Having six or more weeks away from university during the summer holidays opens up a wealth of opportunities for how you could spend your time. Some like to spend their holiday time relaxing with friends and family, while others immerse themselves in reading and course prep for the upcoming term.
In this blog, we’re speaking to those who are keen to find summer employment – be it a retail job to boost their funds for the Autumn term, a job at a local festival that offers an income boost and plenty of fun with like-minded young people, or something geared towards a future career/work experience.
Once you’ve decided to commit your summer to a part-time or even a full-time job, you might be wondering where and how to start your job search. Here are some tips from the Liv Student team.
1. Decide if you want money or progression
The first thing to do once you’ve decided to spend your summer break earning some money, is decide if you are purely in it for the money or looking to progress your career and start immersing yourself in your chosen industry or career path.
If you’re looking to earn money via any kind of summer job then you will likely be able to do so without a CV – perhaps relying on a good application and interview style, and some references.
If you are keen to start building your career prospects and want to land a summer job that’s linked with your course, then you should start working on your CV and establishing connections. Creating a LinkedIn page will give you a networking base to start building a reputation and establishing your name in the industry.
NOTE: Typically, jobs like these will need to be applied for in advance – so if you are seeking a specific line of work during the summer holidays then you need to be planning an application with plenty of notice. Alternatively, reaching out to companies you are interested in and offering some time on a voluntary basis can be a good way to productively fill some time over the summer break (albeit unpaid).
2. Look out for vacancies in local businesses
Perhaps the best place to start if you want to earn some money during the summer holidays is with local businesses. Especially if your hometown is a popular tourist or holiday destination in the summer holidays, you will find that lots of local businesses open their doors to flexible working staff and to those who can help cover shifts during busy periods.
The earlier you can register your interest the better with these types of opportunities – ensuring that you don’t miss out.
3. Find a way of earning money at a festival or event
If you’re hoping to spend your summer attending festivals and events with your friends, consider seeking out a job that provides you with free or discounted access to the event as well as an opportunity to work.
Festival organisers and event managers are always on the lookout for local people and young people willing to take on flexible work – bridging that desire for extra money with a passion for the event they’re working at. Work could include anything from cleaning to serving behind the bar, supporting event logistics, and dealing with customers and guests. Whatever it is, this is the kind of thing that offers informal work, good money, and tons of memorable experiences to enjoy with likeminded people!
4. Be open when applying for jobs
One of the most important things to remember when looking for a summer job is that, once you return to university, your contract will be coming to an end (or, if you’re lucky, be put on hold until the next extended break).
When applying for any job, being open about your timeline and how much time you can commit to the job / your potential employer is important. Fostering a good relationship from day one could mean that a summer job becomes an opportunity you can keep tapping into whenever you’re home for more than a few days. But the only way to ensure you maintain good relations is to be honest – don’t try to land a job by lying about how long you will be around to work!
5. Reach out in your university city too
It can feel a bit strange to stay in your university city or town once all your friends and fellow students have disappeared home for the summer. However, if you are serious about getting a job and earning some money during your time off, then the mass exodus of other students will no doubt leave gaps across local businesses, venues, retail stores, and more.
Whether its is Sheffield, Belfast, Dublin, or elsewhere, deciding to stay in place can enable you to pick up one of these jobs for the summer, while also providing the benefit of letting you explore your home from home without the pressure of coursework and lectures. What’s more, staying in your university town also makes it super easy to move into your new home for the upcoming year and prepare yourself for the new term to start!
Should you get a job or relax this summer?
The summer break is yours to spend in whatever way you choose. While there are undoubtedly benefits to taking a step away from responsibility and simply relaxing with friends, or traveling with family, there are also plenty of benefits to getting a summer job.
If you’re looking to earn some money this summer, we wish you the best of luck – and look forward to catching up with all students in the new term!
