Job opportunities for students

Many students work alongside their studies in order to finance their studies. The six-month break is especially popular for working and earning money. But part-time jobs aren’t just a good option for students; companies can also benefit from hiring students.

Which type of job is best?

The types of employment and conditions can vary greatly here. From the finished mini-work Holiday work Everything is possible up to full time. Below we will explain the possible working models and their advantages and disadvantages:

Option 1: Mini-job and temporary student work

The principle of mini-jobs and temporary student work is very similar. The difference lies in the type of activity. A mini-job is simply about earning money. They usually have low requirements and can be found quickly, for example a job as a clerk or at the checkout. As a student assistant, your duties are related to your respective field of study. Universities themselves often offer their students jobs as assistants. Both types of jobs are 450 euro jobs.

The 450 euro jobs mainly include temporary work in the daily business of the company. Working as a temporary student worker is particularly popular with students, as this subject-specific part-time job allows you to gain first experiences alongside your studies. Since the actual weekly working hours are quite small, it is quite difficult to take on your own areas of responsibility.

These working models are also very profitable for companies, since no contributions have to be paid for healthcare, nursing or unemployment insurance. This makes the type of employment the most economical for employers. All you have to do is pay the flat rate payroll tax.

However, it should be noted that currently the 450 euro limit cannot be exceeded regularly. If mini-jobbers earn more than 450 euros for more than three months a year, the employment relationship loses its status as a mini-job and contributions become due. The only exception is if less money was earned in other months. At the end of the year the income limit of 5,400 euros cannot be exceeded.

With the Increase in the minimum wage From 1 October 2022 the exemption limit will rise to 12 euros/hour for an average of 520 euros per month, which will also increase the annual income limit to 6,240 euros. If the minimum wage is paid, this corresponds to approximately 10 hours of work per week. The rules relating to additional earnings remain in force.

Option 2: Work Study

An alternative to temporary student employment is a student worker position. The requirements for accessing work-study are that the student is enrolled in a full-time course of study, is not currently on leave and has not passed the 25th semester. In this case, employment of up to 20 hours during the semester and full-time employment during the semester break is possible. The so-called 26-week rule applies here: student workers can work more than 20 hours in a maximum of 26 weeks per year. Unlike mini-jobs, there is no income limit for work-study. Only 20 hours cannot be exceeded.

The advantage of a work-study program is that apart from payroll tax and mutual contributions to the pension fund no other taxes have to be paid. Social security contributions for student workers are also lower than those of “normal” part-time workers. For health insurance, family insurance up to the age of 25 is sufficient, as long as the limit of 553 euros is not exceeded. If working students earn more, there is student health insurance with affordable fixed contributions. Proof of private insurance is also sufficient.

Students also benefit from practical experiences relevant to their professional lives and often have the opportunity to write their own bachelor’s or master’s thesis in the company. There are also good prospects for the future if you accept a position after completing your studies.

Option 3: Short-term employment

Short-term work is limited to 70 days per year and therefore corresponds to 3 months of working time. This type of employment is extremely beneficial for students who want to use their free time to earn money, especially during the semester holidays.

The big advantage is that students remain exempt from insurance for a period of 3 months, which means they do not have to pay contributions for unemployment insurance, healthcare, pension or nursing care. There are no lump sums for employers either. Income level has no effect here, meaning there is no income limit. Full-time work is also possible. Compulsory insurance starts from the day the short-term working hours are exceeded.

The exceptions are permanent employment relationships and regularly recurring employment relationships. These are exempt from insurance only if the income limit for the mini-job is not exceeded.

Furthermore, only people who are not considered professional can be hired as short-term employees. The occupational group of people includes, among others, people on parental leave, people registered as unemployed at the employment agency or those who leave school between the end of school and the start of training or employment. In the latter case, the exception does not apply to graduates who want to start studying after school. Short-term work is therefore suitable for students and prospective students.

For companies, this working model is particularly suitable for seasonal peak periods, so that personnel needs can be ideally met even for short periods.

Option 4: Combinations of different types of work

In principle it is also possible to run two jobs in parallel. For example, students can work as student interns and work as temporary student workers at the same time. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to maintain your student loan eligibility or student status with the insurance company. You quickly run the risk of having to pay income tax.

The current 20-hour rule is particularly important here: this must not be exceeded, otherwise you will have to pay regular social security contributions because you will lose your student status. During the semester break it is possible to work more than 20 hours per week. The 26 week rule applies here. In this case the maximum working time established by law of 48 hours must be respected.

Tax classes should also be taken into consideration: all second jobs fall into tax class 6 and therefore require the highest deductions. The job with the lowest salary should always be listed as a second job.

Because there is a lot to consider, employers should always be informed about secondary employment. If there is a social security obligation, the employer can refuse to accept part-time work because in this case the work would also cost him more.

What do students want from employers?Students’ personal wants and needs also play a role in career choice. When students are looking for work, working conditions and work-life balance are the most important criteria. Mobile working is also one of the wishes. According to a survey by career platform Job Teaser, only 16% of students and young professionals interviewed could imagine working mainly or exclusively in the office. Of course, salary is also part of the decision basis, but in this case it is of third importance.

Conclusion: the ideal occupation for students

In summary, working relationships for students are many and varied. Which is best ultimately depends on the type of employment and the individual wishes and ideas of both parties.

In order for the human resources department to maintain an overview of all types of employment, it is recommended to plan the deployment of digital staff. In this way it is possible to implement the most diverse models in the company and find the best possible solution for each student.

At the same time, it offers students the flexibility they desire and allows them to earn money alongside their studies according to their individual needs.