Students and their choice of summer part-time jobs.

Students work part-time at a coffee shop in the city.

It's not uncommon to see students busy in their uniforms at cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants, or navigating the streets with delivery backpacks on their backs. The most common part-time jobs include working as servers at cafes, restaurants, and wedding receptions, cashiers, sales assistants at supermarkets, teaching assistants at centers, or delivery jobs through ride-hailing apps.

Nguyen Ngoc Doanh Doanh, a second-year student at Duy Tan University, currently working as a cashier at a small restaurant in Hai Chau district, said: “Initially, I only intended to try it for a few weeks for fun. But the more I did it, the more I liked it. Although there is pressure when it's busy, or having to carefully calculate the money, I learned a lot – from how to communicate with customers to staying calm when problems arise.”

Unlike their school days, university students have more control over their time and career goals. Some take on part-time jobs to gain professional experience, others to cover their living expenses, or even help their families. But some simply don't want the summer to go to waste.

Phuc Cong, a first-year student at the University of Education – Da Nang University, currently working part-time at a cafe on Nguyen Sinh Sac Street, shared: “At first, my parents were worried, afraid that I would neglect my studies because of the part-time job. But I clearly promised that I would only work in the afternoons, and still attend summer classes at school in the mornings. Now, every evening, sitting and taking orders, clearing tables, and washing glasses makes me happy. Some days I'm so tired I just want to lie down, but then I get through it. In return, at the end of the month, I get my salary and buy myself a pair of shoes that I always had to ask my parents for before.”

The stories of students working part-time also evoke many first-time emotions. Duong Thanh Long, a student at Hue University of Law, who works as a delivery driver while on summer break using a delivery app, shared: “One day, it rained heavily, and I was soaked from head to toe while delivering goods. But when I arrived, the customer accepted the package and thanked me sincerely, and I felt that my efforts were not in vain. As a delivery driver, I learned how to navigate, manage my time, and stay calm when faced with tricky situations like customers canceling orders at the last minute or giving the wrong address.”

Besides the joy of earning extra income, what many students gain is personal growth through each day of work. It's their first time standing in front of a customer, their first time being reprimanded for a mistake, their first time receiving a salary and spending money they earned themselves.

However, not all jobs go smoothly. Some shared that, due to lack of experience, they were forced to do hard work, work long hours, or were not paid as agreed.

"One day, a customer scolded me for being slow in making coffee, even though the shop was very busy and I was new to the job. I was so upset, I just wanted to rest when I got home. But then I thought, if I give up so easily, how can I grow?" Phuc Cong recounted.

From an employer's perspective, Mr. Pham Minh, the owner of a coffee shop in Hoa Minh ward, shared: "I usually only hire second- and third-year students because they have a better sense of responsibility. When hiring, I always clearly discuss the job, benefits, and time limits. Some students are very quick-witted, responsible, and efficient. Seeing them work so diligently, I feel more sympathy than expectation."

Meanwhile, parents of students working part-time have mixed feelings. Some are supportive, others are worried, but most agree that letting their children experience the world early will help them become more resilient.

Mr. Toan, the father of student Duong Thanh Long, shared: “Initially, I didn't agree to let my son work as a delivery driver because I thought it was dangerous. But seeing that he was serious, had a specific plan, and knew how to keep himself safe, I gradually felt reassured. Since starting work, he has learned to save money, appreciate it more, and also care more about his health.”

From an educational perspective, many university lecturers also encourage students to take on part-time jobs if the work is suitable and does not interfere with their studies. Ms. Tram Thi Trach Oanh, a lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Physical Education at the University of Education, commented: “Students should take on part-time jobs to gain experience, but they need to choose healthy, safe jobs with reasonable hours. Sometimes a month of practical work helps them mature more than an entire semester of theory.”

In fact, many universities are also developing programs to support students in finding part-time jobs through student support centers, aiming to connect students with reputable locations and provide them with opportunities to gain professional experience in a structured way, not simply for the purpose of earning money.

Choosing to work part-time during the summer is no longer uncommon for students these days. While the jobs vary, and the motivations differ – some driven by passion, others by circumstances – ultimately, they are all striving to step outside their comfort zones, gain experience, grow, and become independent. Behind the sweat and toil lie valuable lessons about the value of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility to oneself.

Summer will eventually pass, but what students learn from their work – sometimes a gentle reprimand, a moment of tired feet, or a customer's smile – will stay with them long afterward, as part of their youthful journey.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/sinh-vien-va-lua-chon-di-lam-them-dip-he-3265121.html