Balancing Side Projects and Building Your Career

When people ask how I manage university, multiple roles, and side projects, the truth is: it’s a constant balancing act. But it’s also one of the best decisions I’ve made for my personal and professional growth. Whether you're a student trying to land your first job or someone exploring your interests outside of lectures, this blog shares how I approach side projects without letting everything else fall apart—and how those projects have actually helped me shape my career. 

Why Side Projects Are More Than Just a “Nice to Have” 

Side projects are proof that you’re proactive. They show future employers that you can work independently, follow through on ideas, and are genuinely curious beyond the classroom. 

For example, One of the most rewarding side projects I’ve worked on is a Car Maintenance System—a practical tool designed to help vehicle owners keep track of service records, maintenance schedules, and repair costs. 

The idea came from real-life frustrations. Like many people, I noticed how easy it is to lose track of when your car last had an oil change or how much you spent on repairs over time. I wanted to create a system that could solve this everyday problem in a simple, digital way.  

And it doesn’t just have to be tech. It could be running a blog, starting a podcast, designing a game, or organising events. Whatever it is, if it excites you and teaches you something—that’s a side project worth doing. 

 

How I Balance It All (Realistically) 

Let’s be honest—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve had my fair share of late nights and missed breaks. But over time, I’ve found some habits that help: 

1. Prioritise What Matters
• I map out my deadlines, part-time work, and any must-do events each month. Then I find windows—no matter how small—for project time. Even one focused hour a day can move things forward. 
2. Break It Into Small, Clear Tasks 
• Big projects get done when they’re broken into tiny, achievable steps. “Design scheduler control” is much easier to tackle than “build full car maintenance system.” 
3. Learn to Say No
• I used to take on everything. Now, I protect my time. If something doesn’t align with my goals or bandwidth, I politely decline. This has saved my energy and improved the quality of my work.
4. Let Your Coursework Fuel Your Projects
• Sometimes, university work is your side project. I often turn assignments into polished portfolio pieces. It’s a smart way to build while already doing what’s required. 

Career Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier 

Side projects are great—but how you leverage them makes the difference. Here are a few lessons that really helped me: 

1. Share What You’re Doing
• Don’t be afraid to post about your project on LinkedIn or GitHub. It shows initiative and may even catch a recruiter’s eye. Your digital presence is part of your professional identity now. 
2. Talk to People, Not Just Screens 
• Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about learning from others. I’ve reached out to alumni, attended events, and asked questions—and the insights I gained were better than any textbook. 
3. Don’t Fear Rejection 
• Rejections aren’t personal—they’re part of the process. Each “no” helped me improve. I updated my CV, practised interview answers, and kept going. Eventually, the right “yes” came. 
4. Stay Curious 
• The tech world changes fast. Keep learning—even outside your course. Free tutorials, short courses, even YouTube—anything that helps you grow your skills or try new tools. 

Final Thoughts 

Balancing side projects and career planning isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing what feels meaningful, what builds your skills, and what makes you excited to get started each day. Some days will be chaotic, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re building something—something that reflects you. 

So if you’re on the fence about starting that idea, blog, or app—just begin. You never know where it might lead.

Hi, I’m Nuzhat Tasnim Rifa, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about technology, learning new skills, and helping others navigate university life. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken a part-time role at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. I enjoy balancing academics with real-life experiences and love sharing what I’ve learned to support others on a similar path. This blog site is a space where I share tips, reflections, and insights to help students make the most of their time at university and beyond.