Being a working student is easier said than done. On one hand, working while in school can help you gain valuable professional experience, develop essential skills, and earn money to help pay for your education and other daily necessities. However, attending classes, completing schoolwork, and making time to study often involve a delicate balancing act that can trip up even the savviest students.
Despite the challenges, going down the working student path is a commendable feat for learners eager to come back to school to earn a college degree. After all, securing that hard-earned diploma comes with a host of benefits such as greater career opportunities and better self fulfillment – both of which can positively impact your professional career.
Certainly, the working student life isn’t easy. But with a little grit, a lot of passion, and having a good educational partner that supports your working student ambitions can make a lot of things better.
Opening closed doors
Juggling the demands of academics and employment can be a daunting task for any student. However, there are remarkable individuals who have managed to navigate this challenging terrain with determination, proving that it is indeed possible to thrive as a working student. Here are inspiring stories of these exceptional individuals who have found the perfect harmony between their studies and work, defying the notion that concurrent success in both realms is an unattainable dream. These students’ journeys serve as a testament to step up para sa pangarap.
John Kenneth Mangunay is a 26-year-old working student pursuing a BSBA in Marketing Management at Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC). Known to many as Ken, he strives to earn his degree with honors, uplift his family from poverty, and actively contribute to his workplace.
Having grown up in a financially-challenged family, Ken took it upon himself to assume the role of the breadwinner. Having previously landed a role as a Customer Success Manager, Ken encountered career opportunities that he couldn’t pursue due to the lack of a degree.
Recognizing the value of formal education, Ken sought to unlock those doors that were previously closed off to him. Through effective planning and prioritizing, Ken has found a balance between his current role as a Senior Customer Advocate and his education.
Asked on why he chose to pursue marketing, Ken said, “Currently working in the customer service industry, I’ve identified that pursuing a degree in marketing perfectly aligns with my professional goals. Additionally, the structure of the program allows me to seamlessly integrate my current work into the academic curriculum, eliminating the need to seek external internships. This synergy enhances my learning experience and streamlines the challenges of balancing work and study – making my journey as a working student more manageable and purposeful.”
When challenges become opportunities
Kyla Besañez is a 19-year-old working student that holds the distinction of being MMDC’s very first student. Originally hailing from Cebu, Kyla’s road to academic and career success has been far from straightforward.
Just last year, Kyla lost both of her parents. Her father passed away due to a heart attack while her mother was taken by cancer. Having to shoulder the weight of carrying on without both parents, Kyla also found out that she had mixed connective tissue disease – a rare autoimmune disorder.
Undeterred by life’s challenges, Kyla set out to accomplish her mother’s goal for her – to graduate with a college degree and embark on a fulfilling career.
Like Ken, Kyla is also aiming to graduate with a degree in Marketing Management, balancing academics with her work.
Kyla works as a customer service associate. She puts in 9AM – 5PM shifts from Mondays to Fridays, making time on the first days of the week to attend her classes. Even with odds seemingly stacked against her, Kyla happily pushes on. She sees challenges as learning experiences, and credits MMDC for helping her be her best, both in school and at work.
“The flexibility that MMDC offers has tremendously helped my work and school life. Yes, being a working student is not easy, but when you have an environment that actively supports your endeavors, finding success is certainly within your reach.”
Asked on the advice she would give to working students, Kyla said “Keep moving forward. Don’t let the challenge of balancing school, work, and social life keep you from achieving your goals. Breathe and pause when you need to, and don’t hesitate to seek support.”
Shaking up social expectations
Traditionally, societies have long dictated that a woman’s place is at home looking after her family. However, times are changing for the better. Today’s woman is empowered and free to be whoever she wants to be – a working woman, a devoted mom, both of those things and more.
Jezzel Devany Garcia is a prime example of a woman actively shaking up society’s expectations. At 34 years old, she’s currently pursuing an Operations Management degree, managing her career and entrepreneurial ambitions, while dedicating herself to the joys and responsibilities of motherhood.
Jez, as people fondly call her, found out about MMDC from a simple google search in 2022. From there, she fully embraced the working student life, becoming both a Pioneer and Peer Mentor Scholar, and successfully maintaining the grades she set out to achieve.
However, Jez says that the journey hasn’t always been easy. To get where she is today, Jez chalks it up to an effective combination of time management and prioritization – skills that Jez says are invaluable as she seeks to take the next step in her professional life.
Alongside her commitment to hard work, Jez also acknowledges the personalized support MMDC offers its working students. “The supportive faculty and staff at MMDC understand the unique demands faced by working students. They offer guidance and are often flexible with deadlines when necessary, acknowledging the balancing act that working students perform. The college’s community, including fellow working students, provides a network of support and understanding, as we all navigate similar challenges and can share strategies and encouragement.”
Helping Working Students Step Up
In support of working students across the country, Mapúa Malayan Digital College launched Step Up sa Pangarap – a movement that celebrates, encourages, and empowers the working student community. Now in its second year, the movement helps working students advance in their careers, balance the different facets of their lives, and grow their finances through finishing a college education.
Recognizing what today’s learners need, MMDC is committed to delivering flexible schedules, with minimal weekly class hours and a versatile schedule with morning, afternoon, and evening classes. This strategic approach empowers working professionals to seamlessly integrate their job responsibilities with academic pursuits.
MMDC’s digital-first college experience is grounded on the innovative Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) learning model. In lieu of traditional tests, learners are assessed through collaborative case studies and projects – helping learners develop both the technical knowledge and soft skills to succeed in the modern workplace.
For every Ken, Kyla, and Jezzel, there are hundreds of professionals who have long entertained the thought of going back to school to finish college. Now, with MMDC, it’s possible for them to take that step towards greater professional and personal success.
Discover how MMDC is transforming the working student’s journey. Join our community that values passion, education, and the pursuit of professional excellence. Connect with MMDC to start your journey of growth today by visiting https://www.mmdc.mcl.edu.ph/step-up-sa-pangarap/.