Tertiary students are mastering the art of juggling study and work, often holding down multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
Data from Student Job Search indicates short-term, casual, and seasonal positions now prevail, compelling students to manage several jobs rather than one reliable part-time position.
An unnamed Unitec Screen Arts student in Auckland juggles multiple jobs after applying to 30-40 roles before landing one. She now holds two part-time gigs in communications and marketing to meet her income needs.
“Even with a student loan, it doesn’t cover all the costs. I have to work to top-up my income. You do have to manage your time well, especially when you get into crunch time with study but still need to work,” the student said.
In Q2 of the 2025/26 financial year, 49% of Student Job Search listings were casual roles, while permanent full-time positions accounted for only 2.5%.
Student Job Search chief executive Louise Saviker attributes the rise in short-term, casual roles to national underutilisation and vacancy patterns, as employers stay cautious amid low business confidence and a growing embrace of gig-style work.
“For students, this has increased financial pressure and reduced employment certainty at a time when stability is critical. Graduate opportunities remain similarly constrained,” Saviker said.
“Permanent, full-time roles for new graduates continue to be scarce, reflecting wider labour market conditions and ongoing challenges in youth employment.”