How part-time work among students is quietly becoming the new normal

Faiza Rahman Anila is a management studies student at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). She also works as a junior community manager at an ed-tech company. What is it like balancing work and studies at the same time?

"It may seem like it's all about time management, but it's really more about auditing and distributing one's time and energy," Faiza noted.

It wasn't long ago that tutoring was the only earning option most students could think of. Beyond that, only a skilled few managed to freelance on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. 

Today, however, the scene has changed. Students now have a myriad of options and are quietly embracing a culture of part-time work in office settings alongside their studies. In a country grappling with an unemployment rate of 4.63%, part-time jobs offer a valuable way to enter the workforce early and gain experience to stay ahead in the race.

What attracts students to part-time roles?

The reasons why more students are leaning toward part-time roles are twofold: growing economic pressures and the appeal of gaining professional exposure. 

Tutoring often offers limited pay and unpredictable hours. In contrast, part-time roles provide more stable earnings, practical workplace experience, and valuable skill-building opportunities.

Moreover, a part-time job isn't always "extra-curricular" — it can often be "co-curricular." For Tasnim Mamtaz Ahona, a final-year marketing student at the University of Dhaka and a marketing executive at a digital marketing agency, her job helps her gain a deeper understanding of her major.

"I really enjoy studying my major and want to build a career around it. Through my job, I've learned how to put that knowledge into practice. Leading a team at a young age has also been very educational. Since I plan to pursue higher studies abroad, this job experience will make the transition much easier for me," she explained.

Meanwhile, for Faiza, flexibility and consistency are what matter. "I have tutored before. There is a safety concern, the pay isn't as good, and the schedule isn't as consistent. This hampered my academics and added nothing to my CV," she said.

Most of what we learn in the classroom is theoretical, and it's largely the same for all students. Those who gain experience beforehand get a competitive advantage. Employees with prior experience possess many soft skills and technical expertise that others take time to develop. Therefore, it is very beneficial for students to gain some practical office experience before entering the job market.

Numaya Eum Illma, Talent Acquisition Manager, Brac Bank

Numaya Eum Illma, Talent Acquisition Manager at Brac Bank, noted that part-time experiences give students a competitive advantage in the job market they will face later.

"Most of what we learn in the classroom is theoretical, and it's largely the same for all students. Those who gain experience beforehand get a competitive advantage," she said.

"Employees with prior experience possess many soft skills and technical expertise that others take time to develop. Therefore, it is very beneficial for students to gain some practical office experience before entering the job market," she added.

But above all, another important aspect is that more part-time jobs are available than ever, thanks to social media. Platforms like LinkedIn and peer networks have made these opportunities more accessible, and employers now often value reliability and enthusiasm over formal experience. The Covid-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this culture. Since then, a wave of remote and part-time work has emerged, which many companies have fully adopted.

Balancing studies and work

For students who work alongside their studies, balance is rarely a stable achievement and more often a daily negotiation. 

Class schedules clash with rotating shifts, deadlines compete with evening work hours, and rest becomes a discretionary expense. Many describe living by an improvised calendar — managing shifts before exams, skipping lectures during peak work periods, and catching up on coursework late at night.

Ahona spoke about cramming before exams and managing her classes. "I usually study before exams and on my days off. During exam periods, I often have to take leave or work from home. My workplace is very supportive and has international clients, so the work hours are quite flexible," she said.

Faiza noted that setting boundaries is non-negotiable for anyone who wants to balance work, academics, and their social life.

A fair share of challenges

Balancing work and studies is not an easy task whatsoever. And that's where the key challenge lies.

"There are times when class schedules are changed unexpectedly, and it conflicts with work hours. Making up for that is usually tough," said Ahona.

Faiza mentioned the stressful times, particularly during exams. "Several times, my exams were at the same time as my busiest work cycles. It was really tough to manage both. Working from home is usually the best option at times like these."

For students doing part-time jobs, the incentive is often money. But part-time jobs hardly start with handsome pay. However, with patience and hard work, the amount usually increases. 

"When I started, my salary was only Tk8,000. Now it has increased to Tk14,000. For three days a week, it's worth my time."

For Faiza, however, the pay was a bit higher. "When I joined, my salary was around Tk15,000. Almost a year later, it's risen to Tk20,000." The pay range for part-time roles in Bangladesh often falls within this bracket.

But part-time jobs offer something more: financial independence, work experience, and personal finance skills — benefits that can't be ignored.

How to win the job search

Knowing all the pros and cons, you're ready to take on the challenge. Now comes the big question: how will you actually find a part-time job?

For many students, finding a part-time job isn't a carefully planned process — it's more of a series of small decisions made on the go. Since formal career guidance is often limited or unavailable, informal methods of searching become very important. Besides LinkedIn and social media, personal connections are one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities.

Faiza shared how she landed a job after just a few attempts. "I used to notice vacancy-related posts on social media. That's how I applied to a few companies, got called for an interview at one, and finally joined."

However, in some cases, it takes longer. Ahona had to wait for months. "I used to apply through LinkedIn to different companies for various positions. I applied to countless jobs before I was hired. This was my first in-person interview, and I finally joined in April this year," she said.

Lacking both experience and leverage, students often accept whatever work fits around their classes, learning the rules of employment as they go. These early jobs rarely align with long-term aspirations, yet they serve another function — teaching students how to negotiate time, endure uncertainty, and turn classroom knowledge into real-world work.

Thus, the job hunt becomes not a single moment of entry, but a slow apprenticeship in the realities of the market.