Many students work during their studies. Their work may improve their prospects post-graduation, or it can delay or derail their studies. Yet there is little research on the role of firms in shaping the trajectories of student employees. To bridge this knowledge gap, I will analyze how employer heterogeneity in wage and student outcomes correlates with firm human resource practices regarding student employees. I will use Finnish employer-employee data, student data, as well as a new employer survey. I will then estimate firm production functions featuring student employees as an input, using evidence from labor supply shocks resulting from university openings in Finland. I will use the insights from these analyses to estimate a structural model of student work and schooling choices and conduct counterfactual simulations. Together, these analyses will highlight the potential for student employers to be brought into the policy mix supporting student success.

2025

2029