You must have heard of this joke “Hiring fresh graduates with a minimum of five years of experience”. This joke has been circulating a lot as a critique of the impossible entry requirement set by the competitive corporate world. But what if I tell you that achieving this is totally possible and you don’t even have to choose between good grades and working during your academic studies and you will have a good education and some work experience on the side?
In fact, Students all around the world work on some kind of job to cover their living and study expenses, so, don’t worry. Yes, this will be new for students in Pakistan but looking at the current economic situation everybody needs to pull their own weight and think out of the box. Here are the top 5 ways you can work on a project apply knowledge, gain professional experience, and also earn money to support yourself.
- Internships
Internships are ideal for developing a successful career in a reputable company that aligns with your learning interests. Some internships are paid, giving you the opportunity to get paid after you complete your job.
If it’s unpaid, you’ll get great referrals for future career opportunities and connect with people who could be your future colleagues or partners. Internships are great for anyone because you get to know the field you want to study. Many organizations multinational and local offer internships at regular intervals but the most suitable time for any student to be part of this would be summers/ winter breaks. Universities across Pakistan provide regular guidance and information on internship opportunities for example the University of South Asia has a very active career service department that keeps their student body up to date regarding all available internships.
- Volunteering:
You can also gain valuable experience and connections while helping the community! Depending on your degree, volunteer work can actually be more rewarding and useful than a job. Volunteering can help you better understand social problems and help solve at least part of the problem. Your work will not be the only thing highly appreciated, but you may come up with innovative ideas and help associations or organizations that help prevent various social problems. During a volunteer activity, you can meet people who can become credible contacts for future job referrals or become your employers one day. If you are a student of universities such as LUMS, University of South Asia, FAST, and LSE, I would recommend you to get in touch with your career counselor now and get yourself registered for upcoming volunteering services.
- Working for Clubs and Societies:
Being a member of Clubs and societies at your university can be the most rewarding experience one can have during higher education. You can network with people having similar interests, work for a cause, raise funds, manage events, conduct research, and hold seminars. All these activities that you would be performing will be giving you immense experience in professional conduct, communication, leadership, managing financing, and handling complex project. Many Universities dedicate their first week of studies to orient students about clubs, societies, and groups they have. The University of South Asia stands out in this regard with over 30 active clubs and societies that their students can join and start contributing.
- Part-time job
A part-time job is a great way to cover the costs of your studies and depending on how well-paid the job is, you may even earn some extra cash. Part-time jobs provide flexible working hours, which enable you to make your own timetable that syncs well with your studies.
Working while studying should not be considered taboo in Pakistan so from waiting tables at a restaurant, working in a call center, or working on campus to actually becoming an assistant at a large firm, a part-time job can provide valuable experience. Consider part-time jobs in your field of interest, but also, look for less obvious alternatives, as these can be great learning experiences that can develop a versatile set of skills.
- Freelancing
This digital age has provided you with yet another opportunity to gain experience and earn cash in form of GIGs. The gig economy is a labor market distinguished by workers that take short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. Freelancers attract consumers by providing goods or services. Examples of services providers include, but are not limited to, copywriting, digital marketing, graphics, and designing services. You can also provide on-demand goods might be as artists, photographers, or writers. It is very important to have digital skills to fully take advantage of thesis opportunities. Universities should also prepare students to be part of this new form of GIG economy. One such step toward this direction has been taken by the University of South Asia by offering courses in Digital Marketing, Content Writing, Creative Suite, and Web Development equipping students with the skills that are needed of the hour.
