With the growing sense of responsibility in Gen Y, commonly referred to as the emerging demographic, a lot of students are now opting for part-time jobs. While some do it to support themselves and their families, others do it to gain experience, be independent or simply to put their skills to use. Indeed, it is a very common phenomenon to see young students working at fast food shops, call centres or boutiques. Many even opt to work in production houses and advertising agencies these days.
Today’s youth want to start working even before they have completed their studies. When one talks of working while studying, it refers to being employed only on a part-time basis because taking up a full-time job is nearly next to impossible. There are tests to be studied for and projects as well as assignments to be completed, after all. However, the benefits are innumerable!
Introduction to Work Culture
Let’s face it. No matter how esteemed an institution you may be studying at or what degree or stream of education you may have opted for, there is nothing like delving head first into a work environment. Practical, on-the-job experience prepares you forwhat is to come when you actually do get employed in a workspace. Besides, the exposure that you get from working in the real world will beat any management book you might think would provide you with an edge above the rest.
It also helps to get used to a daily routine early in life. You will face challenges too, and at the same time, you will learn and experience new things, making you more street smart and definitely improving your resume!
Value for Money
In other countries, while students usually pay for their own fees at university, this concept has not seeped in too strongly in the Indian way of life. This may not exactly apply to the way things work in India, but it doesn’t hurt to earn a bit of extra pocket money along the way! Working while you are studying also encourages you to get used to the concept of saving for the future.
Respect
A working student is looked at through a wide variety of perspectives by society. If you happen to be working, you will definitely be seen as a confident and ambitious person by the people around you. Working also broadens your views on a world far beyond college life.
Sheena Anand, a 19-year-old student from Symbiosis, Pune, started working in a retail shop at the early age of 17 and never has she regretted that decision. She can easily juggle between her college, social and work life, managing to score well in exams too. “In my two years of work experience, I have really enjoyed myself and learnt a lot along the way. I think that if you have the time then you must work,” says Sheena.
The Parent Trap
When you are committed to a job, you will notice that it may interfere with your study schedule at times, proving to be a hectic task. Your workload might just increase abruptly and coping with the stress may not be a piece of cake as you may have imagined. Secondly, it is important to check whether your parents are fine with you opting to work at a young age. In the humongous crowd out there, you will find tons of parents not alright with the fact that their children are out there in the big, bad world! Since the main issue is safety and security, it’s a good idea to get your parents acquainted with your job, with enough details about the work environment.
However, there are many parents who are thrilled at the fact that their children want to work while they are studying. After all, back in the day, seldom were people given such amazing chances to get hands-on experience before completing their education. For instance, Vineeta Shukla, a mother of two school children says, “My kids are yet in school but once they grow up, I would be more than glad to let them earn for themselves if they wish to and also, if they are fortunate enough to get a good platform. At least it will be a good start.”
Ready or Not?
Ayush Joshi, who studied at The Bishop’s Co Ed School Undri, Pune and who has his own rap band, aspires to first focus on his education for the next two years, following which, he plans to popularise his band with the hopes of making a career out of it.
Like Ayush, there yet exist a large number of students who prefer to concentrate on their studies, waiting until they are done with their education to finally enter the career space. This is not a negative aspect or an uncommon phenomenon either, as working alongside studies is a choice in most cases and it cannot be pushed on someone against their free will.
It is evident that prospering in a part-time job during your crucial education years is no more just an overseas phenomenon. It is rising in popularity and this can be observed frequently today. Above all, it is the joy of working and contributing, which makes it something more than acceptable. So all of you sitting out there, who think they are killing most of their time, it would be a great idea to pursue a part-time job while you are studying!
Volume 2 Issue 1
