When studying, it is important to not only develop your academic skills but your work ethic and employability too. That being said, finding a job, especially while studying, is often easier said than done! So, here’s a list of the 10 best part-time jobs for students in Australia to consider.
1) Tutoring
Tutoring options are endless, making this a great choice whether you choose to go freelance or sign up for a tutoring service. Most degrees will include a written component of some kind, so tutoring English is an excellent option for many. Maths and science tutors are always in high demand too, so there is bound to be an area of study to suit your degree and skills perfectly.
2) Administrative work
Being a member of an admin team can be a great way to build a network and develop your office skills. This is an especially valuable job to consider when completing a degree that will most likely see you working in an office in the future. For example, if you’re studying a law degree, try to get an administrative job at a legal firm. If they like you enough, they may be willing to take you on once you have completed your degree.
3) Barista
Whilst it is true that a lot of barista jobs will require specific training, there is immense value in applying for a position like this. Most notably, the fact that there is often a cluster of cafes around universities, so travelling to work will be a breeze. In these locations, managers are likely to be more sympathetic towards your study schedule, which is an added boon of the job. The customer service experience gained as well will be valuable in any future position.
4) Bartending
You’ll need an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) licence and/or complementary training, but the benefits of working in a bar can be immense. For starters, because of the hours, the pay is going to be very reasonable. Furthermore, the experience gained in conflict and time management is extremely valuable for any future career path.
5) Cinema
Working in a cinema has the advantage of being incredibly diverse. While it’s true that you’ll likely have to work in a customer-facing position, you may also be asked to manage lighting/projection, engage in some minor bar work, and much more. The experience gained, as well as the fun atmosphere, makes working in a cinema a no-brainer!
6) Food delivery
Being a delivery driver offers flexibility around your studying hours. You will need a vehicle and relevant licences to be able to take on the work, but if you already have these, it can be a great option. Whilst not offering much variety, exploring new areas and interacting with customers can be very valuable.
7) Fast food
While not the most luxurious or glamorous job, working at a fast-food restaurant is a great way to get into the workforce and teaches you some fantastic skills along the way. From customer service and industrial hygiene standards to technology skills (e.g. the use of a Point of Sale (POS) systems) and the mass production of food, there is plenty to be learned. Many fast food outlets also offer managerial/supervisory training programs to those who perform well in their roles. While it might not be your dream job, having any management experience looks great on a resume.
8) Retail shop assistant
Retail is a tried and true sector for students, and there is a good reason for it. Duties vary, including customer service, inventory management, and much more. Pay is almost always reasonable, and the atmosphere is often relaxing, especially in warehousing and “night fill” roles.
9) Kitchen staff
Restaurants and cafes have many positions for students in their kitchens. While this most commonly involves dishwashing, it can also include kitchen assistant positions for those with some minor training, which could eventually lead to roles in a higher class establishment further down the line. This has the potential to offer very good rates of pay for skilled employees as well as fantastic networking opportunities. You’ll find lots of kitchen work in our hospitality jobs category.
10) Childcare
Many childcare centres will take on students as trainees, offering training in a variety of roles. This also includes school settings, such as after-hours child care. These environments teach communication skills to a high degree since communicating with children is often much more challenging than communicating with adults. It is worth noting that some training will be needed before taking on a role in this field, such as a first aid course. But if that’s completed, getting a childcare job on a part-time basis can prove very rewarding.
While jobs for students aren’t always easy to get, there are plenty of options out there to consider, even as a student. We have listed 10 options in this article, so if any of them interest you, be sure to start your search today!