Are you thinking of undertaking a part-time job while studying abroad? Grab it, by all means. Firstly, it will support you financially, and secondly, you will end up learning several skills, such as time management, interpersonal skills, and more.
While a part-time job holds significance for students abroad, its importance varies. Some view it as a means to earn, while others see it as an avenue for exposure and networking.
A part-time job is a visa condition that almost every country offers to students—be it 16 hours per week, 20 hours per week, 24 hours per week, or 48 hours fortnightly. But have you ever wondered why these countries impose such conditions on student visas? In my 21 years of experience in the industry and as an international student, I’ve realised that every country not only expects you to cover your expenses but also aims for you to adapt to their work culture.
Moreover, in many colleges and universities abroad, classrooms often accommodate 15 to 20 Indian students. Accessing international exposure becomes challenging if you remain solely within the classroom without opting for a part-time job. Stepping out into the workforce is key to gaining cultural insight. Through this process, you engage with colleagues, make connections, enhance time management skills, and develop invaluable people management abilities.
Upgrade Skills Before Departure
If you are a commerce graduate, go for a crash course for 3 to 5 weeks related to your field and upgrade your skills before landing in a foreign country. If not anything else, polish your MS Office basics. It will be a win-win situation for you because the money spent on doing a course will be helpful in your starting salary.
Even if you start making your bed every day before leaving your home, you will develop a skill and may land a job as a housekeeper in the hotel industry on a good package. Along the same lines, having the skill to operate a vacuum cleaner can also open up job opportunities for you in the hospitality industry.
I still recall a student’s story when he moved to Australia five years back. In his first three months, he mastered the art of cleaning glass windows and earned $10 per hour. Reflecting on this, he realised that had he acquired this skill earlier, he could have secured a position paying $21 per hour, similar to his current wage.
Skills such as food preparation, culinary techniques, dishwashing, pet care, fitness coaching, and many others are easily acquired and the best time to learn such skills is when you are in your home country and waiting for your visa to come. Continuously enhancing your skillset ensures a smoother transition upon your arrival and you will not have to face much of a struggle when you land there.
This is How To Find Jobs
Begin by utilising your university’s resources, such as job boards or career centres, which are frequently brimming with employment advertisements geared for students. Reach out to seniors, professors, or local Indian groups since they may have helpful advice or be aware of career openings. Don’t forget about the online world; platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or local employment boards may be hiding the perfect match for student-friendly roles. This allows you to choose the best part-time employment for your schedule and skills.
You can visit the official websites of the countries you’re in or interested in finding a part-time job. For Australia, you can click here to find a job of your choice, similarly, for Canada, you can find work by clicking here. Likewise, you can browse other nations’ websites to secure yourself a job. Furthermore, you can take guidance from the overseas education consultants in Gurgaon in finding a job overseas while studying.
Building your LinkedIn profile by adding all your skills and certifications helps you connect and find job opportunities faster online than you could in person. It’s like turbocharging your professional network and job search with the speed of the internet.
Note to Parents
If you send your child abroad for higher education, ensure they have tuition fees for at least a year to support themselves financially without disrupting their studies. Starting work immediately upon arrival and aiming to save money for the second semester is a recipe for disaster. It might cause major difficulties and disruption in their academic progress. Also, try to be emotionally available for them and provide them with all kinds of support they may require in settling there.
The Bottom Line
Part-time jobs for Indian students studying abroad present fantastic opportunities for personal growth, financial stability, and cultural immersion. They offer more than just monetary benefits; they can shape your experience, broaden your perspectives, and enrich your resume. For that begin early and start upgrading your skills in your home country before your visa arrives. Embrace this phase, learn, and grow – both academically and professionally. So, what kind of a part-time job would interest you the most?
