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A university student says definitely but this requires time management
Many university students in Cambodia today work while studying as they wish to get first-hand work experience. Hout Song, who is a senior student from Royal University of Phnom Penh - Department of International Studies. He shares his personal experience and challenges during an interview session:
Interviewer: What are the biggest challenges you face while working and studying?
Hout Song: Most challenging problems are team members’ procrastination, many assignments given by the lecturers, insufficient sources/data for the topic, and lack of teamwork.
Interviewer: As you work and study at the same time, how do you manage to deal with the problems?
Hout Song: Well, it’s a tough situation to deal with. However, I able to handle it. For example, I need to list out & plan all the things I have to do at my work place and school. Then, I will work on it with the deadlines set by my boss and/or my lecturers. Prioritize urgent task[s] first. What’s more important is that I need to use my personal time [spare time] in order to finish all the assigned tasks even though the deadline is not approaching yet. By doing so, I will not get frustrated and will have enough time to check my work, making sure it is ok. Time management is important.
Interviewer: Do you think it is good for a student to study and working as well? And why?
Hout Song: It depends on individual’s passion and time management skills. This able to benefit when we graduate because it may have gained experience related to what we had studied at the university…[But] should spend time wisely by getting the tasks done well and on time.
Interviewer: Some may say, “During youth, students need only to focus on their studies and doesn’t required worrying much about working.” What do you think?
Hout Song: In Fact, they should think about both their studies and career. Either Part-time or full-time jobs are crucial for them, as they able to help lighten their parent’s financial responsibility. Moreover, equip with work experience after graduate will easily get a job, as most organizations require a few years of experience in particular fields.
Interviewer: So, do you think university students should work and study at the same time?
Hout Song: I think they should. As I have seen, most universities in Phnom Penh require students to study only one session. Furthermore, the difficulty levels of the Assignments given by a few university is not high. Therefore, in my view, if students are able to manage their time well, it is likely that able to have some spare time for a part-time job. However, for those students struggling with university’s assignments, they can consider volunteering work when they are in second or third year, as most company require experience, especially students who desire to have a scholarship abroad; experience is one of the most important criteria they must have. Conclusion, experience is inevitable for career path and scholarship. Time management skill is the key.
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