Combining study and employment: a step too far?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a survey of part‐time employment among university students. The survey seeks to establish the nature and characteristics of that employment, and to determine the extent to which it is comparable to similar institutions. The research also aims to examine the possible consequences of combining part‐time employment with full‐time study, with particular reference to stress.Design/methodology/approachThe research consisted of a web‐based survey of full‐time undergraduates within the business school of a post‐1992 university in the UK.FindingsThe survey found that 68 per cent of the sample currently holds at least one part‐time job during term‐time and that the majority are employed in excess of ten hours per week. Employment is concentrated in a small number of sectors such as retailing, service and call centres. Previous studies report that combining a degree with employment can have negative consequences with students missing classes, doing less reading and experiencing higher levels of stress.Practical implicationsThe growth of student employment is eroding further the concept of the full‐time student and universities may need to consider adaptations to their current programmes to accommodate students. From a recruitment and retention perspective, institutions may also need to consider the mechanisms they can offer to support students working part‐time.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in adding to the existing knowledge base about student part‐time employment, which continues to be a growing phenomenon. It also sheds further light on the consequences of working while studying and the negative outcomes that may arise. In particular it examines the relationship between part‐time employment and stress.

Work experience in relation to study pace and thesis grade: investigating the mediating role of student learning

“…The majority of participants in the present study were working during their time at university, and most had gained own academic work experience during their final study year. Interestingly, this differs from previous research which suggests that students work mainly in non-academic fields (Bradley 2006;Robotham 2009;Hunt et al 2004), even if they were working during their final study year (Callender 2008). The results also confirmed previous findings that students work many hours (Callender 2008, Watts andPickering 2000).…”

“…The study showed more effects on study pace than on thesis grade. Thus, it might be as Robotham (2009) suggests that working has more other negative effects such as tiredness and less time for social activities than achieving lower grades only. Moreover, in most cases, work has been found to interfere more with students' leisure time, not their study time (Hovdhaugen 2013).…”

“…In line with these results, Hawkins et al (2005) found that more than half of students in their study perceived that work decreased their study time, with one-fifth of the students experiencing stress, fatigue and exhaustion from work. On the other hand, Robotham (2009) found that working enhanced students' ability to cope with stress.…”

“…The number of working students has increased in many countries over the years, and it seems that in Australia, the UK and New Zealand, for example, almost half of the students work during their studies (Broadbridge and Swanson 2006;Ryan et al 2011;Manthei and Gilmore 2005;Watts and Pickering 2000). Robotham (2009) even argues that the majority of students may spend more time at their workplace than in university classes.…”

“…However, students' work experience is generally non-academic, for example, working in the service sector (Bradley 2006;Broadbridge and Swanson 2006;Hunt et al 2004;Robotham 2009). Moreover, the work is often unrelated to their study fields and future careers (Callender 2008).…”