First-job tips
First jobs
Working part-time while you study: making it work
A part-time job can pay the bills and build your resume without sinking your grades. Some habits that help.
First Step Career · Aug 14, 2026 · 4 min read
First jobsPlenty of students work while they study. Doing both well mostly comes down to planning.
Pick the right hours
Ten to fifteen hours a week works for most full-time students. Weekend and evening shifts leave your class time free.
Tell your manager your schedule early
Share your class timetable and exam dates as soon as you have them. Most employers who hire students expect it and will plan around it.
Look for jobs that fit school
- Campus jobs (library, recreation centre, student services)
- Retail and restaurants with flexible shifts
- Tutoring, which pays well and fits around your timetable
Protect exam weeks
Ask for lighter shifts during exams well in advance, and swap shifts with coworkers early rather than at the last minute.
Watch for burnout
If your grades or sleep are slipping, it's okay to cut back hours. School is what you're investing in.
