EMPLOYMENT IN COLLEGE: ITS EFFECT ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS, MENTAL HEALTH, AND PREPAREDNESS BEYOND COLLEGE

Abstract

Student employment levels continue to rise due to increased financial hardship, inadequate income, tuition hikes, and less financial support from families, governments, and universities. Previous literature suggests varying effects of undergraduate student employment on academic success, student professional development, and student health levels. This study reports new data related to the impact of employment on student GPA. A survey was administered to undergraduate physiology and science students to explore the impact of employment on students at The University of Arizona. Student employment  20 hours per week did not significantly impact GPA in comparison to unemployed counterparts. However, students who were employed > 20 hours per week held GPAs that were approximate 1.0-point lower, on average, compared to unemployed students. Employed students reported increased confidence in many transferable skills, suggesting that employment during college may increase the likelihood for success in graduate school and professional careers. A greater percentage of employed students reported experiencing consistent stress through the semester, but the level of their stress was less severe compared to unemployed students. A smaller percentage of unemployed students reported experiencing stress, but for those who did, their stress levels were higher on average. Taken together, the results suggest of this study suggest that undergraduate students can gain employment experience without sacrificing academic success. Furthermore, as universities continue to work tirelessly to ensure student success post-graduation, recommending part-time student employment may be a tool for encouraging better career success after graduation.