Navigating two worlds: Balancing study and career with flexible working models

These two showcase gridX’s steadfast commitment to flexibility and how education and work can thrive harmoniously. Our working students are living proof that you can get real-world experience and rock your education at the same time, thanks to our approach to flexibility.

1. Tell us about yourself and what you are studying:‍

Annette: My name is Annette Grünsfelder. I am studying communication design BA at the Hochschule München and currently work as a working student in communication design at gridX. 

‍Amro: I’m Amro Elsaadany from Egypt, 22 years old. I'm doing a bachelor degree in computer science at the FH Aachen and have been working at gridX as a student since February 2023. I’m working in the production team, focusing mainly on hardware production and the logistics connected to the produced hardware.

2. What motivated you to pursue both work and studies simultaneously?

Amro: I’m more into the practical part of what I study. I wanted to pursue my career during my studies, so that I gain theoretical knowledge from university and practical experience from working. I also wanted to be able to partly finance myself during my bachelor's degree.

3. How do you manage your time effectively between your job and your studies?

Amro: I start every semester with an initial plan of when I should attend lectures weekly and I talk with my supervisor about how we could organize my working shifts. This way both of us are satisfied with the required shifts and my lectures.

4. Could you share some strategies or tips you've developed to handle your workload and responsibilities?

Annette:

1. Prioritizing what is important and needs to be done. Having a checklist of what needs to be done written the night before for the next day.
2. Carrying a notebook around to write/sketch ideas that I have.
3. Getting out of the house and not trying to force something when it is not working. Stepping away from something is beneficial and more productive than trying to force it. 
4. Breaking down larger projects into smaller tasks that together complete the larger task.
5. Having coffee, chocolate, and gummy bears near me when I work. 

Amro: Starting with the mental aspect: I try as much as possible not to think of work while studying and vice versa.

5. Can you describe your typical daily or weekly schedule, considering both work and study commitments?

Annette: I work up to 2 to 3 days a week at gridX. At gridX my tasks are very clear in what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and what design style gridX has. I usually create illustrations or adapt graphics for social media posts, blog posts, and other mediums as short term tasks. 

I study for university about 2 to 3 days a week. My university's projects are usually a bit more open ended and require more time to develop in the beginning. Once design principles are clearly defined, it is more straightforward in implementing them into the final format.

6. How do you prioritize tasks and decide what needs your immediate attention?

Annette: I prioritize tasks and decide what needs my immediate attention by determining when something is due and how much time I need to complete it. Sometimes in design I can have a really productive day and can complete all my tasks and more. Other times I can spend the entire day testing and experimenting and nothing is completed. Based on this, I would judge how much time I still need to finish it and by when it is due to determine the priority level.

7. Have you sought any support or resources from your university or workplace to help you manage your dual roles?

Annette & Amro: It is super beneficial that gridX has plenty of opportunities for seeking support – for example, we can reduce our workload when university deadlines are near and we need more time to focus on our studies.

8. Are there any changes or adjustments you plan to make in order to better manage your commitments in the long run?

Amro: Stop putting so much pressure on myself to always be producing something creative in my spare time. And I try as much as possible not to think of work while studying.

‍Annette: Things don't always need to be perfect. What I learnt is more important than the end result. And something being done and crossed off your checklist is better than it being continuously drawn out. There are so many resources out there. Use them to your benefit.

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Are you looking for part time jobs with flexible hours? Then explore our current working student job openings. Visit our careers page to learn how you can become part of gridX. 

 Whether you're a working student ready to take on the world or a seasoned professional eager to be a part of an inclusive and forward-thinking organization, we’d love for you to join us in shaping the future of the energy transition.