EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED WORKING ENGINEERING STUDENTS FROM NEUST SUMACAB CAMPUS, CABANATUAN CITY IN MANAGING THEIR TIME

Abstract

Numerous studies have explored the time management of working engineering students; however, most focus primarily on the challenges and difficulties they encounter. Limited attention has been given to the coping strategies, benefits, and advantages of balancing work and academic responsibilities. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of selected working engineering students from NEUST Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City in managing their time. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological research design. Using purposive sampling, twelve (12) working engineering students from NEUST Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City were selected as participants. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Voice recordings and note-taking were utilized to accurately document and analyze the participants’ responses. The findings revealed that working engineering students experienced challenges in managing their time while transitioning between academic and work responsibilities. These challenges included exhaustion, fatigue, and both occupational and academic pressure. Despite these difficulties, the participants reported several advantages gained through proper time management, such as balancing school and work responsibilities, avoiding conflicting deadlines, increased productivity, maximized time efficiency, and the ability to meet financial needs.The participants employed various coping strategies, including spending free time studying, multitasking, having flexible work schedules, adapting to circumstances, prioritizing tasks, and properly allotting time between studying and working. Additionally, the participants shared tips and recommendations for other working students, emphasizing the importance of proper time management, prioritizing studies, learning to make sacrifices, and maintaining perseverance and effort. The findings indicate that working while studying presents several challenges for engineering students, particularly in managing time and maintaining physical and mental well-being. However, effective time management enables students to balance work and academic responsibilities and highlights the benefits of being a working student, such as financial support, improved productivity, and efficient use of time. Overall, time management plays a crucial role in helping working engineering students navigate both academic and professional demands successfully.