Working students not only strive to excel academically but also need to perform well at their jobs, which often support their education and, in many cases, their families. The increasing number of working students in the Philippines shows that there are economic constraints that need to be addressed on a much larger scale. More students take the role as their family’s breadwinner, while working professionals seek to upskill for higher paying jobs.

However, becoming a working student nowadays is made more accessible and achievable through advancements in technology as well as online educational institutions who provide the students with the right tools and modern curriculum to help them get the jobs that they want.

In a 2022 survey by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), it was found that about 216,000 students, or 8% of the total college population in the country are working students. The decision to balance work, studies, and personal responsibilities stems from a much deeper intention of gaining financial freedom. By pursuing higher education while working, students aim to gain financial independence as well as build a brighter future and acquire valuable work experience that leads to a better career path and quality of life for themselves and their families.

Despite the challenges that they face with reaching milestones in school and work, and having enough time for caring for themselves and loved ones, being a working student does have its advantages. They are able to develop soft skills through employment, even more so to those who choose to earn their degree online with flexible learning programs, learn how to become financially literate early on, and get to care for their family while still working on their own career goals.

Modern-day working students

Jewel Mae San Juan, a student from Mapua Malayan Digital College (MMDC) and the breadwinner of her family, shares that it takes a lot of sacrifice and discipline, but with the flexibility of her academic and work schedule, she finds ways to make it all work out. “Online education has given me the chance to earn a degree and acquire new skills without the need to quit my job or reduce my hours. This has been especially important for me as the primary earner in my family,” she says. “The accessibility of online education and the rise of remote work opportunities have made it possible for me to continue my education and pursue better opportunities for my family’s future while still meeting our financial needs. With the flexibility of online programs, I can make it work, even if it means staying up late or catching up on assignments when I’m off the clock.”

More than this, working students must also consider finding affordable online degrees that offer flexible schedules to make it possible for them to finish their degrees on time without having to greatly impact their performance at work and life at home.

Nico Lim, MMDC student and father says, “The flexibility of online learning empowers me to pursue my first bachelor’s degree without sacrificing any part of my lifestyle. With the rise of online education and digital tools, working students like me have more flexibility and control over their schedules.”

Another MMDC student, Joy Cardinoza, shares the same sentiment as Lim who believes it is definitely more accessible to become a working student these days. “Online education has been a game-changer, allowing me to balance my full-time job with my studies,” she says. Apart from the flexibility that comes with online education, Joy also says how important the non-traditional learning program of MMDC is with their Projects, Problems and Cases (PPC) model. “The PPC learning model has been instrumental in this process as it has helped me manage my workload and pushed me to develop valuable skills in project management, problem-solving, and reflective practice. These are skills that will benefit me both academically and professionally in the long term.”

More than just the flexibility and modern curriculum, working students who are left with limited financial options are also given more confidence and assurance that they can and will achieve a better life as long as they commit to putting in the work. Jennifer Javier, a mother and a working student from MMDC, shares that it is definitely challenging to balance all of her different responsibilities but it is achievable as long as she continues to stay on this path. She says, “Your job is your source of income, while your studies are your path to a better future. Both are priorities and demand your time and attention. Your commitment plays a crucial role when you’re exhausted. It’s all about discipline over motivation.”

Being a working student is also far more complex than having to balance multiple responsibilities while holding themselves to a certain standard. Receiving the proper guidance and support from their school and company is crucial in their journey to success. Educational institutions who cater directly to working students know what exactly they need in order to thrive and provide what they need to become successful.

An example would be the mentorship and academic coaching that MMDC offers their students to become more prepared for their dream careers. With a modern approach to learning using the PPC method and no traditional tests required, working students develop critical soft and technical skills that will give them an edge upon entering the modern workforce. They are also guided by top industry leaders who are also their mentors whom they can consult at their convenience using internal online platforms to make their learning experience more personalized and fit for their own needs.

Securing a better career and future

The reality is that we can expect more working students in the future but the challenges that come with it can be overcome with the right system, support, and mindset. Making the lifestyle more achievable and accessible to a wider demographic will help them thrive despite the cards that they are dealt with.

If working students are able to worry less about finding a school that gives them the support specific to their needs, that is already one step closer to helping them achieve a better and brighter future.

Looking to earn your online college degree with a modern and flexible learning program? Start your MMDC journey at any term within the school year! For more information on MMDC’s programs, click here.

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more.