Prosperity Atelier: How to get more out of your student job The Prosperity Atelier took place on the VUB Main Campus on 10 May. During the workshop, several recommendations were made to ensure that students can get more out of their jobs. A first suggestion is to offer flexibility in teaching and at work or to improve the teaching interface. In addition, it was suggested that VUB should try to employ as many of its own students as possible – if possible linked to their subjects. Consider, for example, hiring a part-time law student to help with legal administration or finding ways to accommodate students who need to combine work and study.
1. VUB Support: How can VUB better support working students to reduce the impact of their job on their studies, private life or social life? Students who work while studying often experience a negative impact on their performance, in both their private and social life. To support these students, reduce the impact and promote the balance between work and study, the following was discussed: -
Flexibility in teaching:
Participants suggested including classes for students who are unable to attend due to circumstances including work. One consideration here is that the student must meet certain conditions before they are entitled to the recorded teaching material, such as illness, health problems or work commitments. This way, we avoid having empty lecture halls. -
Flexibility in the job:
Instead of fixed working days and hours, the suggestion was made to look for cooperation between the student and the organisation based on intended outcomes or objectives. From this, an estimate of the hours required can be made, with the aim of increasing flexibility for the student. However, it is important that the assignment is clearly defined and that there is confidence in the quality of the work. The possibility of flexible working hours can be included in the job description of internal VUB vacancies. -
Study groups & tutors:
According to participants, there is a need for better development and communication of existing tutor initiatives towards (working) students. One suggestion is to organise study groups on Canvas so they are not dependent on external channels such as social media. In addition, master’s students can be used as tutors for bachelor’s students, for a fee. -
Flexibility of professors:
Students should be given the opportunity to have fixed contact moments with professors outside class hours and within office hours. One suggestion is to organise Q&A sessions through Teams where students can ask questions. Exams on weekends and/or evenings could also be an option, but the mental health of professors should not be compromised.
2. VUB Organisation: How can VUB employ more working students to optimise its operations and improve student services?