I always wanted to do more apart from my study. I think, a lot of people will agree with me that having a side job apart from university can be beneficial in many ways. Not only you get extra money on the side, but it is also a perfect way of making new friends. I’ve been in Groningen for 3 years and I truly think I have enough experience when it comes to side hustling in Groningen. 

First of all, the University of Groningen is your best employer. This is where I got my first job. 

Useful tip 1: never miss out on university emails and always check the “nice to know” window on Nestor. I know a lot of people use Nestor particularly for studying, but there you can also find a lot of useful information. The first job I got at university was a mentor and teaching assistant position. Not only does it pay well but you gain a lot of experience and very beneficial insights. By being a teaching assistant you expand your connection network which can lead to more job perspectives in the future. On the other note, this job is very flexible, you can always teach the groups that fit into your schedule and it is not very time-consuming and allows you to mix it well with your studies. Plus, I think it’s a great contribution to your CV and personal development! 

Useful tip 2: if you ever see an email ”looking for a TA” apply straight away! And if you haven’t received such emails, don’t hesitate to email your course coordinators. A lot of course coordinators don’t post that they are looking for TA so if you take the initiative you can actually get the job. On the other hand, you can always ask your lecturer if he knows about any job positions within the course, simple curiosity doesn’t hurt anyone.

The second job I got in Groningen was also provided by the University of Groningen. In the Economics and Business economics faculty, it's called “information pooling”. This is perfect for people who want to have some extra money but are scared to have an actual side job because of their limited time. Information pooling is a voluntary position but you are still getting paid for it. There, you can take part in organizing open days/student for a day/ bachelors day/master day for prospective students, usually, it takes place once a month in the second semester. You don’t need any experience, preparation, or knowledge. Usually, open days take the whole day and you just have to assist people who are thinking of studying at our university. Also, you are provided food, isn’t that wonderful !? So if you are wondering if you have “information pooling” at your faculty my advice would be to ask around the student support desk of your faculty. I am sure they know everything about it. 

Useful tip 3: ask your student support desk if they know anything about current job positions within your faculty.

If you feel like you want to try yourself in a different job I also have some tips for you. For over a year I have been working as a waitress at a Thai restaurant. I wanted something relaxing for myself so I thought this will greatly fit into my schedule. At first, I didn’t know how can I find a job if they don’t have any information on their website. Well, with some patience and creativity I got a lot of job offers. I simply printed out my CV and went around Groningen handing in my CV to the places where I possibly wanted to work. My surprise was that it actually worked! It's such an old-school method but employers actually appreciate it when you take your time to come and personally hand in your CV and not via emails. After one week I got around 10 calls from different restaurants and shops inviting me for the interview. So then it was my final decision on where I want to work. 

Useful tip 4: always take the initiative and don’t be scared to directly go to places where you want to work. Another thing, you can always ask around your friends who work, maybe they are looking for someone. Connections are the key!

If you feel like the actual side job will take too much time for you I have even more advices! In my third year of my bachelor's, I've been a member of the program committee. Surprise surprise, you are also getting paid for it. I knew about this job position through my faculty association called “Quest” and I am pretty sure each program has its program committee. Usually, you have a meeting once a block and it only requires simple preparation for the topics you are given. Not only it’s a good experience but you also get the chance to sit and discuss important topics with your favorite teachers. I would say it is also a really good way to expand your connection network! 

Useful tip 5: check out your study associations within the faculty, they might have job offers that will suit you. 

I hope that I have provided useful tips and information for the people who want to have a side job. Keep in mind that you always have to do something to find new opportunities. Be open and take the initiative. I wish you the best of luck! If you need any more information please do not hesitate to contact me.