold calling can work
If your parents are anything like mine, they’ll tell you the best way to find a job is to walk around your target area with a CV and ask around. While it might seem old-fashioned in the world of career sites and LinkedIn, this can actually be an extremely effective strategy for finding local roles. I always carry a copy of my CV with me just in case, and had success in the past with finding roles just by walking in and asking. In some coffee shops and community centres there might be events and small/local roles for things like dog walking or babysitting, so keep an eye on noticeboards too.
Even if it just ends up being a way to explore a new neighborhood or make a new connection, it’s still worthwhile. If mobility or access poses an issue, there is never any harm in sending an email or calling directly. Just make sure you’re prepared to pitch yourself and present your capabilities and experience.
Online: use your networks!
As I mentioned earlier, there is no harm in reaching out directly to a company or organisation you’re interested in. Connecting with professors within the LSE community about roles and subjects you’re interested in can be a great way to get started, as they’ll be more aware of possible organisations, individuals, or events to push you toward. This may be a good way to find positions more focused on research.
Beyond in-person networking, jobsites like LinkedIn can be a huge resource for finding individuals who can provide career advice and mentorship as well. Most people are excited and happy to talk with you about their career paths and roles, and this can be useful for finding internships or part-time roles that might relate more to your degree or career interests. The worst thing that can happen if you reach out is that they don’t reply, so don’t be afraid to pitch yourself.
Platforms to check out:
Career related:
General: