Working Whilst Studying at MDX Dubai

Balancing work and university can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible with good time management. Here are a few things to keep in mind when working while at Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai.

Choose Flexible Jobs
Look for part-time jobs with flexible hours, such as, on-campus jobs, you could also consider freelancing or remote work or retail / foodservice. MDX Dubai have many intern and employment opportunities that could be the perfect fit for you. To check for available posts you can go direct to your department of interest or check in with your managers, or you can get help from Careers and Employability Services (CES). In order to gain a great job remember to network! Sometimes the best job opportunities come through word-of-mouth or campus connections. But while on this quest, don’t forget personal time, like exercise, meals, and rest. Burnout is real!

On-Campus Jobs
These tend to be more flexible and accommodating for students' schedules. Some options include: a library assistant, helping students, organising books, and assisting with research.  If you're in a field that involves research, you could work with professors on projects. There are always plenty of opportunities in Student Activities, where you can help to organise events or working in the student centre. For all available posts, check https://www.mdx.ac.ae/student-vacancies.  You could also consider teaching assistant roles. MDX Dubai Student Learning Assistant (SLA) Programme is a popular peer to peer support system. It provides the opportunity for our high achieving students to assist their lecturers in the classroom and provide invaluable support to the students and is a paid opportunity. At present, we have around 180 students assisting lecturers across all programmes in the university.

Free lance Jobs
If you have skills in writing, design, coding, or marketing, freelancing can give you flexibility and income. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great for finding jobs that fit your skills. You could even write blog posts, articles, or website content. If you're creative, designing logos, websites, or social media content could offer a great source of income. There are lots of opportunities in web development, building websites or apps for businesses or individuals. What about helping small businesses or influencers manage their social media presence? Please note: Freelance roles in the UAE have certain permits and visa requirements; make sure you research and comply with the UAE labour laws available on government websites. For questions that require further clarity, you can approach the Careers office.

Retail or Hospitality Jobs
Retail stores, cafes, and restaurants are often looking for part-time workers. These jobs usually offer evening and weekend shifts, making them a good fit for students. You might work as a barista, cashier, server, or sales associate.

Internships
Internships can be a fantastic way to gain experience in your field of study. Paid internships are ideal, but even unpaid internships can be valuable for building your experience and networking for future job opportunities.  Undertaking an internship is a very important step providing invaluable prospects, and demonstrates that you are taking your degree seriously. You can secure an internship through MDX Dubai careers department at Careers and Employability Services (CES) and for listed positions check https://www.mdx.ac.ae/student-vacancies.  

Online Jobs
The internet offers many part-time opportunities where you could help businesses or entrepreneurs with administrative tasks. How about a transcription role, converting audio or video recordings into text. While not highly lucrative, online surveys or market research can be good ways to make extra money in your spare time.  Check UAE labour laws available on government websites. For questions that require further clarity, you can approach the Careers office.

Entrepreneurship
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, consider starting your own small business. Some ideas include: drop shipping or e-commerce, selling products online. You could also offer video or photography services for events or student portraits. Another key area is in event planning, such as organising campus events, birthday parties, or student get-togethers. Check out the MDX Innovation Hub (MIH) who help students with innovative ideas and can mentor them through setting up a business. Please note: Entrepreneur  roles in the UAE have certain permits and visa requirements; make sure you research and comply with the UAE labour laws available on government websites. For questions that require further clarity, you can approach the Careers office.

Fitness Instructor or Coach
If you're into fitness, you could work as a part-time fitness instructor, personal trainer, or yoga teacher. These roles require require students to be certified so can only be pursued if you have these.

When you have secured a job you need to consider a few key factors:

Planning is key
Plan ahead to schedule study time and work hours so you don’t overload yourself. Stay organised, use a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines and commitments.  Schoolwork should always come first, so find a job that allows you to stay on top of your studies. Balancing work and university can feel like juggling a lot of things at once, but with a solid time management plan, it’s totally doable!

Time Management is essential 
Creating a solid schedule can help you stay on top of both work and your studies. You can Use a planner or digital calendar to organise your time. Visualising your week will help you see where your time is going. You can use a physical planner or digital tools like Google Calendar or Notion.

Make sure you block out study time and stick to it. Prioritising tasks based on deadlines and importance will ensure your success and enable you not to fall behind The time-blocking method is all about allocating specific blocks of time for tasks. This is especially helpful if you tend to procrastinate or get distracted easily. You can block into these groups to segregate your work: Study Time: Block off hours specifically for reading, writing, and revising. Work Time: Treat your work hours like classes-no distractions allowed. Breaks: Ensure you schedule regular breaks. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break) which can help maintain your energy. Remember to leave buffer time: Avoid scheduling back-to-back tasks. Leave 15-30 minutes between activities, especially between work and study

When you have multiple tasks (assignments, projects, work shifts), break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example: For assignments: Instead of just “Write paper,” break it down into steps like “Research topic,” “Write introduction,” “Draft body,” etc. For work: If you’re freelancing, break your project into tasks like “Client communication,” “Create first draft,” “Review and send to client.”

Create a Weekly Routine
It’s easier to manage work and study when you have a routine. Here’s an example structure for a typical week: Morning (before classes): Review any readings or assignments. Daytime (between classes): If you have breaks, use that time to work on assignments or study. After Classes: Reserve this time for your job (if you work in the evening) or for deep study sessions. Evenings: If possible, use your evenings for lighter study or assignments and winding down before bed.

Set Realistic Expectations
Know your limits. It’s tempting to take on a lot to make extra money or gain experience, but overloading yourself can lead to burnout. Aim for a balance that allows you to succeed academically while maintaining your well-being.

Use University Resources
Many universities have career centres that offer job search assistance, internships, and career advice. They might also offer job fairs or networking events. MDX Dubai will be able to support you fully on this, we have a designated team of careers experts, see https://www.mdx.ac.ae/life-at-university/ces. We also have our Career Guide and 1-on-1 appointment booking system that students can access when they get in touch with us, if that’s something you would like to mention.

Stay Flexible
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Be prepared to adjust your schedule when things come up (like extra work shifts, sudden deadlines, or personal matters). Re-evaluate weekly: At the start of each week, take a few minutes to reassess your priorities and re-organise your time if needed.

Avoid Overcommitting
One of the biggest mistakes students make is overcommitting. Only take on as much work as you can reasonably handle without sacrificing your health or academic performance. Work within limits: If you find yourself too stressed, consider reducing your work hours or finding ways to streamline your tasks (e.g., using productivity tools, delegating).

Use Productivity Tools
There are tons of apps and tools designed to help with time management. Some of the most popular include: Trello or Asana: For task management and keeping track of assignments. Forest: An app that helps you stay off your phone and focus for set intervals. Google Keep or Evernote: For jotting down notes and quick reminders. Focus@Will: Music designed to improve focus during study or work sessions.

Prioritise Self-Care
If you’re working while studying, your energy can deplete quickly. Make sure to: Get enough sleep, it’s easy to sacrifice sleep, but it impacts both your physical health and productivity. Be sure to exercise, even if it’s just a short walk or a quick workout, exercise can clear your mind and boost energy. Spend time with friends or unwind from the stress to recharge.

Communicate with Employers and Professors
Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to reach out for support: With work, let your employer know if you need adjustments to your schedule during midterms or finals. In university, if assignments pile up, talk to your professors, they might offer extensions or guidance.

Students who work while studying often gain valuable skills such as multitasking and financial independence. There are many paid opportunities available to be explored. However, it requires prioritising tasks, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a balance between academics and job responsibilities. Making use of the various productivity tools and practicing self-care, along with careful time management will ensure a successful working student life.