Unlocking Opportunities: University Students and Freelance Work Experience

Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, college and university students across the U.S. are increasingly turning to part-time and freelance work to gain an edge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , approximately 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 70% of part-time students work while enrolled. This trend isn’t just about earning extra income—it’s a strategic move to build skills, networks, and resumes. As employers prioritize experience over academic credentials alone, students are leveraging work opportunities to future-proof their careers.

The Prevalence of Part-Time Work Among Students

Recent data highlights the growing intersection of work and education:

• Employment Rates :

  • A 2023 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report found that 62% of undergraduates work during the school year, with 25% employed full-time.

  • Graduate students are even more likely to work, with 81% balancing studies and employment.

• Demographics :

  • Low-income students and those from marginalized backgrounds are more likely to work longer hours, often in roles unrelated to their fields.

  • Community college students work at higher rates (68%) compared to four-year institution attendees (55%).
    

Why They Work :

• Rising tuition costs and student debt (average $30,000+ per borrower) force many to seek income.

• A 2022 Chegg.org survey revealed that 68% of students work to gain career-relevant experience.

The Value of Work Experience for Graduates

Employers consistently rank work experience as a top hiring criterion. Here’s why:

1. Skill Development :

   • Hard Skills : Internships or part-time roles in a student’s field (e.g., engineering internships, lab research) provide technical proficiency.

   • Soft Skills : Communication, time management, and problem-solving are honed in customer service, retail, or team-based roles.

2. Networking Opportunities :

   • Students who work part-time build professional connections, with 34% securing post-graduation jobs through these networks (NACE, 2023).

3. Resume Differentiation :

   • Graduates with work experience are 20% more likely to receive interview invitations than those without (LinkedIn Hiring Report, 2023).

4. Academic Integration :

   • Work experience helps students contextualize classroom learning. For example, a marketing student interning at a startup can apply theoretical concepts to real campaigns.

The Rise of Freelance Work Among Students

Freelancing is rapidly becoming a go-to option, with 30% of working students engaging in gig work (Upwork, Freelance Forward 2023 ). Popular roles include:

• Graphic design

• Content writing

• Web development

• Tutoring

• Social media management
  

Why Freelancing? :

• Flexibility : Students work around classes and exams.

• Skill Diversification : Exposure to diverse projects builds versatile portfolios.

• Earnings Potential : Top freelancers earn $30–$50/hour in tech or creative fields.

How Freelancing Boosts Career Prospects

Freelance work offers unique advantages beyond traditional part-time jobs:

1. Portfolio Building :

   • Students showcase real-world projects (e.g., websites, articles) to prospective employers.

2. Entrepreneurial Skills :

   • Freelancers learn client management, invoicing, and self-promotion—critical for startups or side hustles.

3. Remote Work Readiness :

   • With 62% of Gen Z preferring hybrid/remote roles (PwC, 2023), freelancing prepares students for distributed teams.

4. Direct Job Opportunities :

   • Clients often hire freelancers full-time. For example, 28% of Upwork freelancers transitioned to permanent roles with their clients.

Challenges and Considerations

While work experience is valuable, students face hurdles:

• Time Management : Balancing academics and work can lead to burnout. A 2021 APA study found that working >20 hours/week correlates with lower GPAs.

• Relevance : Many students work in roles unrelated to their majors (e.g., food service), limiting skill alignment.

• Equity Gaps : Low-income students often lack access to unpaid internships or high-paying freelance gigs.
  

Solutions :

• Universities can expand work-study programs, partner with local businesses, and offer credit for internships.

• Platforms like SmartStint (for top university students), Kolabtree (for STEM freelancers) or Fiverr (for general freelancers ) help students find field-specific gigs.

Conclusion: The Future of Work in Education

The data is clear: work experience, whether part-time or freelance, is no longer optional for career readiness. As the workforce evolves, students who blend education with hands-on experience will thrive. Colleges and policymakers must prioritize accessible, equitable opportunities to ensure all students—regardless of background—can compete in the experience-driven economy.

Final Takeaway :
For students, the message is simple: Start early, work smart, and leverage every opportunity to build a future-proof career.

Sources : BLS, NCES, NACE, Upwork, LinkedIn, PwC, APA.