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Most university students are just starting out in their financial journeys, so it makes sense that making ends meet can feel a bit challenging. The pressure of meeting their living and study expenses often pushes many students to look for jobs.

But finding a job at university might not seem easy. Many in-demand positions are taken quickly, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find the right fit. With perseverance and a little creative thinking, here’s how you can find work during your time at university. 

Job Search Tips for University Students

Perhaps the most challenging part of searching for a job at university is finding an opportunity that caters to your skillset. Students generally don’t have much work experience, so they cannot expect a high-paying job. 

Moreover, university students cannot work extended hours as it goes against the law. Most well-paying jobs require significant work experience and flexible timing, which can be challenging to meet for students. 

However, you can use the following tips to find a job that can help you meet your expenses while being a student:

1. Check Your University’s Website

Perhaps the best way to stay up to date with job vacancies at university is by checking your university’s website. These websites have immense resources to help students find employment. 

Make sure to visit the Career Services or Career Section of the university website to see on-campus vacancies and short-term opportunities. In most cases, these sections list the job openings and summarize the job description and requirements. 

2. Use Your Connections and Networks

Networking is one of the most underrated ways to land a job. But, it is a great way to find a job either on or off campus. And, it can even lead to opportunities you might not have even considered.

Remember that building your network is also a great way to get your name out there so that you’re not just a faceless resume. Of course, it’s more than walking up to people you don’t know and telling them about yourself. It’s a mindset, or a way to approach your professional relationships and leverage your connections.

As such, it’s a good idea to meet new people and nurture relationships during and after university life. Who knows, one of your connections may help you to land your dream job. Besides face-to-face networking, you could also use LinkedIn to meet people you associate with and explore opportunities.

3. Look Out for Seasonal Opportunities

Many companies do seasonal hirings based on business flow because some seasons draw more customers and are more profitable than others, such as the holidays and summertime. 

Seasonal jobs are great for university students because they allow you to earn money and get some experience on your resume, typically when you don’t have to worry about classes. Also, you can choose to work long hours to make more money and add credibility to your experience. 

It is a good idea to drop your resume off at nearby stores and offices. We recommend talking to a manager or an authoritative figure face-to-face to build rapport, so you’re on their radar when an opportunity comes up. 

4. Get an Internship

Most employers look for work experience and specialized skills. If you lack work experience and the required skills, consider an internship to get your foot in the door.

Although not very well-paying, internships give you the chance to have professional experience, learn new skills, and prove your worth to your employer. And based on your performance, the company could eventually offer you a well-paying job.

5. Search for Opportunities Online

There are hundreds of job search websites out there that you can use to find employment opportunities. For example, you could use Robert Half, CareerBuilder, Indeed, LinkedIn, and others to apply for jobs.

The good news is that most student residences and rooms for rent in Oshawa have fast and free internet for students. So you can use this opportunity to look up jobs online. 

Make sure to filter your job search, turn your notifications on for daily updates and openings. If possible, upload a well-crafted resume to the job search websites as it helps simplify the job application process.

Completing a university degree is an admirable goal to achieve. Yet, the work doesn’t end there. You’ll have to put in the effort to find a job and go on interviews. And, because competition for desirable positions can be fierce, getting a call back for a job you really want may not come easily.

You need strong networking skills to get ahead of the pack, regardless of your desired industry. Fresh graduates miss out on several opportunities because, sadly, they aren’t aware of industry dynamics and therefore fail to network in university.

By network, we don’t mean your social media friends and social followers. Instead, we’re talking about industry experts, professors, and seniors who can help you grow in your career. Networking allows you to build a system of supportive relationships to get ahead in your professional life.

But since nurturing relationships takes time, it’s always a good idea to start networking while in university – before you even start looking for a job. But how and where do you start building your professional network?

Here are some networking tips to start your journey:

1. Reach Out to the Industry Leaders

No, we don’t mean calling corporate leaders or visiting their offices when you’re still in university; you can save that for later. But, for now, it’s a good idea to try to find the most influential and resourceful people in your desired industry and connect with them online on platforms like LinkedIn and in person at different events.

Whether you need industry insights or information about an upcoming event, find where the experts hang out. You can meet these leaders in online communities, public speaking events, and workshops. You can also connect with these leaders and benefit from their experience and knowledge.

2. Consult Your Professors and University Alumni

Your professors have probably taught hundreds or even thousands of students by now. And most of them might be in key corporate positions to help you in your career. As such, it’s a good idea to stay connected with your professors and ask them for career tips.

Don’t shy away from asking questions. For example, you could ask your professor what should be your next step at networking and how you can grow your network. Most professors have connections with industry leaders and university alumni in the corporate world. You can meet these people through your professor’s reference.

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for virtually everything, from professional networking to growing your business. Whether you want to do a job or start a business after university, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help you reach out to people looking for what you have to offer, and vice versa. You can also use it to keep in touch with old friends and business contacts.

It’s a good idea to join your industry-related groups, follow insightful people, engage with public posts, and see what others are talking about on social networking platforms. Also, you can create engagement and get noticed by posting thoughtful content, appreciating positive criticism, and brushing up on your knowledge of industry happenings, news, and trends.

4. Attend Professional Events

Professional and career-focused events offer a great networking opportunity for university students. You get the chance to meet industry leaders and career experts at such events and learn from their experience and knowledge.

Also, be sure to attend on-campus and off-campus job fairs and other career events. Attending these gatherings will help you improve your resume and interview skills. And who knows, you might land your dream job at one of these events.

If you live in shared accommodation in Oshawa, look around to find public networking events nearby. These events will allow you to make new connections and nurture professional relationships. Don’t forget to talk to other people in your building, as they might know people in your field, too.

Be headstrong in your efforts to become an active member of these circles. But as always, follow professional etiquettes and don’t go overboard in trying to enter the professional communities.