Top 10 Part-Time Jobs for International Students

So you’ve found your budget accommodation in Perth with MyStudentHouse and are now looking for a part-time job in this amazing city? You’ve made an excellent choice, as part-time jobs are a great way to make some extra money, improve your language skills and make new friends. When searching for a part-time job, make sure you find one flexible enough to fit around your study commitments.

Before you begin your job search, make sure you check the work conditions in your student visa. For example, most international students in Australia can work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unlimited hours when your course is not in session, but to be sure, it’s important to check the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website here.

Now that you’re all set, here are ten of the best jobs for international students:

1. Paid Intern

What better place to find work experience than the field you’re studying in? This is a great way to get real-world experience that you can add to your resume, and which will make you an excellent candidate when you’re applying for full-time jobs. Not only will you get paid to get experience in your field, but the work may even open up further opportunities to work with the company after you complete your degree.

Many administration jobs are not advertised, so try approaching local businesses you are interested in and see if they have opportunities available. Just make sure you do your research first, and know the basics about the company before you apply, so you will be able to discuss your interests and aims with employers when they are considering you for the job.

 

2. Work on your university campus

There’s nothing more convenient than working where you study, especially if you can get your hours to fit on days when you’ll already be on campus. It’s a great way to learn more about your university or college campus, meet other students from different degrees, and improve your language skills. Plus, there’s usually a lot of variety, from working in the textbook shop to the local cafeteria, or even helping out students as a mentor. Just make sure you get your resume in top shape and apply early for any advertised jobs, because these can be competitive.

 

3. Restaurant and bar

Who said you needed prior experience to work a part-time job? There are many opportunities to find work in the hospitality industry, even without prior experience in the area. The bonus of restaurant work is you can generally pick an employer that will suit your hours – if you like early starts, try out a restaurant that is open for breakfast, while if you prefer to stay up late, the dinner shift might be better for you. While the job is physically demanding, it is a great way to keep fit as you’ll be on your feet a lot, and also to improve your English and customer service skills.

4. Retail

There are all kinds of reasons to take a job in retail, from staff discounts, working amongst other young people, and a fast-paced environment. There are so many options, you’ll be sure to find a company that interests you, from selling clothes to video games or books – you’ll be ‘in the know’ when it comes to the latest fashions and latest releases – just be sure not to spend all your earnings on the products you’re selling! The position will teach you responsibility and how to manage your money, but you will have to deal with unhappy customers, which will teach you how to resolve conflicts – a great skill for any job hunter! Check out Target, Kmart, Big W, and JB Hi-Fi for opportunities in this area.

 

5. Grocery Store Employee

One of the best things about working at a grocery store is the variety you’ll find in terms of the positions available. With everything from slicing meats in the deli to stocking shelves, working behind the checkout or in the fresh produce sections, there will be lots of opportunity to find what type of work you like best. Bonuses of working in a grocery store include the short shifts, possible staff discounts, and flexibility of your working schedule, so you should have no trouble fitting it in around your study and exam times. Check out Coles andWoolworths for opportunities in this area.

 

6. Pizza delivery

So you like the idea of food and retail, but you don’t like the amount of time you have to spend with others? After a long day with mates on the university campus, you might enjoy spending some quiet time delivering pizzas. You’ll need a driver’s licence and good driving record, as well as the ability to resist the smell of pizza, as your customers won’t appreciate receiving their pizzas half-eaten! Check out Dominos and Pizza Hut for opportunities in this area.

 

7. Freelancer

Why not consider getting paid to use your current skills for the benefit of others? Opportunities in this area are growing as increasing numbers of companies outsource their work, so whether you love graphic design, editing, writing, or general administration, there’s a job out there for you. Bonuses of this position include that you can work the job around your hours, but on the other side, as this isn’t a ‘traditional’ part-time job, you will need to spend time marketing yourself to ensure you can keep up a steady demand for your work.

 

8. Call centre staff

Do you love to communicate and sort out other people’s problems? Are you patient and understanding, yet know when to stand your ground? If you love communicating with others, work in a call centre might be the job for you. Many positions in sales offer commissions on the number of sales you make, which means great bonuses for the weeks you do well. With generally flexible hours, and lots of opportunities to practice your English skills, this might be the job for you.

 

9. Before and after school care

If you enjoy playing with and caring for children, before and after school care might be a good option for you. This type of work is great for those with a creative streak, but you’ll also need to ensure that you have a patient mindset, as there might be tantrums to sort out along the way. Still, the smile on the children’s faces is what makes the position worth it for those working in this area.

 

10. Mystery shopper

If you want to get paid to shop, this might be a good option for you. Mystery shoppers visit specific stores and businesses anonymously to report on the quality of the customer service, so expect to be required to ask questions like ‘where is the flour?’ and to time how long you spend waiting at the checkout. With highly flexible hours, and the opportunity to receive free products and services on some assignments, this is a good position for anyone who likes to shop… just remember that there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to keep the products you buy on the job.

 

So, now you have a better idea about the best places for international students to work in Australia, why don’t you start your job search by visiting www.seek.com.au, www.jobsearch.gov.au or www.careerone.com.au to get your job search started? Good luck!