1. to gain experience, its been hard to find paid internship and i think it was better then doing nothing during my summer holidays.

2. A casual employee:

• has no guaranteed hours of work
• usually works irregular hours (but can work regular hours)
• doesn't get paid sick or annual leave
• can end employment without notice, unless notice is required by a registered agreement, award or employment contract.

Never take an unpaid internship. It’s a black Mark and shows you don’t value your time.

It seems you can work for free or as a temp anytime, but you must have put a lot of thought and effort into the school application which you can't defer. I don't know the Australian licensing requirements nor school costs - but the latter can't possibly be as bad as the states. If the degree is something you know you're going to do at some point just do it. You could probably do this temp thing here and there during holidays. It's not even a real job. You have the rest of your life to work low paid jobs. Consider if the financial cost of the schooling will pay off in helping you to land a steady job later, through networking, additional internship time during holidays and added skills.

Go to school...it takes a couple years to do the masters and this "casual job" could only last a couple months. You could be out of work before the first semester is even over. Go to UOM, experience a different city and get your masters that you worked hard to get into. Then go find a proper full-time position after, You can always work in the summer and maybe even a few hours during.

You have your entire life to work, while working is extremely important do not sacrifice your education and goals for some sub-par position.

Hi there! Thank you very much for this interesting topic! I am interested in it as well and that is why I will be pleased to read the answers of other guys. Thanks!

never work for free.   I would think an applicant was a chump if they had an unpaid internship on their resume.   I would omit that detail when writing your resume.  Just call it an internship and don't tell unless specifically asked.  

Go study, duhhh. They're just screwing with you, first they don't pay you, now they know you want to move up and onwards with your life they offer you this casual "paid" job. You know very well they'll fire your ass the moment another sucker will take your previously unpaid position, which very well might be the day after they close the admissions at UOM.

I would put my mind straight and ask myself the real questions. What do I want from life? What is my passion? Can I earn enough money with my passion? What is my money concept? Is a 9-5 job the only way to live? Do I believe there is only the academic way to fulfil my dreams? What are my dreams? 

I'm a Life Coach and I can guide trough the process and break down your questions! 

Merry Christmas

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

In Australia, I need to complete the master then i can apply for the license.
As for finding work. It's very hard to find a job in this field, they always want experience and I don't have that. Unfortunately in Australia I need experience to get a real job..

Don't neglect your studies. Your degree is your only guarantee right now, a casual job is just rolling the dice on the future. 

Hey TiggyQQ,

I was wondering what did go with? School or work? Are you happy with your choice or no? 

I am currently in the same situation and Masters at U of T and UBC vs paid full time position. Cant decide...