Analysis of factors influencing students' decisions to take on part-time work at Nguyen Tat Thanh University

Abstract

     Many students take on part-time work to accumulate skills and life experiences, but some solely focus on immediate benefits such as income, which negatively impacts academic outcomes. This study analyzes the factors influencing part-time employment among Nguyen Tat Thanh University students. Using qualitative research methods, the authors constructed a research model with five factors based on Maslow's needs theory, part-time work theory (Thurman and Trah), basic orientation theory (Warren), and literature review. The quantitative research method involved a survey of 326 students. The Smart-PLS 4.0 analysis revealed that economic benefits and the desire to establish and maintain social relationships are the two most significant factors influencing students' decisions to take on part-time work. The results also indicated that social relationships are an intermediary factor in explaining students' motivation for part-time work from various factors, with the accumulation of professional skills having the most substantial indirect impact. Consequently, the paper proposes several solutions to assist students in identifying and selecting suitable part-time employment.