Thinking about taking on some work while you’re still at school, but wondering what the benefits are? It’s a big decision that can offer valuable experience and independence, but it’s important to consider if it’s right for you at this stage. Here are the top five benefits of working part-time while you’re still at school.
Before you start…
Before we explore the benefits, let’s ponder a few key points to help you decide if you’re ready for this commitment.
First, assess your current responsibilities:
- How much time do you spend on schoolwork and revising?
- What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Do you have enough free time to spare?
If you’re struggling to manage your current commitments, adding a job might be challenging. However, if you’ve got some spare time and are keen to manage it more effectively, a part-time job could be a brilliant addition to your schedule.
Next, consider your academic performance. If you’re maintaining good marks and feel confident about keeping them up, you may be well-positioned to take on work. If you’re finding your studies challenging, it might be wise to focus on improving your grades before adding a job to your plate.
It’s also crucial to chat with your family about your interest in finding work. Discuss:
- How you’ll get to and from work
- Whether working might affect family routines
- Any concerns they might have
Their support can be invaluable as you start your working life.
Lastly, be realistic about the type of work you can take on. As a student, you’ll likely be looking at entry-level positions with flexible hours. These might include retail jobs, hospitality work, or tutoring.
If, after considering these factors, you feel ready to take on the challenge of a part-time job, read on to discover five key benefits that working while you’re still at school can offer. From building your savings to expanding your professional network, these advantages can set you up for success long after you’ve graduated.
Earning and saving
The most obvious benefit is the opportunity to earn and save money. Think of this as building your “launch fund” – a financial cushion that can support your next steps after school. Whether it’s for further education, travel, or starting your career, having some savings can provide you with more options and flexibility when you finish school.
Here’s what this could look like:
Consider Aisha, a Year 10 student who works at a local café on weekends. She earns about $120 per week and has decided to save $20 of that each week. If Aisha maintains this savings habit for three years, she’ll have saved $3,120. By picking up extra shifts during school holidays and saving those earnings too, Aisha could potentially increase her launch fund to over $4,000 by the time she finishes Year 12.
This money could help Aisha pay for a gap year adventure, contribute to her university textbooks, or serve as a deposit on a car if she needs one for work or study.
Building professional networks
Even in entry-level positions, you’ll meet people who could become valuable contacts in the future. You’ll learn how to interact with colleagues and supervisors, and potentially make connections that could lead to future opportunities. These early networking experiences can be invaluable as you progress in your career, providing references, job leads, or mentorship.
Here’s what this could look like:
James, a Year 11 student, works part-time at a local hardware store and as a referee for junior cricket matches. Through these two jobs, James interacts with a diverse range of people. At the hardware store, he’s met local tradespeople, homeowners, and other students. In his refereeing role, he’s connected with sports administrators, coaches, and parents.
By the time James finishes school, he estimates he’ll have interacted professionally with over 200 people in his community. This network has already proved valuable – a customer at the hardware store offered James work experience at an engineering firm after learning about his interest in the field.
Easing the transition to full-time work
Having work experience while at school can make the transition to full-time employment less daunting. You’ll already be familiar with workplace expectations, making it easier to adapt to new roles after you finish your studies. This experience can boost your confidence when applying for jobs in the future and help you understand what to expect in a professional environment.
Here’s what this could look like:
Emma worked part-time at a supermarket throughout Years 11 and 12. When she started her first full-time job as an administrative assistant after finishing school, she found the transition relatively smooth. She was already comfortable with concepts like punctuality, following a manager’s instructions, and balancing multiple tasks. Her experience dealing with customers at the supermarket also gave her confidence in communicating professionally with clients in her new role.
Emma’s manager noted that she adapted to the workplace much quicker than other recent school leavers without prior work experience.
Gaining experience and demonstrating reliability
Part-time work provides practical experience that looks great on your CV. It shows future employers that you can balance responsibilities, turn up on time, and maintain a job. School-age employment often occurs in a more forgiving environment, allowing you to learn these crucial skills with less pressure. This early demonstration of reliability can set you apart when applying for future positions.
Here’s what this could look like:
Liam started working at a local cinema when he was 15. Over three years, he progressed from selling tickets to training new staff. When Liam applied for a competitive internship in his chosen field of marketing, he was able to highlight his cinema experience as evidence of his reliability and ability to learn new skills.
In his application, Liam pointed out that he had maintained this job while keeping up with his studies, demonstrating his time management skills. The internship panel was impressed by Liam’s work history, noting that it showed commitment and reliability – qualities they valued highly in candidates.
Having fun and meeting new people
When you find a job that aligns with your interests, work can be enjoyable. You’ll meet people outside your usual social circle, potentially making new friends and expanding your perspectives. This social aspect of work can make the experience rewarding beyond just the financial benefits, and can help you develop important social skills.
Here’s what this could look like:
Zoe, a keen musician, got a part-time job at a local music store in Year 10. While the job involved typical retail tasks like serving customers and stocking shelves, Zoe found she genuinely enjoyed coming to work. She loved being surrounded by instruments and music-related products, and she enjoyed chatting with customers about their musical interests.
Through her job, Zoe met several other young musicians and even formed a band with some of her coworkers. The social connections and enjoyment Zoe got from her job made the experience valuable beyond just the money she earned.
Are you ready to work?
Working while at school offers more benefits than just a paycheck. It’s an opportunity to gain valuable life skills, build your network, and prepare for your future career. As you consider taking on a part-time job, remember these benefits and how they can contribute to your personal and professional growth.
While it’s important to balance work with your studies and other commitments, the experience you gain from part-time work can be invaluable in setting you up for success after school.
You can learn more about the world of work on our website here.