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Having a part-time job while studying offers an array of benefits, from financial support to gaining confidence as an employee. You’ll begin to build a list of references and gain overall experience of joining the workforce. There are a few things you should consider before you look into getting a part-time job. Your studies should take priority overworking, so it’s best not to take on more hours than you can handle, but there are opportunities out there that can fit around your schedule. If you look through job-hunting websites or get into contact with NxtStep, you’ll be sure to find a job that suits your needs. Builds confidence Initially, entering into the workforce can be intimidating; it will take time to figure out the specifics of your role within the company and to create relationships with your co-workers. But it won’t take long before you start to feel comfortable in your position, gain new skills and become more confident. You’ll begin to take initiative and be able to work independently without the need of a supervisor. This aspect of having a job benefits both your work life and social life. Becoming more confident in yourself and the decisions you make builds character. Transferable skills Whether you land a part-time job working for your dream company or choose to try out other avenues, you’ll gain skills that are transferable to any job. Working in retail or hospitality builds interpersonal/communication skills between both customers and co-workers. Getting a position in these jobs will help teach you how to maintain a level head in stressful situations and show future employers that you have experience working under pressure. And if you work in an administration position, you’ll learn how to handle important documents and be an integral part of the company. All the skills you’re taught can be used later in life, and every job has transferable skills.    Being financially independent Taking on the responsibility of a part-time job comes with many advantages; financial independence is one. Being a student usually means that money is a bit tight at times, and it never hurts to have a few extra pennies to help out. Student allowance is a great financial support system, but having part-time work will give you more breathing space and allow you to treat yourself every once in a while. Once you start to make money on your own, you’ll begin to pick up the skill of money management.  Great experience Entering into the workforce offers opportunities to gain experience in your chosen field and opens up more possibilities that you might not have considered before. You might find that you prefer roles that are interactive or more office-based, a part-time job allows you to figure this out. Getting experience will help you uncover your strengths and weaknesses. It will also help you determine the areas of the job you do and don’t like. Helping you to decide if you enjoy the career you’re heading into or if you’d like to focus and specialise in one area. You will start to get a taste of what the future holds.  References and networking Regardless of the job you chose to enter into, having references from any past employers on your CV is crucial. These will make you stand out as a strong applicant on a job application. Referees on your work ethic and how you handle universal situations, like time-sensitive projects or working in stressful environments, are great to have on your CV. It speaks volumes on the type of employee you are and shows employers why they need you. While many jobs will ask for experienced applicants, having a reference on the transferable skills you have learned can land you the job. If you secure an entry-level position in a company you’d potentially like to work for once you graduate, then this is the perfect opportunity to start networking. While a strong CV can take you anywhere, it never hurts to know people that may be able to help you in the future. Put time into the relationships you make at work, join in on group activities and help out where you can. Networking is a great way to help push your career in the right direction. Stress relief While many people wouldn’t consider working to be a form of stress relief when you pair it with a busy studying schedule, it can be a great outlet and healthy distraction. Completing tasks, seeing outcomes from the effort you put in, and giving your brain new challenges can be rewarding. Having something else to focus on can be a great way to take a break mentally. When you pair work and studying together, it breaks up the monotony of the week, which can help you approach your studies with a clear mind. There are countless benefits to having a part-time job, and the biggest is the opportunities they can become. It might not feel like every job will benefit you in the long run, but gaining that experience and learning new skills will impact how you approach future situations. Part-time work allows you to have the best of both worlds; freedom to continue studying and having a social life, gain experience in the workforce, and build yourself up as an ideal candidate for other jobs.  - Shannel Milne, Nxtstep Content Writer