Just the job!
Second year Business Management student and budding entrepreneur Jack Tang is hoping to cause a splash in the recruitment sector with his brainchild website thestudentjob.com – a unique online platform that endeavours to help London-based students find local casual work fitting around their studies.
Thestudentjob.com is Jack’s third start-up company and he has recently turned his flat into the business’ central office and hub. He has developed his business acumen since the age of twelve and has worked on multiple projects, including: building bespoke computers in Hong Kong; setting up a web design company in Brighton and developing an IT system to help businesses capture valuable data and snapshots of their market.
Jack created Thestudentjob.com in October 2011 and the site has already witnessed a lucrative first few months; around 80 companies are signed up including Domino’s Pizza and Ambassador Theatre Group, and already over 8000 London-based students have registered on the website.
Currently they offer a service exclusively to London students and strive to help them find employment opportunities in their local area. Jack commented: ‘We want to help students find casual work on their doorstep; we identified that students are sensitive to travel time and cost and some might find that living in London is a strain on their bank accounts.
‘The idea for the business was sparked by the uproar about rising student fees – I wanted to try to find an achievable solution to help students. As this is a company run by students for students, I feel that we have a better gauge about what students want and need. Some individuals need a support network and hopefully we are the solution for them.’
Jack explained that the layout of thestudentjob.com has a social networking vibe that encourages students to engage with their peers. The website also offers a unique opportunity for members to receive feedback about their applications and CVs from businesses. Jack commented: ‘This service is an amazing opportunity for students on the verge of starting their careers, as they can get constructive criticism from industry professionals.’
Jack believes that having a part-time job alongside degrees is essential in today’s economic climate. He commented: ‘With the ever increasing amount of students coming out of higher education with great degrees it is hard for students to stand out, so having that extra bit of work experience will help individuals shine. Students will receive practical experience that perhaps they wouldn’t get in lectures or tutorials, but it’s also about making university life work for them.’
In his second year of a Business Management degree, Jack is beginning to apply some of the theories he has learnt at King’s to his personalised business model. He added: ‘I’m using my time at university as an incubator for my business. I’m putting a lot of time and hard work into my studies so I can learn about the industry, to help my business grow and make something out of it before I graduate.’
Thestudentjob.com is developing at a tremendous pace he says, meaning he juggles his academic work with his business endeavours – unfortunately he says that the only thing he can compromise is his sleep. However he said: ‘It’s really reassuring to know that we are doing something worthwhile; making a change to young people’s lives and being recognised for it. I’ve had quite a lot of positive feedback that this is going to be the next big thing in the job market, which is hugely encouraging.’
Jack commented on the business’ future saying: ‘Our aim is to run the scheme throughout the UK and potentially beyond – I have big hopes for this business. However in the short term for this year’s objectives, we have identified which university cities to approach next to implement a franchise model. It’s really exciting and we can’t wait to expand this project elsewhere in the UK.’
When asked about his advice for student entrepreneurs, he replied: ‘One of my core beliefs is to start young and be as creative as you can. It doesn’t matter if you make mistakes, just trying some basic business models and gaining work experience is great to complement your course.’
To sign up for local employment opportunities, visit TheStudentJob website.