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Students seeking part time jobs | Photo: Raj Shekhar Jha
Manipal: Students in Manipal do not just look to excel in academics, sports and cultural activities; of late it is observed that more and more of them are drawn towards part-time jobs, hobbies that reap monetary benefits and other such money making schemes. The western concept of whole or partial self-finance is slowly creeping into the lifestyle of the youth here.
Students currently are just as keen to invest or save money as they are to spend it. Many of them invest in stock markets and constantly analyse the rise and fall of their shares, buying and selling accordingly to reap maximum profits. More and more money making schemes are explored and opted for also because of the inflation Manipal has witnessed in the last two years. Due to the rapid increase in food and gas prices, fuel rates, fee-hike in hostels, increased rates for labour charges and the like, nowadays any source of extra cash is welcomed by the students.
The main attraction towards part time work in most student cases is the money that is made out of it. They usually choose to engage in areas of interest; as a means of cultivating their talent and hobbies or to gain exposure in a particular field. Mayank, a Computer Science engineering student doubles up as a Disc Jockey on Friday and Saturday nights at ‘Enigma’, the new club in town. He said, “It is not like I planned this out at all, it happened accidentally. I once played music and mixed some tracks when a regular DJ of the club Ozone was on leave. The owner was impressed and offered me a permanent post for Rs 500 every week. Not only is it a fun pastime, it is a really amazing way to make a couple of quick bucks. It is like being paid to follow your dream and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. Sometimes I am hired to DJ at private parties as well. Moreover, with free alcohol as part of my perks, I have nothing to complain about.”
In other cases, students opt for jobs pertaining to their course and syllabus in order to get a better insight of the field and gain work experience. Almost all the constituent colleges of the university wind up the day’s session by 4 pm in the evening. Students often complain of too much free time on their hands and unlike in big cities there is not a wide variety of recreational activities to choose from. In order to put the spare time to productive use, many of them turn to work in the evenings. Amrutha Nayak, a student of MIC works as a the Public Relations Officer for the Kannada local television channel, ‘U’ Tv. Earlier she used to anchor programmes for the same channel as well. A resident of Udupi, she said, “It all comes down to exposure. This is an enriching learning experience. As a media student it is essential to know at least the basics of print, broadcast, online media, advertising and film making, which prompted me to take up this job. The salary is no doubt a benefit, but I work for the sake of experience, not otherwise.”
The online and print journalism and event management fields are amongst those that hire a bulk of students as content writers, reporters, copy editors, designers and comperes.
Sub-edited by Nina Chengappa |
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