Work while you study
Develop skills that are valued by employers and enhance your CV by engaging in work experience, volunteering, or by gaining part-time and casual work while you study.
Part-time paid work
You might want a part-time job to gain more experience, learn new skills and strengthen your CV, or to contribute towards your study costs. Whatever your situation, our Careers team are on hand to offer help and advice, and answer your questions about working part-time during your studies.
Related links
- Work, volunteering and career planning (york.ac.uk)
Finding work
Be open-minded when you are looking for a part-time job. You may think that working in shops, bars/restaurants etc won’t be valued by graduate employers; but this is not true. Employers look for candidates who thrive in any work situation and value the transferable skills you will develop: customer service, time management and communication skills, plus commercial awareness.
As a student, you will have access to Handshake where we advertise all part-time and temporary job vacancies we receive from employers. In addition, there are many other sources for finding work while you study.
I decided to study for a Masters in York, the city where I felt safest. After struggling financially, I was successful in applying for a Student Support Fund which has helped me pay for bills and shopping – so I feel really lucky. I’ve also picked up various part-time jobs, where I’ve made loads of interesting friends from different courses.
Kirsten, MA Public History
Watch a video showing a typical day in the life of a postgraduate taught student at York.
University employment
There are a few opportunities for paid temporary work at the University, open to all students:
- Student Ambassador scheme
- International Student Ambassador scheme
- YuCall Student Fundraiser
- Become a college tutor - a year-long opportunity with an accommodation subsidy
- Departmental employment opportunities
- Become a blogger/vlogger - tell others about your experiences at York.
Additionally, postgraduate researchers may also be able to secure work to teach while you study
Internships
Internships and paid work experience can offer the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and gain insight into a particular job or industry. With your supervisor's approval, you may be able to undertake an internship to complement your studies - visit our Student Internship Bureau for help and advice.
I was an intern at Blenheim Palace, which is an UNESCO world heritage site. The internship helped strengthen my professional skills and interpersonal relationships in professional settings. The experience allowed me to have a close working relationship with seasoned professionals. My confidence grew as I experienced the industry first-hand with involvement in planning, implementing and evaluating assigned tasks. I also learned to embrace diversity in serving visitors from different nationalities.
Fang-Yu, MSc International Business
Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent way of developing skills, gaining valuable work experience, and enhancing your CV, as well as supporting and getting to know your local community.
You could volunteer in a local school, become a member of the Graduate Students' Association council (yorkgsa.org), or start a book club in our graduate-only college, Wentworth. Those are just a few of the options. Whether you can give a few hours or a few weeks there are plenty of projects and initiatives to get involved with.
Explore our volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering really does bring out the best of both worlds; you can improve your CV, while taking part in an enjoyable experience meeting a diverse range of people.
Laura, MA Shakespeare and Education - chair of Derwent Graduate Common Room
International students
Work regulations and/or visa restrictions may apply if you are an international student wanting to work during your studies. It is important that you check that any voluntary work complies with the terms of your visa.
Related links
- Work, volunteering and career planning (york.ac.uk)