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For graduates and matriculants, the prospects of life after studying can be exciting and unnerving. While long-term career decisions take careful consideration, a temporary job is a strategic move. It brings in money, adds to your CV and helps you integrate into the workforce.
The holiday season is the time to be searching for jobs if you’ve never had a job before.
Employer staffing needs – especially in the retail and hospitality industry – increase over the holiday period and it offers you a way to land a permanent job. Use a holiday job as an opportunity to show employers that you have what they are looking for and that you can great value to their business.
While you might be looking for something a little more permanent which is aligned with your career objectives holidays are a great time to make money, get some experience, network and meet people and show that you are willing to put in the effort.
This will place you in the career path you eventually want to be in.
For students that want to get job experience and start their careers, here are a few opportunities to explore:
1. Retail
The retail industry is busier than ever during the festive season, resulting in the stores under-resourced with staff. Retail stores employ casual employees during this time to cope with the extra demand. Students can earn money working in sales and warehousing; gaining important skills in customer services, sales and general retail knowledge. Don’t be shy – pop into your local mall and ask if they are looking for staff this holiday season.
2. Waitron
With local tourism at its peak in the December holidays, establishments are desperate for extra staff to cope with the increase in customers at this time of year. Working at an eatery is one of the main ways in which students can make their holiday earnings.
Most restaurants and take-out joints employ students over the holidays and keep them on their systems for call-ups during other busy times. This is an ideal way to make money and to meet people. It will develop one’s interpersonal and communication skills, and add great experience to your CV.
3. Lifeguard assistant
For students who live in the coast and are interested in becoming life guards or are already studying a life guarding course, taking up jobs as assistants in rescue assignments can help give their career momentum, learning the ropes and becoming confident in doing the job that one wants to pursue as a career can immensely help with the experience required.
4. Courier services
Students who have driver’s licences are in a great position to do holiday delivery jobs. Many people utilise online platforms to purchase goods and the need for delivery services is critical to the transport and tourism industry. It has flexible hours and will help one earn money while pursuing other goals.
5. Baby sitting or house sitting
For students who want to become teachers, caregivers or nurses, child-minding is the perfect stepping stone to nurture these skills.
The experience gained is priceless as it demonstrates that these qualities are core to your personal vision. One will develop the skills required to ultimately care for people in whatever care-giving profession they end up in.
House sitting for people who are away during the festive season can be quite fruitful. Many people have pets that they need to have someone mind while they are away or plants that need to be watered. This job is ideal for students who have a love for animals and want to become veterinarians. You get to watch someone else’s house while earning a decent amount of money over the holidays.
The festive season may be that time of the year where many people relax and get into the festive spirit but for students looking to start paving the way for themselves within the working environment, the holidays are the perfect time to jump start the journey to their dream career.
• Jake Willis is the CEO of Lulaway, which specialises in youth employment solutions
