Choosing a college degree is daunting for many students, especially those planning to balance work and studies. For working students, the primary goal is a rewarding career that will improve their lives. The key here is to choose a program that’s aligned with the current and future demands of the job market.
Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), the premier digital-first college in the Philippines, recommends working students to consider getting an information technology (I.T.) degree that has a focus on business, so they can leverage tech tools and solutions to solve business problems of their future organizations, given that the intersection of I.T. and business continues to evolve and impact organizations worldwide.
“For working students seeking a degree that directly translates to career advancement, a business-focused I.T. education is a smart investment,” says Noel Torregoza, the Instructional System Design Director at MMDC. “MMDC provides the flexible and relevant curriculum needed to excel and lead in the modern workplace as data and business analysts, marketing technologists, digital marketing strategists, and social media specialists—which are some of the most in-demand roles around the world.”
MMDC’s position on the skills needed in the current job market is reflected in The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum citing AI or artificial intelligence and big data as the fastest-growing skills. It’s also aligned with the priorities of the recruitment experts in the Philippines including Anna Atienza, who has 15 years of experience in recruitment and talent attraction. This includes 12 years of specializing in I.T. recruitment.
“Aside from I.T. companies, technology remains to be a key focus area in organizations like banking, financial services, BPO, telco, consulting, e-commerce, and medical who wish to grow and remain competitive in the market,” Atienza explains, highlighting the diverse career paths available to I.T. graduates.
Atienza notes that employers also seek candidates who can combine valued tech skills like analytics and AI with soft skills for practical application and adaptation. “Those who are able to tell a great story based on data and how they used this data to make wise and strategic decisions to benefit businesses, transform ways of working, and change conventional processes leave a good impression,” Atienza illustrates.
Digital marketer Claire Carrillo, a former working student, credits her I.T. degree with providing the technical and soft skills crucial for success in digital marketing. “I developed proficiency in various digital tools and platforms, which are essential for executing and managing online campaigns. Familiarity with these technologies allows for efficient content creation, distribution, and performance tracking,” Carrilo explains, adding that her I.T. education underlines continuous learning, which empowers her to stay on track with the rapid evolution of digital marketing trends and tools. “This adaptability is vital in a field where algorithms and platforms frequently change.”
The former working student also affirms how her education enables her to embark on a career that opens up a world of professional growth and financial opportunities. “You’ll have the chance to collaborate with a diverse range of clients, each presenting unique challenges and learning experiences. This exposure not only broadens your expertise but also keeps your work engaging and dynamic,” Carrillo highlights. “For working students, I.T. education is especially advantageous as it aligns with the growing demand for digital transformation across industries.”
Working students looking for online college courses in the Philippines to accelerate their careers should consider a digital-first college like Mapúa Malayan Digital College that offers accessible, flexible, and progressive I.T. programs. Professor-led synchronous classes are fully conducted online with morning, afternoon, and evening schedules, allowing them to balance studies, work, and personal life. MMDC students also have access to Mentors or industry professionals who can coach students on challenging topics and share feedback that can improve their outputs.
Mapúa Malayan Digital College courses include a business-focused B.S. Informational Technology program with specialized business paths in Data Analytics, Marketing Technology, and Entrepreneurship Technology. MMDC also offers a development-focused B.S. Information Technology degree with specializations in Software Development and Cybersecurity. These tracks are all designed by professionals who have experiences in these specific industries, ensuring that the knowledge shared is applicable to real-world business settings.
Apart from offering an accessible, flexible, and progressive business information technology degree through the Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) curriculum (This means no traditional exams ever!), MMDC further supports working students through its internships and employment opportunities with tech-driven employer partners and through various financial assistance programs.
“MMDC understands the challenges faced by working students, so we have designed our curriculum in a way that empowers them to balance their studies and career advancement,” shares Torregoza.
Find rewarding career opportunities by pursuing a business-powered information technology education from Mapúa Malayan Digital College.