As a student, you might question the importance of gaining additional work experience during your time at university. However, working while studying can offer significant advantages, beyond just the extra income.

Most importantly, gaining work experience during your university years can strengthen your CV and help you stand out to future employers. While earning a degree is important, many employers now prioritise candidates who also have hands-on experience. Engaging in part-time jobs or internships connected to your field of study allows you to develop practical skills and industry insight, giving you a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.

In addition, gaining work experience during your studies allows you to develop essential professional skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom. For instance, roles that involve interacting with customers can strengthen your communication and interpersonal abilities, while working as part of a team helps you learn effective collaboration and problem-solving. These transferable skills are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries and can play a key role in your long-term career success.

Beyond enhancing your CV and sharpening professional skills, gaining work experience while studying can also help you discover and refine your career interests. By exploring different roles and industries, you gain insight into what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. This hands-on exposure allows you to make more informed choices about your future, helping you avoid costly missteps by steering clear of jobs that don’t align with your goals or interests.

Lastly, gaining work experience during your studies can be a powerful way to grow your professional network. By engaging with colleagues and professionals across various industries, you can build meaningful connections that may benefit your future career. These contacts can keep you informed about job openings, offer references, and potentially connect you with future employers, opening doors that might otherwise be hard to access.

Gaining work experience while at university offers far more than just a paycheck. It helps you strengthen your CV, grow essential professional skills, discover your career interests, and expand your network, all of which lay a strong foundation for long-term success and job satisfaction. So, if you're a student debating whether to take on part-time work or an internship, the answer is a definite yes. The experience and insights you gain will be invaluable as you shape your future career.