Knotting Study and Job

Knotting Study and Job

Ashim Kumar Paul

Gone are the days when a student was expected to be engrossed in study. Working as a 'private tutor' was the only option left for students. However, the scenario has changed a lot. Nowadays, many students work while attending university for many different reasons. Although taking on a part-time job while pursuing studies is hard work, the benefits are typically greater than the amount of a pay check. From giving home tuition to teaching in coaching institutes or attending call centres, students have choices galore to earn and learn.

A private university student, Arifur Rahman takes pride in saying that he pays fees for his tuition fee on his own. Working in a call centre, he earns enough to bear the expenses on his education, house rent, food and clothing. A resident of Mohammadpur area in the capital here, Arif who has two siblings shared his experience about his taking job. He said, “My parents are already bearing the responsibility of the education of my two siblings. At least, my efforts to support my own education will lessen their burden a bit.”

Students who work during their study period may have better time-management skills than their counterparts. They must understand responsibility and apply it to their daily lives. They earn money that can be used for tuition or for fun, while gaining experience in the workplace that will be attractive to future employers after graduation.

A resident of Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University, Shuvo Das points out that taking home tuition has helped him chisel his basics. “Almost at all the competitive exams, mathematics paper is filled with questions from high school level textbooks. Teaching school going children has helped me a lot to take preparation for the upcoming job recruitment examination," said Shuvo. Shuvo's classmate Kamal Mahmub, too, has been earning by taking tuitions for the past three years. “Earlier, I took home tuitions but last year I joined a coaching institute at Farmgate and I am paid handsomely for teaching English to the students there," shared Kamal. More than money, his job has helped him sharpen his communication skills besides developing command of the language.

Taking photographs is one of the top hobbies among the young people. But very few know that it can be an excellent career choice for anyone who wants to get paid for using their creative talents. It is one of the few fields where age and college degrees are not as important as a good eye, a quality product, and self discipline. A sophomore at the department of Geography at Dhaka University, Faisal Mahmud took up photography as a hobby and started uploading photos on social networking sites. He started getting offers for portfolios and other events from his friends and mutual friends. Faisal said, “I worked for free in the beginning. But I started charging for my service later. I am being paid for what I love the most - photography.”

Farjana Alam, a 3^rd student of Dhaka City College, never forgets to give thanks to the blessing of freelancing. She started freelancing while she was a first year student. Farjana told that it’s a matter of pride for her to fund her own studies. “In our socio-economic context, it is really a tough job for a girl to work outside. But it is freelancing that has help me a lot to earn from home. Therefore, I don’t have to run into any sort of nuisance. Since the fee for my college is not too high, I can save enough money to keep my account warm and present gifts on my family members in festivals.” she added.

Shimul Biswas, a business student of a reputed private university, is an event organiser as well. At times, Shimul has to juggle between work and classes. But his teachers and friends help him balance both. He has started an organisation which hosts corporate events, parties for college students and the like. Shimul said, “For the past three years, I am paying my university fees and feel good to be independent.”

There are many examples of those students who take part in part-time jobs alongside their studies. However, students can benefit a lot from part-time jobs. The first advantage is that students can earn money. Taking a part-time job, students can pay a part of their living cost and at the same time relieve their parents of burden. Some young people have to earn money on their own to pay the tuition while others just earn money to pay for their expenditure or satisfy their desire. Moreover, earning money also help students have a sense of independence. It is great when you earn your own money while not having to rely on others to give it to you. In other words, students who hold down part-time jobs will have more money than they would have otherwise. As they come into adulthood, earning an income can boost their confidence and allow them to have some fun within the limits of their paychecks.

Another advantage is that students can acquire more experiences and polish their skills when taking part-time jobs. Often, students work jobs that introduce them to their preferred career. This allows them to gain important introductory experience in the business and begin networking with those in that field. Even students who work in places not connected to their majors will look more impressive to potential employers. They will have some kinds of work experience on their resumes to start and the fact that they have been able to hold a job with maturity, responsibility and time management. Employers look for employees who understand the work environment and work well as part of a team. Thus, having a part-time job shows that the student is at least somewhat accustomed to the professional world, which will make the transition that much easier.

However, taking part-time job can help students develop their organisational and multi-tasking skills. They will have to get used to holding a job and attend the university simultaneously. It is the chance to learn time management. Working will force a person to complete work ahead of schedule and learn to manage their time appropriately. According to the article “5 Time Management Tips for Working Students”, there are some simple ways to manage your time easily, for instance not to waste your time on the Internet, to limit social activities and others.

Besides, students earning their own money get lessons on spending wisely. They may be less likely to spend their hard-earned money frivolously and learn to delay gratification to pay for necessities, such as text books and rent. At the same time, they can save for non-essential purchases, such as a car.

Moreover, students taking on a job on top of their studies will have less spare time than non-working students. When working students have to measure out their time, they tend to be better planners as they make sure they complete every task expected of them on deadline. They learn to weigh their priorities, sometimes skipping fun activities to finish their responsibilities. This prepares them for life after school when excuses and tardy work will be frowned upon.

Nothing is perfect. Maintaining a job while attending school simultaenously is not for everyone. A self-motivated and well-organised person may find it easier to balance work and school while another really needs to concentrate in studies and may find having a job too difficult. Therefore, it is really need to think twice before taking part-time jobs. And when we take it, we cannot ignore our other duties.