Part-time jobs offer Harper Adams University students a fantastic way to gain practical experience, earn money, and balance their studies. With the university's strong focus on agriculture, land management, and rural industries, many opportunities align directly with academic programs. Whether you're looking for flexible on-campus roles or local off-campus work, Harper Adams supports students in finding suitable employment. Below, we'll explore available options, how to apply, and tips for success.

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs

Harper Adams provides a range of part-time positions right on campus, ideal for students seeking convenience and relevance to their studies. These roles often involve flexible hours around lectures and practical sessions, typically paying the UK minimum wage or slightly above, depending on the role and experience.

• Library and IT Support: Assist with book shelving, circulation desk duties, or basic tech support in the university library. Shifts are usually 5-10 hours per week, perfect for those studying information management or digital skills.
• Accommodation and Hospitality: Work in student halls as a receptionist or cleaner, or help in campus cafes and bars. These jobs build customer service skills and are great for evening or weekend availability.
• Farm and Estate Work: Given the university's 1,400-hectare farm, opportunities include assisting with livestock care, crop management, or machinery operation. Students in agriculture or veterinary courses often find these roles invaluable for hands-on experience.
• Research and Lab Assistants: Support academic staff in labs or field trials, involving data collection or sample preparation. Pay can be higher (around £10-12 per hour) and counts toward CV-building for future careers.
• Events and Sports Centre: Help organize university events, sports activities, or coaching sessions at the on-campus facilities. These are seasonal but offer networking with staff and peers.

To apply for on-campus jobs, check the university's student portal or JobShop service, which lists vacancies regularly. Interviews are straightforward, and many roles prioritize current students.

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs

Located in the rural Shropshire countryside, Harper Adams students have access to local businesses in agriculture, food production, and tourism. Telford and Shrewsbury, nearby towns, offer retail and service roles. Expect 10-20 hours per week during term time, with more flexibility in holidays.

Key sectors include:

• Agriculture and Farming: Seasonal harvesting, dairy work, or vet assistant positions on local farms. Harper Adams' connections often lead to placements via the Careers Service.
• Food and Retail: Jobs in supermarkets like Tesco or local markets, or food processing plants. These suit students in food science programs and pay £9-11 per hour.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Pubs, restaurants, or hotels in the area, especially during peak seasons. Roles like waiting tables or bar work build interpersonal skills.
• Administrative and Tutoring: Part-time office work or tutoring younger students in subjects like biology or environmental science through local agencies.

For off-campus opportunities, use platforms like Indeed, StudentJob UK, or the National Careers Service. The university's Employability Team runs workshops on CV writing and job hunting tailored to rural job markets.

Example Part-Time Job Listings

Here's a table summarizing typical part-time roles available to Harper Adams students:

Job Type	Location	Hours/Week	Estimated Pay/Hour	Skills Gained
Farm Hand	On-Campus Farm	8-15	£10.50	Agricultural practices, teamwork
Cafe Assistant	Campus Cafe	10-12	£9.50	Customer service, food handling
Retail Sales	Local Supermarket (Telford)	12-18	£10.00	Sales, inventory management
Lab Technician Aid	University Labs	5-10	£11.00	Research methods, data analysis
Event Steward	Local Events/Venues	Variable (weekends)	£9.90	Event coordination, safety protocols

How to Find and Secure Part-Time Jobs

Start by registering with Harper Adams' dedicated JobShop and Careers Service, which emails weekly updates on vacancies. Attend career fairs held twice a year, focusing on agribusiness employers. For legal work, ensure you're eligible under UK student visa rules if international—most allow up to 20 hours per week during term.

1. Update Your CV: Highlight relevant modules, like animal husbandry or sustainable farming, to stand out.
2. Network: Join student societies such as the Agriculture Society for insider tips on jobs.
3. Apply Early: Peak recruitment happens in September and January; prepare references from lecturers.
4. Balance Studies: Choose roles that don't clash with timetables—use the university's academic calendar for planning.

Benefits and Tips for Students

Working part-time at Harper Adams not only boosts your income (averaging £500-800 monthly) but also enhances employability. Many graduates credit early farm jobs for their career starts in the sector. Tips include prioritizing health and safety training, especially in practical roles, and seeking advice from the Student Union for fair pay disputes.

In summary, part-time jobs at Harper Adams blend education with real-world application, fostering independence and professional growth in a supportive rural setting. Explore these opportunities to enrich your university experience.