Getting started work experience for international students

Before you arrive its a good idea to be aware of the types of work experience available to you while you study and the job options after you graduate.

  • If you will be starting as an undergraduate student, you will have more time to gain experience during your time here in Manchester. Many international students do some volunteer work to help them build skills and confidence before looking for a part-time job.
  • If you are will start here as a Masters student you may have some time to find a part-time job or volunteer but you will need to start on your career plans and graduate job search soon after arrival.

Part-time jobs

Part-time work is an excellent way to earn money and gain some useful work experience while you study. A part-time job can provide practical experience that will add value to your CV even if it is not related to your degree. Working in a shop, bar, restaurant or office can give you many of the skills that graduate employers are looking for such as decision making, organisational and IT skills, team working, customer service and time management.

The University of Manchester recommends that students work for no more than 15 hours per week, or as advised in your programme handbook. This is so that you can achieve the right balance between your studies, other commitments and the need to earn money to support yourself.

How can I find part-time jobs?

Many part-time jobs are never formally advertised, businesses may use social media, word of mouth or just a poster in the window. You may need to ask around or contact companies speculatively to see if there are opportunities.

Once you are fully registered as a UoM student (towards the end of September) you’ll be able to search vacancies in our careers platform, CareerConnect and the Students’ Union job shop (SU).

If you want to look at vacancies before you arrive in the UK try these sites:

Can I find a part-time job related to my course?

You will not find part-time opportunities in all job roles. You will not be qualified to do some jobs yet; others may not fit in with your availability as a student.

Can I find a part time job on campus?

  • Some part-time jobs on campus are advertised on CareerConnect or via SU jobs page. Each will be advertised only for a short period of time so check through the year. As well as jobs working for the University, look out for jobs such as brand ambassadors working on campus for a company.
  • Roles based in Schools are often only advertised via school email newsletters. You could also consider asking directly if there is a particular part of the University where you would like to work.
  • Teaching roles on campus are usually reserved for PhD researchers, ask in your School.

There are not enough part-time jobs on campus for everyone who wants one, so it is a good idea to be flexible. You could find an off-campus job to start with and keep searching for a campus job to switch to later.

Internships

Internships are short periods of professional experience.

  • Most internship opportunities advertised by large graduate recruiters are aimed at pre-final year students and many employers use them as a fast track onto their graduate programmes. Most large or multinational organisations commence advertising in Autumn for students to work the following summer, so get started early!
  • Many smaller businesses offer internship or work experience opportunities and will not stipulate your year of study. Smaller employers, however, often advertise right up until the summer period so it’s never too late to look for a summer internship. Don't forget not all opportunities for work experience will be called internships.

If you are doing a Masters or PhD programme it is unusual to do an internship during your programme.
(You do not have vacation periods where you can work full time.) Normally you would do an internship during or after your undergraduate studies, unless you are enrolled on a BBSRC Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) studentship, or similar scheme.

It may be possible to negotiate something by talking to your supervisor or programme director. Alternatively consider volunteering or part-time opportunities.

How can I find an internship?

You will find internship opportunties on CareerConnect, however, if you would like to see the types of opportunities available you can use the following sites before you arrive. You will find opportunities listed on many graduate or student job sites; however, these will often be with larger employers.

Other useful links:

Volunteering

Volunteering is an unpaid activity with a charity or not-for-profit organisation that makes a difference to the wider community. It’s a great way to enhance your University experience and you can add it to your CV. As well as being fun, it can:

  • Help you develop essential skills that employers look for e.g. project management, communication and teamwork skills.
  • Give you the opportunity to meet new people and practice your English language skills.
  • Give you the chance to make a difference in the community.

The University of Manchester has a dedicated Volunteering and Community Engagement Team. Check out their website for the latest news, opportunities and events.