Having a Part-Time Job as a Student
By Samir Mammadov
Having a part-time job while studying at WUR is a great way to earn some extra cash and get real-life experience. It also allows you to increase your network within the work field. If you are planning to work while studying at WUR, you need to know a few things, which I will explain below.
Can you manage working while studying?
The short answer is: yes! Unlike full-time jobs, part-time jobs have fewer working hours per week, making them a bit more flexible and manageable. You can work after school hours (past 5 PM), on the weekends or make your own schedule depending on the job. It also depends on the type of job you are interested in: academic-oriented jobs or shifts in the hospitality sector. Working a part-time job might make life a bit busier, but it comes with some great benefits too.
Pro-tip: always check your schedule and have a plan for your academic and non-academic activities so you can see how busy you will be. Keep in mind that your schedule will change every period.
How do you find a job?
There are many ways to look for a job. Here are a few ideas:
- Look at posts and pamphlets on notice boards around the WUR Campus, such as those in Forum – they always have ads for student vacancies;
- Have a read through WUR’s official tips for finding a side jobs;
- Check WUR’s Career Platform that among other things offers side and part-time jobs;
- Student assistant positions are sometimes available on department social media pages like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook;
- Try to actively ask around your peers who have been in Wageningen for a while or who have a job already. You will be surprised how connections help you find the work you are looking for.
Finding a part-time job is not easy and it will take some time, so be proactive and open as much a you can!
Found a job, what’s next?
Already got the job? That’s awesome! Now it’s time to take care of some of the bureaucratic formalities:
- Work Permit: If you’re from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, good news – you don’t need a work permit, and there is no limit on how many hours you can work. But if you’re from a non-EU country (like me), the rules are a bit more strict and you need a work permit.
- Citizen Service Number (BSN): It is compulsory to get a BSN when you move to the Netherlands. It shows that you are registered in the municipality with a valid address and also acts as a proof or residence. You can read more on how to get a BSN in one of our older blogs.
- Healthcare Insurance: If you plan to work in the Netherlands, you should have Dutch health insurance. Anyone living in the country long-term or earning an income here must be covered, according to the Zorgverzekeringswet (Healthcare Insurance Law). Insurance costs around €100–120 per month, but you might qualify for Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance). It is a government subsidy that can cover up to €115 monthly, meaning you could end up paying less than €10, depending on your income. Check out this website for more information on getting the insurance.
Getting a work permit as a non-EU student
To be able to work in the Netherlands as a non-EU student, you will need a work permit. This permit can be arranged only by your employer once the contract is being arranged. Getting the permit is a time-consuming process – it can take up to 6 weeks depending on the company. The downside is that you cannot begin working until you get the permit. To acquire the permit, you also need to submit documents such as proof of residence, insurance, enrollment at WUR and your BSN. You can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time in June, July, and August.
My experience in getting a part-time job
When I moved to Wageningen, I immediately started looking for a job. Then I stumbled upon a newsletter that we received as new students from WUR, which included an open vacancy to become part of the International Students Team. I applied right away, and when I got accepted, we proceeded with the permit application. It took me roughly two months to get the permit, but it’s worth the wait since now I have a stable part-time job in which I enjoy doing various things, including writing a blog here! If you would like to know more about my position, check out this blog written by Kiara.
I hope these tips can help you find a part-time job while you are studying at WUR. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to pop it in the comment section. (Note: this blog was inspired and referenced by our previous college, Samuel – many thanks!!!)
Cheers,
Samir
For more information abt working as a non-EU student check this page on the WUR website:
https://www.wur.nl/en/article/working-as-a-non-eea-student-assistant.htm