Many university students around the world are experiencing considerable stress as a result of the transformation in how they are taught, and fear the uncertain future due to COVID-19. Besides worrying about their education, financial worries are now higher in their list as the pandemic has wrecked the global economy.
Tanzanian Latifa Hamad Nassoro, is a digital and social media marketing freelancer who is positive that the pandemic is here to teach us a valuable lesson.
For some students who are currently studying at INTI International University & Colleges (INTI), the present situation has required them to be creative in getting things under control. We spoke to a few of them about side hustling while pursuing their education, and were surprised to note that they didn’t only have a more positive outlook about the current situation but unlike fellow students, are confident that the crisis is just a phase which will end as quickly as it began.
Latifa Hamad Nassoro, who is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire at INTI International College Kuala Lumpur and Kashmiethaa Chandran, a student of the Bachelors of Business (Hons) in Psychology programme at INTI International University Nilai shared their take on earning extra incomes through a side hustle or freelance job as a legitimate way to stretch one’s budget, jump-start financial goals and pay off debts.
Latifa, the digital and social media marketing freelancer
“As a student I chose to work for an extra income not because of financial difficulties but as a means of security for unforeseen circumstances. Especially with the current situation, it would be more difficult to land a job amidst other budding professionals. My expertise in digital marketing and social media provided me a platform to earn some extra income while studying and has helped me strengthen my capabilities,” expressed Latifa when asked about the reason for working while studying.
Hailing from Tanzania, Latifa a 24-year-old international student is keen to develop and improve on various skill sets for her own professional growth. “Securing a job in the near future is going to be very challenging and there will be intense competition between fresh graduates. Hence, it is important for students to hone different skills to survive the rat race in securing a job even while we are still studying,” added Latifa.
Latifa views the pandemic as a new phase for new opportunities. She believes it will teach us to survive hardships and develop resilience to the changing circumstances. According to her, the current situation is an opportunity to help us change our mind sets and adapt to the new normal.
“I think it is very important to earn an extra income as a student because it will help you build a foundation in managing finances in the future. It will also mould us to become independent individuals and set us up earlier in life to deal with the long term challenges,” shared Latifa, who has rendered her services to small enterprises like VPaint, Hati, and BrandSenZ.
Kashmiethaa Chandran from Johor Bahru runs a catering business with her parents to survive the financial struggles caused by COVID-19.
Kashmiethaa, the young assistant caterer
For Kashmiethaa, her reason for venturing into a business were a littie different. The catering business she is managing alongside her mother was due to the economic effects of the pandemic on her family.
“We decided to start this business since both my parents who used to work in Singapore were unable to resume their jobs during the Movement Control Order (MCO). To curb the challenges we faced financially, we decided to restart a catering business that my mother used to run a few years ago,” said Kashmiethaa.
Improvising the business structure to suit the current circumstances, Kashmiethaa introduced food delivery services to their customers’ doorsteps besides promoting her mother’s tasty home cooked meals on social media.
“Vanitha’s Kitchen is doing well solely due to the teamwork we have at home. I’m in charge of social media marketing, taking orders and managing the finances, while my mother does the cooking and packing, and my dad delivers the food.”
“COVID-19 has put us through a difficult situation and being able to accept the new normal is not an easy task. However, I have accepted that this pandemic is inevitable and learning to adapt to the new normal is the way to keep us afloat and reduce mental stress. I decided to focus on the bright side instead – which is being able to work closely with my parents – and move forward to accept anything that comes my way with a much more positive mind set,” shared Kashmiethaa.
She further explained that it is vital for students to obtain some side income where possible, “It will aid their financial needs for personal use apart from the allowances they receive from their parents. Students will also have a glimpse of the working environment as they learn how to market their products, gain customers and handle different accounts. Hustling to get a side income is meaningful for students because we will learn something along the way and treasure it for a lifetime.”