Jobs In Promotions: Nice little earner

University life can be tough. You're so busy meeting new people, getting to know your housemates and generally having a laugh that there's no time to earn the cash needed to pay for it all. Going out on the town's a great way to bond, but the debts can soon mount up - and that's no fun.

So how about getting a part-time job that's all about high-energy, socialising and charisma? Jobs in promotions range from loading up a tequila belt à la Lara Croft and shooting punters with the hard stuff to organising displays at events such as the Ideal Home Show.

Whether you're handing out fliers dressed in hula gear or running a charity stall at a festival, a bubbly personality and tonnes of enthusiasm is often all you need. Although some promotions companies ask for a recent photo, they're not necessarily looking for top models and you should be able to find a promotions role that works for you.

For many, the best thing about the job is the range of events, the impressive displays, costumes and bars, and the interaction with all sorts of people. "I really enjoy talking to customers and the people I work with are great," explains Georgie Wagstaff, 20, who is working with Creative Events while studying at Roehampton University. "You don't always work with the same team, so you get to meet lots of different people."

Creative works on big events such as Ascot and Lord's, making for exciting work for Georgie, who is currently managing a temporary coffee cart at Earls Court three days a week. "Lord's cricket was really good because I was in the members' box and got to watch the whole thing. And when there are concerts you get to see them too. I saw the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which was brilliant," she says.

"The outside events are the best. I've been to festivals I never would have gone to if I hadn't been working with Creative." Even if you're just handing out promotional fliers at a festival, you'll be able to soak up the atmosphere and engage with people as you try to get them to come to your bar or stall. And when you get to take a break, you can relax and enjoy the show.

Georgie heard about the job with Creative from a friend when, in the second year of her BA, she found that the debts were mounting. However, although positions are often found by word of mouth, Creative and other events companies do advertise positions at university careers fairs, and you can also find jobs on many agency websites.

Georgie is now considering going into promotions when she finishes her degree. "Had I not worked with Creative I'd never have thought of it, but it's opened my eyes," she says. "You don't realise how much work goes into organising events. Even if someone just sits down for a few minutes at the coffee cart, if they have a bad time it will make a huge difference to their experience of the whole event."

Progressing to a more senior position would mean planning and organising events from the off. This means working with the organisations and sponsors: finding and booking suitable venues, entertainment and catering services; planning room layouts, timetables, themes, décor and workshops; and arranging the publicity for the event.

But while events organisers have to be on-hand to make sure everything runs according to plan, it's the people like Georgie that ultimately make sure punters have fun on the day.