Student employment and competency development: a case study from Moldova

Abstract

The This study investigates student employment during university studies in the Republic of Moldova, focusing on occupational preferences, competency development, and career aspirations. The aim of the research is to examine how early employment experiences contribute to students’ personal and professional growth, and how these experiences influence their transition into the labor market. The research methodology is based on a structured survey applied to undergraduate students from the Faculty of Economics at the Technical University of Moldova. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis to identify key trends in job types, skill acquisition, and perceived challenges. Findings show that students engage in a wide range of occupations, both related and unrelated to their field of study, driven primarily by financial necessity, schedule flexibility, and career interests. Employment contributes to the development of both soft skills such as communication, time management, and adaptability and technical competencies, including digital literacy and problem-solving. While work experience enhances employability and supports financial independence, it also poses challenges such as time constraints, fatigue, and occasional conflicts with academic responsibilities. The study highlights the dual role of student employment as both a developmental opportunity and a potential stressor. When properly supported, student employment becomes a strategic pathway to strengthening human capital and improving labor market readiness. The research concludes with several observations that may serve as a basis for further discussion and exploration within academic environments, particularly in the context of aligning university programs with students’ employment realities.