Small Wins to Big Dreams: Celebrating Filipino Working Students

According to a survey done by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 2022, 8% of the total college population in the Philippines are working students. Among these are also breadwinners who need to financially support their families and themselves to continue their education. On the other hand, there are those who want to gain work experience before they set foot into an actual workplace. Whatever their circumstance, working students may find themselves at an advantage in the labor market as they develop essential soft skills early on in their career such as time management, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as build their confidence in their abilities, most especially in the workplace. 

Working student Patricia Panganiban or ‘Pat’ shared that she can apply what she learns at school to her work, and vice versa, and her journey as a working student has definitely been fulfilling. She is a fourth-year BS Information Technology student at Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) specializing in Network and Cybersecurity. “I first heard about MMDC through my uncle while we were looking for a school that would fit my schedule and circumstances at the time,” she shared. “He sent me the link to MMDC’s website, and after checking it out, I felt like it was exactly what I needed - something flexible but still structured enough to give me a solid education.” She began working part-time in her second year, making the flexibility of her online college program even more crucial.

Pat is currently working part-time in a fitness studio as a receptionist, responsible for handling administrative tasks and sales, as well as making sure the studio is always in order during her shift. She also ensures that clients have a good and smooth experience in the studio before and after their workout. “My online college program focuses more on real-world applications rather than just traditional classroom learning. I’ve also learned new skills that I can apply in real-world situations, which has been really valuable,” Pat shared.  

Celebrating Milestones

Pat admits that she struggles to find balance between her studies and work, but she has since found her rhythm and continues to improve on this. Time management, she said, is not her strongest skill but the flexibility of her online degree has helped her achieve so much. “What really helps me is MMDC’s flexible deadlines and remote access to learning materials. I can go through lectures at my own pace, which takes a lot of pressure off compared to a traditional school setup,” she said. Pat dedicates a few days each week to her studies, usually an hour or two per subject. The flexibility of her online college program makes it possible for her to juggle her responsibilities without feeling completely drained and keeps her pushing and working towards her goals. 

Working students often have a lot on their plate and may not take the time to acknowledge their achievements both at work and school. But Pat has learned to take some time for herself to celebrate even the smallest of wins. “So far, I think I’ve been managing things pretty well,” she said. “My grades have stayed on track, and even improved, and I’ve received positive feedback at work too. These little milestones remind me that I’m making progress, even when things get hectic.”

A college for working students

These days, technology has made it more accessible for anyone to work towards their college degree. Working students are now given the opportunity to create a more sustainable routine and life for themselves. 

“For anyone just starting out as a working student, my biggest advice would be to plan ahead and manage your time as best as you can,” Pat said. “It’s not always easy, but having a schedule, setting priorities, and staying organized makes a huge difference. And don’t be afraid to ask for help - whether from professors, supervisors, or classmates - because having a support system really helps.” 

Beyond finding balance and staying afloat, Pat also emphasizes the importance of self-care. She advises working students to pause, set realistic goals, and be patient with their personal growth. “Celebrate even the small wins, and remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. Progress isn’t always instant, but every small step forward still counts.” 

Pat is but one of thousands of working students in the country who have stepped up towards their dreams and goals because of the options that are made more accessible today. Working students can now go after their dream careers with proper guidance and support, as well as the flexibility that allows them to thrive no matter what circumstance they may be in. 

Learn more about MMDC's BS IT Program here. We accept college freshmen and transferees for the August, January, and April terms. No need to wait for a new school year to start your journey. Enrollment for the August 2025 term is currently ongoing.

Explore MMDC’s Certification Programs here. Enroll in a microcredential between the 1st to the 20th of each month. Classes start on the 1st of the following month — perfect for upskilling fast!

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