Molly Waterhouse talks about her new documentary "Student Employment" which explores the struggles that young people face with employment and balancing work with university. As a student herself, Molly was interested in examining the pressures of being expected to act like adults but still treated like children in some ways. Through interviews with other students, the documentary shows how difficult it can be to juggle high academic expectations, part-time work, and a social life. While parents and employers may not understand the pressures, Molly hopes the documentary will help other students feel less alone and provide some tips on managing work and school responsibilities.

1. Wednesday 29th November/ BBC1 7:30pm/Wages
Molly Waterhouse exclusively talks to Radio Times about her new and relatable
documentary ‘Student Employment’ and the struggles young people are facing in terms of
employment.
Let’s face it, everyone is concerned about how much they are being paid! is it equal? Am I
being paid enough? These are questions that everyone asks all the time and especially with
university becoming more of a popular choice recently. A recent survey from BIS states that
this time round, the HEIPR stood at 49%, up from 46% last year. Being a Student can often
‘break the bank’ and Most students struggle to even find a job due to their lack of
experience and employability skills that employers look for, but with University expenses
often rising, the demand for a job as a student is increasing. But is it as easy as it seems?
Well that is the topic Molly Waterhouse is exploring in her new hit documentary ‘Student
Employment’. We get a one off chance to sit down and talk with her about her experience
during the filming.
So how did you get your idea for this documentary?
Well, as I am a student and employed, I understand the pressure and struggles of being a
student and so I wanted to explore it further and see if other students can relate. It’s always
bugged me that in society students are made to act like adults yet constantly told we are
still children. Like bus fare. We have to pay adult prices from the age of 16, but we aren’t
legally an adult until we are 18.
what are your own opinions on student employment then?

2. I feel like students are put under a lot of pressure that most parents / employers do not
understand and so it can be frustrating for students when they are expected to get high
grades in all of their subjects while manage a part time job and still have a social life? It can
be hard.
What did you find difficult when recording the documentary?
It’s really interesting because when we were trying to record vox pops of adults, we found
that not many of the adults knew how to answer the questions because they had ‘never
really thought about’ or it was ‘past my time’, which goes to show that adults don’t really
understand the pressures.
You say there is a lot of pressure from parents? Do you experience this yourself?
Both of my parents encouraged me to get a part time job while studying and I understand
why, as its important to gain employability skills and earn your own money but I don’t think
they understand the pressures of balancing both. I have two older brothers who have been
to uni and are now in successful jobs so there is a pressure to succeed like them and make
my parents proud.
How would you help other students in his situation? Any tips?
Although it’s hard, I think its extremely helpful to find a job with flexible hours and doesn’t
require a high amount of hours. I’d say about 8 hours is manageable. I myself, follow a
revision and homework schedule so I can keep on top of college work, I find this helpful
because our week can get hectic with work and revision.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to entice the readers to watch this documentary?
Well, I strongly suggest any student/teen should take a watch, it’s helpful and relatable. If
you’re feeling weighed down by college stress and work, tune in, you’re not the only one.
Thanks.

3. Thank you molly
If you’re a student and can relate to any of that, tune in next Wednesday 29th November at
7:30 on BBC1.
Reported by Caitlyn Brennan