Gain a Competitive Edge as a Working Student

Working a part-time job while you are in school has many advantages that can help you excel in life.

Beyond earning an income, you can gain career-related experience as you define and refine goals, develop skills and self-confidence, and build a network of contacts. Here’s how you can gain that competitive edge.

Improve interpersonal skills.

Part-time work gives you a chance to interact with co-workers and business professionals, make new friends and be more comfortable around others. This experience improves your communication skills, teamwork and negotiation skills. Over time, you even learn other important interpersonal skills like empathy, active listening, and a positive attitude.

Develop time management skills.

To successfully balance studies with your work schedule, it’s necessary to focus on and master time management. This balance teaches you how to plan ahead, prioritize your time, and to manage your time effectively. In order to attend class, complete your assignments, and work your shifts, you not only learn to work harder, but also smarter. This experience is invaluable for your future.

Learn money management skills.

When you start earning, you understand the importance of hard-earned money and learn to be mindful of your spending habits. So, early employment not only results in long-term savings but also develops money management skills by teaching valuable lessons about budgeting.

Gain professional experience.

Working while in school gives you hands-on experience. Whether or not it’s directly related to your desired career path, most jobs provide transferable skills. These skills give you an advantage over other students that only have had classroom learning. There’s just no substitute for experience.

Boost your resume.

Employers prefer to hire employees with some understanding of work ethics and the workplace environment. Having real-life work experience not only gives you an edge over others, but also shows you are responsible, dedicated, and hard-working. Job experience is a great addition to your resume.

Build a professional network.

Another undeniable benefit is the opportunity to expand your circle. Socially, it’s a great way to meet friends and other classmates. Professionally, you never know how the connections you make can help you down the line or throughout your career. These connections can open up life-changing opportunities for you.

Be job ready.

When you have hands-on experience in the working world, you gain a competitive edge over other applicants during the recruitment process. Learning how to manage time, handle finances, and also having a social network shows you have the foundational experience they are looking for in an employee. All of these experiences combined together will bring a sense of independence to your life. So, when you step out into the world, you will be more than ready to face it.

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Get your competitive edge working at Knute Nelson. We have many career opportunities that will fit your interests, and many positions that provide flexibility in your life’s schedule. Create your best self and give yourself a chance to stand out at Knute Nelson. Explore our career opportunities.