If you are a student, you have probably heard the conventional wisdom i.e. the need for you to study hard and stay focused. One thing that most people don’t talk about that a degree is more a guarantee of student debt. So, why still in school, you need to do everything to ensure you have an advantage over other students. One way to put yourself ahead of the competition, is to have a good side hustle while you pursue your studies. The advantages are many-fold. This article will show you why every student should start a side hustle.
Opportunity to gain some experience
A university degree is essential as it shows a candidate is intelligent, can study and learn, and can stick with something difficult until completion. However, an employer’s next line of inquiry will be regarding experience. The simple truth is that university falls short in regard to real-life experience needed to perform a job.
Having experience with a side hustle will demonstrate real-world business acumen. It shows that you have experience dealing with customers, managing their expectations, and have been personally responsible for the successful delivery of a product or service.
You have the platform to learn a technical skill
There was a time when you could go to university, find a corporate job, and be assured of your future all the way through retirement. Such is simply not true anymore. Therefore, the more skills you have in your toolbox, the better. So, consider technical skills which aren’t likely to disappear.
You get to learn soft skills
The requirements of most jobs are often more than what might be listed on the job description. So, starting a side hustle gives you an opportunity to learn some soft skills like time management and managing day-to-day of projects. Some roles may require you to manage people effectively. This means conflict resolution, empathy, negotiation, and a slew of other skills commonly referred to as soft skills. Running a side-hustle is an excellent way to sharpen these soft skills. In addition, it is away to prove to a potential employer you have had time to develop them.
Opportunity to expand your career options
People, sometimes, find out that the side hustle they started, while in school, is more lucrative than the job they originally intended to take. While this is not common, it does happen. Regardless, there is nothing to lose with having more options. Perhaps you can more boldly negotiate your salary if you know you don’t need a job and do just fine on your own.
You can reduce your student debt
As you know, university education can be expensive. Even if tuition is paid, you still need to live and eat. Unless you have a rich parent, you will still need to find a way to pay your bills. So, a side hustle is an excellent way to keep some income coming. This will help to reduce the amount of borrowing you will have to do.
Some people don’t face this challenge as their parents may be able to cover all expenses. However, you could be saving from that side hustle to build a nest egg for your first home. There is really no down-side to building up savings in the bank.
You get to take risks with little pressure
Once you are out of university, you may find out you have far fewer opportunities to take risks. So, seize the opportunity while you are young, and life’s demands are comparatively few to take a chance on business ventures you like to try. More so, as you grow older, you simply may not be able to afford the time or financial uncertainty to do so later.
Opportunity to differentiate yourself when you graduate
With globalization shaking up white-collar job fields, it is crucial to differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive market. Having additional relevant skills can prove to be an asset when interviewing for your first job. The truth is that those skills you learned for your side-hustle may allow you to excel as a candidate beyond others interviewing for the same position.
In conclusion
A side hustle can offer you options and provide real-world experience that can be a game-changer in a tight market. So, while you stay focused on your studies, be open to opportunities to enhance your skills and put some extra money in your pocket.
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