Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the students' attitudes towards private sector work during study. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a comprehensive social survey (including questionnaire and interviewing) distributed to experts in departments and colleges in King Saud University and Princess Nora University. Findings: This study found that students' attitudes can be influenced by the financial and social security achieved through private work during study, and the personal development of job skills. Whereas society's inferior view to private work, study and working hours' conflicts, and the insufficient information about private work during study are some of the negative factors that influence their attitudes. It also emphasised the role of the private sector in influencing such attitudes by advertising job opportunities for students, giving them flexible work hours and providing training programmes. This study concludes with a proposal suggesting how to modify students' attitudes towards private sector work during study. Originality/value: This paper identifies the students' attitudes towards private sector work during study and suggests a proposal that contributes to support students' positive attitudes and adjust the negative ones; thus, helping to reduce the unemployment rate among young people.