During the course of a three-year degree, the average student has two summers to fill, with no classes to attend or essays to do. This leaves a good three months of space in the calendar during which most students find themselves frantically scrambling to find some way of earning back the money they've spent during the year. If you're one of these students, there are many ways to avoid printing off eight thousand CVs and filling in innumerable job applications once you finish your exams.
Look For Work Abroad
It sounds almost too simple. If you're worried about the "credit crunch" making it difficult to find a job at home, then there are always opportunities available abroad if you look in the right places. Organisations such as AIESEC can offer international work placements to students in a number of countries – such placements are a great opportunity to increase your employability, and to undergo an experience that could benefit you hugely on a personal level, just as much as on a professional one.
There are many types of summer work abroad available to students in today's "global village" environment. Voluntary work, such as that conducted by African Impact, can allow more altruistically-minded students an opportunity to really make a difference in a foreign environment; likewise, something as simple as a few months' work in a holiday resort in Spain or France can help you learn a new language and develop your teamworking or management skills for future employment. Never underestimate the value of international experience on a CV.
Don't Fear Rejection
It can be easy in today's financial climate to fall into the trap of assuming that no jobs are available. While it is true that finding employment for students is more difficult than it used to be, the high turnover of employees experienced by the vast majority of bars, restaurants, and retail outlets means that there are always new openings if you look hard enough.
The important thing to remember when making applications is that you can never be sure where the next opportunity is going to come from. If you make 20 applications, you might get 19 outright rejections, but the one that's not rejected could lead to an interview and a job. Making 10 applications might seem like enough, but if the first few get rejected then try not to lose heart. If you're not too fussy about where exactly you work, it's all about quantity.
Use Your Skills and Interests
Everyone, even those with limited career experience, has skills and interests that can be used to help get a job. You might think that your interests and abilities aren't necessarily the sort of thing that can be used in a career environment, but that's not usually the case. There are always fields of work that can make use of a bit of enthusiasm, coupled with a little bit of talent in a particular area.
For example, if you're into cycling, you could contact local authorities about getting involved in Cycling Proficiency training in your community. If you're a big reader, talk to your local library about any opportunities they may have. If you speak more than one language, speak to local schools and colleges about any summer language courses they may run, for which they may need teaching assistants. There are always opportunities available if you know where to look.
Use Your University or College
Many universities offer a variety of work opportunities that the majority of students simply aren't aware of. By keeping up to date with the sort of jobs your university might be able to provide during the year, you'll be in prime position to take up any offers come summer time. Sign up to university careers databases, and keep an eye out for employment opportunities on campus.
Every university has campus cafés, bars, shops, and libraries that are open during the summer for students whose academic year doesn't end at the same time as yours. Similarly, every time you use a university service of any kind – be it a Careers Advice Service, an Accommodation Service or even a gym or sports centre, be aware that the people who provide these services didn't get their jobs by accident! Don't be afraid to enquire within about the possibility of an office or administration job over the summer – you'd be surprised how busy universities get when you're not there.
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