Straight out of secondary school; university seems like a refreshing and relaxed social experience full of endless parties, alcohol and pizza. But reality hits eventually, and we're faced with deadlines, money pressures and a huge pile of laundry.  I'm sure most people will remember the time when you suddenly realise that you actually have to grow up a bit to survive at uni. 

Taking responsibility like this can be very overwhelming for a young college student, especially if it's the first time living away from home. A lot of us were babied up to that point; used to having their work managed by teachers, clothes washed by their parents and food stocked up in the fridge. These new pressures, funnily looking back now, almost put me into a quarter life crisis and sent me down the road of endless Youtube self-help videos and advice from the likes of Tony Robbins. A bit dramatic, to say the least. 

It took me a few months of searching to help me get on my feet in college, but in addition to time and experience to my surprise I found working in college to be one of the best means of getting my sh*t together. I wasn't expecting this of course, the only reason why I got a job in the first place was to have more money for coffees and going into town with my friends! But the lessons I learned in my first job and beyond have helped me grow my confidence, drive and personal accountability. I've come up with a few reasons why, even if you detest working, you should absolutely take the opportunity to find and job and stick to it while in college. 

• Structure, organisation and accountability.

When we leave secondary school; a university timetable full of blank spaces seems like a welcomed break after the busyness of our school final exams. However, the benefits of this quickly dampen when bad habits such as procrastination and laziness creep in! A lack of structure also can make day to day tasks more anxiety inducing; as a result of not having a clear idea as-to when they will be completed or actioned. 

Having a university job requires structure, organisation and accountability. Rosters give us a clear idea of when we have time to work on college, and when we must be working in our job. Unlike university, showing up late or slacking on your work will result in a termination of employment. Your actions are held accountable and your pay is determined by your effort. As a result at least in my case, this mindset is transferred to university; where I now hold myself accountable for my work such as my employer would do to me. This also gives you a head start when you enter the workforce after university, as you'll already know what working under a manager feels like and the kind of pressure to expect.

• Connections and friendships 

University has to be one of the best places to make friends and meet people with similar interests. However, more often than not we are surrounded by our own age group. This is great on a social and maturity level. However, one of the greatest benefits about working is learning from those already in the workforce full time. People even two or three years our senior can provide us with lots of inspiration about who we want to become and how we want to approach life. I have worked with so many wonderful people who have turned out to be some of the greatest teachers I’ve ever had. In addition, work can provide you with contacts that may be beneficial in the future and help to get your name out before you leave university. 

• The perks!

 I know focusing on job perks might be materialistic, but hear me out. I have had several jobs; I’ve worked as a barista, a waitress, a retail assistant and now currently I work as a Social Media Executive for IPG Mediabrands and as a part time model. Every single one has come with perks! Some better than others of course; but out of my jobs I have flown to several different countries, have been invited to exclusive events and locations, have worked directly with public figures on various campaigns and even have starred in a national campaign myself. I know this may not be everyone’s experience; but you’ll find delight in whatever benefits you may experience from a job. Even the small things feel sweeter when you have worked for them. I’m just saying - you never know where something will take you!

• Experience. 

This is an obvious one, but one of the key benefits of working in university is the experience you take forward. Employers are interested in students who have shown a track record of being competent and reliable in a work setting. Some employers would go as far as saying work experience is more important than a degree! The broader the scope of your experience the better; be it through teamwork, handling numbers or management. Experience also helps you to understand what you enjoy and don't enjoy, helping you to narrow down the career opinions you might like to explore after college. 

Finally!

Having a college job is not always a walk in the park; so go easy on yourself! During this time of growth and transition remember to take steps towards self care. Whether you are a high income or low income student; student life in itself is demanding and challenging and everyone gets stressed out. However, what I have found is that the benefits outweigh the costs of having a part-time job; and I'm sure you will too.