Studying While Working Gains Popularity, UNM Offers Flexible Learning System
In the midst of rising living costs and demands for financial independence, the trend of studying while working is increasingly favoured by the younger generation in 2026. This phenomenon is not merely a choice but a realistic solution in the digital era that offers high flexibility.
Many students now choose to work, either part-time or full-time, while continuing their higher education. This pattern is seen as capable of building resilient character while accelerating readiness to enter the workforce.
The Head of the Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM) Jatiwaringin campus, Bryan Givan, views studying while working as an added value if pursued with the right strategy.
“Students who study while working usually have stronger mental fortitude and are better prepared to face the working world. They are accustomed to pressure, responsibility, and good time management,” he stated, quoted on Thursday (7/5/2026).
He added that work experience during studies is now an important factor considered by companies.
“The industrial world today does not only look at GPA; it also considers experience. Students who have worked have an advantage because they understand the dynamics of the professional world from an early stage,” he continued.
In response to this need, UNM, as a Digital Business Campus, introduces a flexible and adaptive learning system. This allows students to remain productive at work without sacrificing the quality of their education.
Supported by technology-based learning methods, students can manage their study time more efficiently while developing practical skills relevant to industry needs.
The trend of studying while working is increasingly relevant alongside the rapid development of the digital economy. Work flexibility, such as remote working and freelancing, has become a major attraction for the younger generation.
In Indonesia, growth in the digital sector, such as e-commerce, content creation, and tech startups, opens up many flexible job opportunities for students. Indeed, not a few have already built their own digital businesses before graduating.
According to Bryan, studying while working does not mean dividing focus but integrating theory and practice. “What is learned on campus can be directly applied in the working world. This actually becomes a competitive advantage for students,” he explained.
He also emphasised the important role of the campus in supporting working students. “The campus must be able to provide flexibility and a relevant learning system so that students do not feel burdened but instead continue to develop,” he stressed.
In the current digital era, studying while working is no longer difficult but a great opportunity to accelerate career readiness. Students who can manage time well and take advantage of opportunities will have higher competitiveness in the job market.
Support from campuses like UNM, as a Digital Business Campus, is key to producing graduates who are adaptive, productive, and ready to face future industry challenges.