Yes, absolutely—you can have great success hiring Filipino working students. Their potential to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your team is immense. However, like with any hiring decision, it depends on the specific job role and your expectations.
Working students can be a fantastic fit if you’re looking for part-time help. Roles like part-time social media managers, admin assistants, accountants, or virtual assistants don’t necessarily require someone to be available full-time.
In these cases, whether the person is a working student or not often doesn’t matter. Many Filipino students are highly motivated, skilled, and eager to gain practical experience while earning extra income.
But before you post that job listing, here are a few key points to consider:
1. Timezones and Work Schedules
If you’re based in the USA and need someone to work full-time during your business hours, you might face challenges hiring a working student. Here’s why:
- Most students in the Philippines attend classes during the day. If you expect them to work night shifts to align with your timezone, it could impact their availability and performance.
However, if your job offers flexibility—like tasks that can be done on their schedule—this can be a win-win situation.
2. Part-Time Roles Are Ideal
Working students are often looking for part-time roles that fit around their studies. If your business needs 10–20 hours a week of support, hiring a working student could be perfect. The flexibility of these roles can reassure you that you can accommodate their schedules without compromising on productivity.
For example, you could hire them to handle social media content, assist with admin tasks, or even manage data entry.
3. Setting Clear Expectations
Communication is key when working with Filipino students—or any remote team member. Be upfront about the hours, deadlines, and expectations. Make sure both you and your hire are clear about what’s realistic for their schedule.
4. Pay Fairly and Build Loyalty
Working students are often balancing tight schedules, so offering competitive pay goes a long way in building loyalty. A fair wage shows you value their efforts and helps retain top talent.
My final advise on this (the brief version)
So, should you hire Filipino working students? Yes, if you use common sense. They’re motivated, eager to learn, and can be a great asset to your team, especially for part-time or flexible roles. Just be mindful of time zones and their school commitments.
Need more tips for managing remote teams? Check out how to master budgeting for remote teams. And if you’re worried about sharing sensitive information, learn how to trust your virtual assistant with your business info.
Hiring working students can be a smart move for your business—just ensure it’s a win-win for both parties!
