Stepping Out Of The Comfort Zone By Working Part-Time

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone by Working Part-time

Being an international student as well as a part-time worker is not a simple undertaking.

It requires commitments in various aspects, including time-management, physical and mental efforts to maintain the responsibilities between study and work.

This article describes Lavinia Disa's story in stepping out of the comfort zone by working as The University of Auckland's Student Ambassador.

One afternoon during my first summer break in Auckland, I decided to gain work experience rather than stay idle.

Because my scholarship prohibited work outside campus, I looked for postings on campus.

Through an Internet search and campus postings, I found three vacancies and secured The University of Auckland's Student Ambassador position.

The (Not So) Bad

Here is how the selection process went.

At the end of December 2015, I was invited to apply after having submitted an expression of interest.

I filled out the application form with personal information, availability, and short answers about why I was interested, relevant leadership experience, and why I would be a positive addition to the team.

On January 12, 2016, I attended the interview.

It was surprisingly fun; applicants worked in a small group and described an ideal Ambassador.

The supervisor and senior ambassadors observed and assessed individuals.

A week later I received the news that I had been selected.

Next came administrative work.

I completed a confirmation form to accept the offer and received a Casual Employment Agreement.

Before returning the contract, I had to apply for an IRD number.

The IRD number records tax-related events for part-time work in New Zealand to ensure legal employment.

To obtain the number, I applied online with my passport and student visa details, bank statement, enrollment letter, and the employment agreement.

Within two weeks I had the IRD number by post.

Prior to assignments, all new Student Ambassadors attended orientation training.

We were informed that the role was casual and that we would work only when available.

Work was based on university events with various roles.

A dedicated website, The Ambassador Roster, was used to sign up for shifts.

After training, my 1.5 year-long work contract began.

The Ugly

When I applied, I focused on earning extra income rather than the work itself.

I faced several challenges : first, the role required me to be a people person, while I am naturally introverted.

During Orientation Week I wore an "Ask Me" shirt and helped new students, which was difficult at first.

I overcame this by imagining how it would feel if I were helped on my first day as a student.

Second, during Graduation shifts I promoted surveys to graduates and handed out incentives, which felt uncomfortable for me. I managed this by keeping a positive mindset and imagining it was helping graduates.

Third, I lacked physical strength for heavy lifting and sometimes needed help from others.

Fourth, I was more of an abstract thinker, which made inventory tasks and packing goodie bags challenging, occasionally extending working hours.

The Good

There were also rewarding shifts.

I oversaw a powhiri, observed how Maori welcome new students, and enjoyed crowd control during the Clock Tower events and DELNA tests, which enhanced my problem-solving skills.

A memorable moment was helping visitors at the help desk, where a German family expressed hope for their son's future at the university.

This reminded me of the privilege of my position and the value of continuous learning.

Working part-time while studying overseas can be demanding, but the experience was professional with clear job descriptions and schedules, including paid and unpaid breaks, and open communication.

I view my time as a Student Ambassador as a learning zone, not just a comfort zone.

The idea that growth occurs outside the comfort zone resonates with me, and I remind myself that discomfort often signals new knowledge and skills.

• Featured image by The University of Auckland.

All other photos are courtesy of Lavinia Disa.

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