A part-time job could enhance your university experience and make you some extra cash. You could build confidence, learn valuable skills, make new friends and even give your CV a boost.
Work while you study
We understand that university is about more than just studying but you should think about the demands of your degree. We recommend you no work no more than 15 hours a week.
Yi Kang Choo
Third year LLB Law student
Work experience:
- International Student Ambassador
- Student assistant to the Career, Employability and Skills Team
- Virtual student ambassador for the Arts, Humanities and Social Science Faculty
Find out how Yi Kang made the most of our career services to boost his career
Rebecca Russell
Final year MEng Electrical Engineering
Work experience:
- Student tour guide
- Student ambassador
- Student’s Union operations team
Erin Mussett
Third year English and History
Work experience:
- Peer supporter
- Sales assistant at Primark
- Student blogger
Erin balanced her final year at Queen’s alongside her part-time job at Primark and work as a peer supporter. Find out how she managed it
GETTING A PART-TIME JOB - SEE HOW WE CAN HELP
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How can I find a part-time job on campus?
A part-time job on campus could be a great way to meet new people and get more involved in the Queen’s community.
As one of the biggest student employers in Belfast, there’s a wide range of roles you can apply for at Queen’s. These include roles like student ambassador, tour guide and various hospitality roles. And you’ll be working for the university, so you can be sure your employer will understand the demands of your degree.
Through QWork, you can register your interest in working on casual basis on QUB Campus, view opportunities, apply for and manage your assignments.
8 amazing part-time student jobs available right here on campus
- How can I find a part-time job away from campus?
There are lots of opportunities for part-time work around Belfast. But you should keep in mind how much time you’ll need for your studies.
And remember, you are entitled to national minimum wage as a student worker.
You can use MyFuture to find part-time work away from campus. There are other popular job boards you can use, including Ni job finder, Indeed and Jobsite.
Many shops, restaurants and bars don’t advertise online. Remember to keep an eye out for notices in their windows.
- How can I find placement opportunities and work experience?
Queen’s can offer you support and guidance if you are looking to secure your placement. You can get in touch with your Faculty or School’s careers or placement advisers, if you’d like to talk through your options or get advice.
Even if you aren’t searching for a placement, you might be keen to find an internship during vacations or to get some work experience.
Find work experience opportunities
We also host an annual Graduate Recruitment and Placement Fair. You can come along to these to meet employers and learn about different careers.
“Networking at the Queen's career fairs really opened doors for me. In fact, I received over five invites to interviews from recruiters I met there.” Rebecca Russell
MEeng Electrical Engineering
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How can the Queen’s careers service help me?
Find a placement or work experience: Come along to the Work Experience and Placement Fair to meet employers and get an insight into a wide variety of companies and industries.
Get help with your CV and applications: our career service can help you perfect your CV and smooth the application process. We also have online resources to help you with your CV, cover letters and interviews.
Interview practice: You’ll have access to our Vmock automated CV checker. You can even practice video interviews using MyFuture.
Career guidance: If you’d like to talk through your career options, book a 1-2-1 appointment with one of our Career Consultants. You can book these through MyFuture.
Blog: Career and Learning Opportunities: 3 ways to go about it
Blog: How to use the careers development services at Queen’s
With the help of the MyFuture platform and Queen's career service, I got legal internships at global companies such as Herbert Smith Freehills and Baker McKenzie. I also worked for NGOs, such as the International Lawyers Project. Yi Kang Choo
LLB Law
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I’m an international student – can I work part-time?
I’m studying a full-time degree: A tier 4 student visa for a full-time degree allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and full-time during your vacations.
I’m studying a course below degree level: Your visa allows you to work 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during your vacations.
I’m in the UK as a Standard Visitor or Short-term Student: Unfortunately, you will not be able to take on part-time work.
If you aren't sure whether you can work, you should check your visa sticker or Biometric Residence Permit. You can find useful information from The UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Find out more about working as an international student
- Do I need a National Insurance number?
It’s a good idea to apply for a National Insurance number before applying to work. This is a unique number assigned by the government to everyone eligible to work. Don’t have one? Apply here
- How can I find volunteering opportunities?
Whether you’re interested in gaining experience or you simply want to give back, there are lots of opportunities for you to volunteer.
The Student’s Union runs volunteering programmes that offer a great way to help out, gain new skills and make friends. Our volunteering initiatives include:
- Homework Clubs
- Handy Helpers
- Jump IN
- Volunteer from the comfort of your own home
- Volunteer in local communities
You can even get extra credit for your volunteering work. The Queen’s University Future-Ready Award scheme rewards students who do volunteer work. Find more ways you could get rewarded for volunteering.
Hear from Queen’s graduate Ryan Lavelle as he speaks about his volunteering experiences and how they helped him build a career in law.
- Can Queen’s help me start my own company?
We can help you if you’d like to make your own path and start a company.
You can find get in touch with Queen’s Enterprise SU no matter what stage your business is at. You can book a business 1-2-1 to get expert advice, find helpful resources or meet fellow entrepreneurs.
There is also a Kick Start Accelerator - Summer School that could help you launch your own business. The course aims to support students in growing their business ideas and test the viability of turning them into an enterprise.