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

Abstract

University students often work during their studies, and working is considered to be one reason for high dropout rates or slow progress in studies. Moreover, the nature of students’ work experience varies greatly. The study aimed to explore how working while studying is related to study success, and took approaches to learning and the nature of the work experience into account. A total of 1023 students completed a questionnaire at the time of their graduation. The results showed that doing other academic work was related to a deep approach to learning, and non-academic work was related to a surface approach and unorganised studying. Moreover, the results revealed that organised studying has an important role in terms of study pace. The study suggests that by emphasising students’ organising skills and supporting their deep-level learning, students have better possibilities to create links between work experience and studies.