Do you study or work? The different routes that students at UAM-Azcapotzalco follow when linking studies and employment

Abstract

This paper seeks to observe the link between school and work trajectories of students of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana who work at the same time as they pursue their university studies. Under the theoretical and methodological perspective of the Life Course, a total of 26 interviews were applied, in which the students’ work histories linked to their schooling were studied. To analyze the relationship between studies and work, the stories were organized into three types of trajectories: First job trajectories before entering UAM-A, First job trajectories at the time of entering UAM-A, and First job trajectories during the journey through UAM-A. It was found that students with first employment trajectories before entering UAM-A are students who have gone through more events towards adulthood, tend to prioritize work over studies and present longer and more discontinuous school paths. On the other hand, students with first job trajectories during their university studies are students who are like the traditional ones, since they present more normative transitions towards adulthood, prioritize the completion of their university studies and their journey through the UAM is continuous and uninterrupted despite the fact that they are developing work activities.