“My advice to international students seeking for work is to keep an open mind and accept whatever opportunities come your way first. It can be difficult to obtain a job directly connected to your field of study, so gaining experience in any sector can allow you to expand your network and improve your abilities. Once you start working, look for a job you enjoy because it will make balancing work and study easier and more rewarding, allowing you to stay motivated and focused on your academic goals.”

Work experience

What was your work experience while studying?

“I had a variety of work experiences while pursuing my studies, ranging from roles in front-of-house hospitality that focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences to instructing in LEGO-based education, where I engaged students in coding and robotics via interactive learning. These experiences enhanced my skills in customer service, leadership, and problem-solving-skills— skills that are invaluable to my future career.”

How did you find your job?

“I arrived in New Zealand in May 2023, and within just two weeks of arriving, I was lucky enough to find my first role. I used Student Job Search and Seek to look for work. This early success boosted my confidence, and within a month, I managed to secure my second job.”

What motivated you to work while studying?

“My main reason for working while studying was to acquire meaningful experiences in New Zealand and connect with people. I wanted to fully engage with the local work culture and absorb as much knowledge as possible from various settings.

“There was also the financial necessity to manage my living costs, but establishing new relationships and expanding my network was just as crucial. Employment provided me with an excellent chance to balance education and income while adjusting to life in New Zealand.”

How many hours per week did you work?

“Throughout my studies, I typically worked around 20 hours a week, or occasionally even fewer hours, adhering to the regulations of my visa. However, during university break periods, I seized the chance to work full-time, which enabled me to earn a higher income and acquire extra work experience while managing my academic responsibilities.”

Challenges and benefits

What were some of the challenges you had balancing your work and studies?

“One of the biggest challenges I faced was that I studied full-time, including during the summer trimester. This made it quite difficult to manage both work and study commitments. With no real break from my studies, I had to carefully plan my time to ensure I could meet both my academic and work responsibilities. It required a lot of organisation and discipline, but it also helped me develop better time management skills in the process.

Did you have any visa restrictions or work permit rules?

“As a student visa holder, I was only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. However, during trimester breaks, I was able to work full-time, which helped me gain more work experience and earn extra income.”

What skills did you gain from working while studying?

“One of the most crucial skills I developed was time management. My interpersonal and communication abilities have also improved, especially because of networking with New Zealanders from all backgrounds. Managing a variety of work-related scenarios also helped me develop my problem-solving abilities and my ability to swiftly adjust to new surroundings. My cooperation and organising abilities also improved as a result of working in a professional environment, which is helpful for my future employment.”

Did work affect your academic performance in any way?

“My academic performance was impacted in both positive and negative ways. Positively, because I had to carefully schedule my study and work hours, it helped me become more disciplined and better at managing my time. My capacity to set priorities and adhere to deadlines has also improved as a result of this experience.

“However, there were occasions when juggling employment and study was challenging, particularly during hectic work periods or exam seasons, and it took more work to keep up with my assignments and tests.

“Overall, even though there were some difficulties, I believe that working gave me the opportunity to acquire skills that supported my academic development.”

Support from your community

Did our university provide any support or resources to help you find a job?

“Indeed, the University offered me several tools to aid in my job search. To assist me in being ready for the job market, they provided a variety of workshops, career coaching sessions, and networking opportunities. I was also able to get helpful guidance from experts thanks to the mentorship programs. Now that my studies are over, I'm making use of these resources to help me find a job and move on to the next stage of my career.”

Do you feel that your employers understood your needs as an international student?

“My employers were receptive to discussing my availability, and I was able to work additional hours on weekends and throughout university break periods. This adaptability allowed me to efficiently handle both my academic and professional duties.”

Making Connections

How did working while studying help you integrate into the local culture?

“Working while studying in New Zealand has greatly aided my integration into the local culture. It allowed me to interact with people from all backgrounds and gain an understanding of the local social and professional dynamics. I learnt about local cultures, communication methods, and business practices, which made me feel more connected to the community. I also had the opportunity to meet new people and form relationships, which made it easier to adjust to life in New Zealand. Overall, working contributed significantly to my sense of belonging in the country.”

Did you make new friends or connections through your job?

“The work environment allowed me to interact with a diverse group of individuals, and I developed professional relationships that helped me feel more connected to the local community. The Kiwis (local people) were friendly and inviting, making it easier for me to adapt. I always felt appreciated and included, and the people here are pleasant and open-minded. These connections were valuable in expanding my network and integrating into the social and professional scene in New Zealand.”

Advice to students

“I would encourage other international students to work while studying. It allows you to obtain useful experience, meet new people, and better understand the surrounding community and culture. Working also helps you to express your views and perspectives to others.”