EN
Background. The aim of the study was to present the quantitative and qualitative description of the phenomenon of students’ gainful employment and determine if the work affects their functioning in the college. Materials and methods. The research included 412 fulltime Master’s degree students from Józef Piłsudski Uniwersity of Physical Education. The self-designed questionnaire was used and the statistical analysis was performed. Results. The majority of respondents was not employed during the course of studies. Gainfully employed students were active both in the learned profession and in other areas. The most common reasons for taking gainful employment were: improvement of the financial situation, earning money for entertainment, acquiring new skills and experience. Conclusion. The socio-demographic situation does not affect the phenomenon of taking gainful employment. The field of study affects the employment. Gainful employment does not affect student’s functioning in the college.