Summer can be the most anticipated and exciting part of the year for students. However, for an increasing majority, endless free time and lazy days are out of the picture. According to the Student Academic Experience Survey, more students than ever are now working alongside their studies, with the majority of students (55%) reporting working part-time. As something of a rite of passage, summer jobs for students and part-time work more generally can hold serious appeal, whether for the many formative benefits of joining the workforce early or, of course, for the obvious financial rewards.
Experiences during our formative years help to shape who we become. An intrinsic part of this process of growing up comes from the choices we make when we encounter new circumstances; as the saying goes – nothing ventured, nothing gained. Whether this means exposing ourselves to new environments, people, or places, new experiences are incredibly valuable to our development, pushing us to become strong-minded individuals. Practical knowledge thus forms only a minor outcome compared to the wealth of new abilities that summer jobs can offer, seriously improving soft skills like communication, time management, teamwork and leadership ability. Over time, these qualities contribute invaluably to our overall emotional intelligence and work ethic.
The long-term benefits to maturity and personal growth are a self-evident result of the soft skills developed through part-time and summer jobs for students. However, the short-term physical benefits of working a summer job shouldn’t be overlooked either: avoiding the summer slump by staying active and present through working can have serious advantages to mental health and mindfulness, keeping students grounded and present in everyday life, as well as improving confidence and social skills. Research from the universities of Cambridge and Salford has confirmed this theory, suggesting that as little as eight hours of work a week can have significant effects on personal well-being and happiness.
Summer jobs may be the perfect opportunity for students who struggle in academic environments to excel in a new setting and learn a new skill or trade while boosting confidence. Furthermore, for students looking to improve their grades when they return to school, getting summer work that might continue alongside their studies can lead to an uptick in grades. Studies show that students in the U.S. who worked part-time for less than 10 hours a week saw improved grades overall. Although this trend is hard to evidence, it is easy to understand – time management, organisational skills, and the ability to multitask are all essential aspects of part-time work that increase productivity. When returned to the learning environment, students with work experience can implement their ability to set goals and meet deadlines with a new, improved outlook.
Of course, the most obvious benefit of taking on summer work is financial. Whether putting funds towards educational expenses, saving for future goals, or even just looking forward to the occasional frivolous splurge, having your own money and managing personal expenses can bring unparalleled freedom through financial independence. Learning the value of money from a young age can help to consolidate a foundation for fiscal responsibility in adulthood, from setting budgets and learning to save to managing personal bank accounts.
With the wealth of jobs available to students seeking summer jobs, there can also be an enterprising incentive to view part-time employment as a launchpad for future career aspirations. Choosing a summer job that enables the exploration of potential career interests will give valuable, industry-specific work experience and offer important examples of interest in the field in future job interviews. Summer jobs can also be a sensible trial run, allowing for the exploration of different fields without a long-term commitment. As a further benefit, students will have the opportunity to network and foster professional connections that could help them get ahead in the future.
There are very few barriers to entry when it comes to getting a summer job, so long as you exceed the minimum working age, which in the UK is 13. Finding a job, however, can prove more challenging without knowing where to look. Before starting your search, some preparatory steps will help to streamline the process.
Consider your strengths and have a clear idea of what you hope to gain from working – what are your interests?
A strong CV will help speed up applications and give potential employers an impression of professionalism. Cover Letters should be personal and job-specific.
Would you be able to meet the demands of the jobs you want to apply for? How many hours do you want to work each week? Do you have transportation, and if not, how do you intend to travel to work?
Check out the UK government website for detailed information about your working rights, including maximum working hours and minimum wages, for your age and circumstance.
Ensure you go into your search with a clear idea of what you hope to achieve. Typical student summer jobs include:
The seasonal nature of summer jobs means that roles can be poorly advertised or may not directly encourage student applications. For a better chance at success, try asking friends and family in different industries who might have insider information.
Depending on where you live, seasonal jobs might include more unusual work, like fruit picking or festival stewarding if you live rurally. Consider posting on local job boards or community Facebook groups.
Summer jobs offer myriad advantages, both in terms of financial remuneration and future growth and job prospects. By providing hands-on work experience alongside a wealth of soft skills development opportunities, student summer jobs are an excellent stepping stone towards independence and personal growth.
