How Glean supports students to balance work with studying

69.3% of students work while studying. And while it’s never been uncommon for students to work during their higher education journey, a staggering 40.63% class themselves as working full-time while studying.

For Chris, a cybersecurity major at the University of St Thomas, working wasn’t just about earning, it was part of his learning experience and a vital way of deepening his understanding of cybersecurity.

“I started working there in my freshman year, I had no idea of IT at the time. I upped it to work 20 hours a week in sophomore year because I really wanted to be more engaged in information technology and to learn more about it.”

Similarly, Cheeyene, a nursing student at North West college, shared how she works as a healthcare aid alongside being in nursing school.

Many universities promote part time work while studying, but it’s not without risks. Working more hours than you can manage will ultimately compromise the quality of your studies. 

Students who work are undoubtedly time poor and likely to find themselves not only balancing work and studying, but trying to absorb course content in a range of environments, such as work break rooms. 

Here, we explore how students use Glean to help them in navigating working alongside studying, confidently balancing demanding work schedules with effective learning practices. 

Challenge 1: Limited study time

We understand that working reduces the time available for studying, reading, and completing assignments. But, for many students, not working simply isn’t an option.

“I really don’t have time to study - at all. I barely have time to see friends for drinks or go for a good long run on nice days. Some days I have even neglected completing work tasks, all so I could study.”
Abby, University of Maryland

Working students often face scheduling conflicts. Lila shared how "as a working student I have to balance multiple responsibilities of academic coursework, employment, and extracurricular commitments”.

Trying to get that perfect balance of class schedules with work shifts can feel like an impossible task, leading to missed lectures or work commitments. And that’s all before trying to factor in time to actually have a life as well!

You might find yourself needing to rush work, allocating less time to studying or reviewing course material and decreased academic performance.

On top of that, the cognitive load of switching between work and study demands can be significant, leading to mental fatigue and reduced concentration.

How Glean can help

Record lectures

Missing out on lectures isn’t an option, we know how vital it is to attend. But for many, so is working. For these students, it’s non-negotiable, whether it’s to care for dependents or simply to keep the lights on. So, what has to give?

Both Abby and Chris have online lectures meaning they’re able to multitask by recording their lectures while they work. Abby describes how “it allows for me to technically be in two places at once - I can be in person for my work meeting while also being able to continue recording the information from the lecture to go over later”.

Similarly Chris said how “I have most of my classes online, so I can be at work whilst recording my class with Glean. When I get off work I can go over my recording, listen to it again and take notes from it”

Glean's mobile app

We know that for working students, it’s a juggling act. Glean’s mobile app means you can have your study materials with you any time you need it, whether that’s on your work break or commute.

“With Glean and the outline feature, I’m able to quickly review the key points of a lecture whenever I need and anywhere thanks to the mobile app”
Abby, University of Maryland

As a result, you’re not missing out on that essential study time, you can view your notes and recordings anytime you need!

Labels feature

Glean allows you to use your time more efficiently, by creating organized notes alongside your transcribed recording. Lila uses labels to help when reviewing content...“being able to tag sections or add quick annotations makes it easier to review important topics without having to re-listen to entire lectures.”

Challenge 2: Lack of energy for studying and engagement

Irregular work hours can disrupt sleep patterns, further impacting cognitive function and academic performance. Most of us know that prioritizing a good night's sleep is likely to help you achieve academic success, but for working students this often just isn’t an option, leading them to suffer from sleep deprivation.

“I often struggle with time management and fatigue. Long shifts can leave me mentally drained before even starting on coursework. This affects my ability to stay fully engaged during lectures, retain information effectively, and keep up with note taking” shares Lila.

Long work hours and late-night study sessions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, reduced cognitive function, and health problems. 

How Glean can help

Record and transcribe lectures for later

Glean can lighten the cognitive load when you’re feeling fatigued. Knowing that lectures are recorded and transcribed can help give peace of mind that, although you’re working right after the lecture, the content is all there for you to review at a time which works for you.

So don’t worry!

“I can record lectures and revisit them at my own pace, ensuring I don’t miss important details. This is especially useful on days when I’m exhausted or struggling with brain fog” 
Lila, working student

Having Glean to help structure notes, keeping them concise but effective, allows you to focus more of your energy on being present in the lecture.

Lila shares how “Glean allows me to highlight key points and organize my notes efficiently. Instead of rushing to write everything down, I can focus on understanding concepts in the moment.”

Challenge 3: Increased stress and anxiety

The pressure of balancing work and studies, alongside sleep deprivation, can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and burnout. Financial worries and time constraints can exacerbate these issues.

“I sometimes feel overwhelmed or anxious in lectures, especially when the content is fast-paced or highly technical, such as in math courses. There are moments when I worry about missing key details or struggling to take structured notes while also trying to absorb the material."

Cheeyene, a nursing student shared how her "grades were okay, they weren’t the best as I was also working quite a lot and had struggles with organization and I was just constantly stressed”.

This study, from the National Library of Medicine, shows that heightened anxiety while studying can hinder your cognitive function, ability to retain information and memory function. 

How Glean can help

Regain control over your learning

Feeling anxious about studying due to external pressures such as work is that last thing you want to feel at university. Having confidence in your ability to take high quality notes, and manage your time as effectively as possible, can help take some of the weight off.

Lila shares that, since using Glean, “I feel much more in control of my learning.”

Recording lectures so that you can review them anytime, puts you in charge of your learning, relieving some of pressure from balancing work with study time.

“Overall, Glean has transformed the way I approach studying by providing flexibility and structure, making university life as a working student much more manageable.”
Lila

“I wasn’t confident in my study skills. Now I’m able to have my power point, my recording and my notes, and just print them out after” says Cheeyene. “It’s so perfect, I just don’t have to juggle - for people who are busy and have stress in their life, it’s a game changer”

Being able to feel supported while balancing work and studying means you spend less time worrying and feeling anxious, and more time being genuinely engaged in both work and studies.