Earn as you learn at USW
Support with part-time work opportunities throughout your studies
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USW is here to help you as you look for the perfect part-time role that fits around you and your studies.
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At USW, we want you to be able to put your studies first, but know that sometimes, you’ll also want to take up part-time work to financially support you throughout your degree, as well as providing opportunities for networking and skills development.
We’re here to make sure everyone has the opportunity to earn as they learn, immerse themselves in new experiences, and get the most out of their university experience - all whilst being able to balance priorities that come with studying for a degree.
During your search, it’s worth remembering the additional benefits beyond the obvious financial gain that having a part time job can provide, so you can find one that’s right for you:
- Part-time work is a great opportunity to meet new people and grow your social network at university – you’ll meet people from all walks of life outside of your course and halls of residence.
- It’s a great way of developing your CV, as you gain key transferrable skills that will support you as you apply for jobs when you graduate, and into your future career.
- It enables you to explore the local area and gain confidence as you settle into a new town or city away from home. It’s easy to reach employers in the South Wales region as our campuses are all well connected, with train and bus routes from Treforest and Newport providing short 20-minute commutes to the Welsh capital, Cardiff.
Remember, our teaching week is structured in a way that provides you with time for hobbies, interests and part-time work opportunities, which means you don’t have to give up your entire weekend as you look to balance work and study. It’s important to get the balance right, which is why we recommend no more than 12-16 hours a week of work alongside your studies, but this will vary depending on the demands of your particular course.
Working while studying at USW
With all of this in mind, we offer a range of flexible work opportunities for students here at the University.
- There are on-campus opportunities, such as working at our Students’ Union (visit the SU JobShop for available vacancies), USW’s IT helpdesk, or other flexible on-campus work, perfect for those living on campus who are looking for something super convenient.
- We offer opportunities to work as a student ambassador, where you can sign up to work at our Undergraduate Open Days and Postgraduate Open Evenings, at dates that suit you.
- We also have exciting opportunities for students to become USW online content creators, where you can work on social media projects that align with your ambitions and experiences, making it a flexible way to manage work alongside other commitments. You are paid per task, so can decide on the tasks that suit you best, from blogging, vlogging, and live posting on our social media channels. For more information on what the role entails, and to apply, visit our webpage on becoming a content creator.
If you’re looking for work outside of the University campus, the South East of Wales has a busy economy full of opportunities, and with perfectly situated campuses in Cardiff and Newport, as well as the commutable market town of Pontypridd, USW students can take advantage of a wide range of opportunities when looking for part-time work. We also offer support and advice on roles that you could consider that may also provide relevant experience linked to your chosen career. Employers see students as an attractive employee option, as university students are viewed as dependable and reliable, and already have some of the skills they’re looking for.
Calling all entrepreneurs!
If you’re someone who prefers the idea of working for yourself, and have an idea you need support with, USW offer entrepreneurial support too!
Find out more