Vacation Work

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

Vacation Work 

Experience, experience, experience…. Every student has heard this word. Just the thought may make you want to scream. You know you must get experience somehow. But what to do when holiday work is scarce, and no one is seemingly willing to give you a chance?

Question is, have you thought about entering the industry through holiday work?

Holiday work is unlike an internship which requires you to commit yourself full time for at least six months or an entire year to work at a specific company. Holiday work is only short-term jobs, during student holiday breaks, varying between one week to two months. It is only for a short season of life with the bonus is that you not only have experience to show for your efforts, but you may get paid as well.

Photo by Walls.io on Unsplash

Here are some more benefits of holiday work:

  • You learn new skills, directly applicable to your line of work. As a wise person once said to me, what you have learnt, no one can take away.
  • It boosts your confidence as you practise your skills and you get to know a specific industry, making it less daunting to return to the industry when you have completed your degree/diploma.
  • You can start networking with the people in your industry, meaning that you build up invaluable connections that you may need later. (Studyworkgrow, 2023)
  • You need not have completed your degree or diploma to start working, as holiday work takes place when the semester breaks up.
  • Holiday work boosts your CV, which is essential and always beneficial.

You can apply your classroom knowledge to the real world.

So, what should you consider when you are looking for a holiday job?

Whether it is in line with your studies.  Although you probably can get any temporary or holiday job such as waiter or waitress, give preference to a holiday job relevant to your field, so that you can hone your skills for the real world and gain experience in an industry related to your studies.

Do your best to deliver high-quality work and establish relations, as this could enhance your chance to return to the company for future holiday jobs.

Although you will seldom be able to choose between several holiday work opportunities, be pragmatic about it. If you don’t find an opportunity related to your studies, take any job, especially a public-facing job, as the experience you gain will be valuable for development of your interpersonal skills. Dealing with the public teaches you many lessons in understanding how to engage with people with difficult personalities.

Research and Reach Out

  • Identify Companies: Visit websites of companies within your professional interests. Look for those that align with your career goals.
  • Contact HR: Find the contact details of the HR department. Write a polite but enthusiastic email explaining your desire to do temporary work during a specific period. Highlight your skills and willingness to perform any duty the company needs. Attach your CV.
  • Personalise Your Email: Tailor your email to each company, mentioning specific projects or values that resonate with you.

Network at Industry Events

      • Attend Events: Use any opportunity to meet companies at industry events, conferences, and seminars. These are great places to network and learn about potential job openings.
      • Engage with Guest Lecturers: If your lecturers facilitate guest lectures by company representatives, make sure to attend and engage. Ask questions and express your interest in their company.
      • Follow Up: After meeting representatives, follow up with a thank-you email and reiterate your interest in holiday work.

    Leverage Social Media

    • Connect on LinkedIn: Reach out to companies active on social media, especially LinkedIn. Be aware that many companies use social media to attract customers, not necessarily to engage with students.
    • Be Bold and Enthusiastic: Express your sincere interest in doing holiday work at the company. Highlight your skills and willingness to take on any job the company deems you fit for.
    • Showcase Your Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and experiences. Engage with company posts and share relevant content to increase visibility.

    Additional Tips:

    • Prepare Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are well-written and tailored to the job you’re applying for.
    • Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to explain why you’re interested in the company and how you can contribute.
    • Stay Organised: Keep track of the companies you contact and follow up appropriately.

    Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

    When you are successful in landing a holiday work opportunity, accept the duties assigned to you, even if they appear to be tedious. Use every possible opportunity to observe all the activities at the company. Be diligent, friendly and cooperative: The employer may be looking out for new talent, to appointing you as a permanent staff member in future – a very good reason to do your utmost to always showcase the best of you. Furthermore, be inquisitive and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a Chinese proverb states: ‘He who asks a question remains a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask remains a fool forever.’

    In summary, don’t shy away from holiday work. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your abilities while gaining valuable experience. There are numerous benefits to taking on holiday work, including earning money, learning new skills, and presenting yourself to potential employers. When searching for a holiday job, consider whether the company’s focus aligns with your studies, if you’ll gain valuable knowledge, and if there’s potential for future opportunities. However, if you can’t find a job in your field of study, don’t be too selective. Embrace the opportunity, as you might be surprised by the life experience you gain. Working with the public, in particular, will teach you how to handle difficult and rude personalities effectively. Happy holiday/vacation work hunting!

    Complied by Marianne van der Laarse and Tanja Werle

    References:

    BCG.n.d. Why a Holiday Job is Important For Students. https://avnc.asia/bgcsg/www.bgc-group.com/blog/2019/12/why-a-holiday-job-is-important-for-students.html

    Studyworkgrow. 2023. 7 reasons to get a holiday job. https://studyworkgrow.com/7-reasons-to-get-a-holiday-job/