Five popular summer jobs, then and now

Internships

Interns have always been a common sight in offices. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most offices were closed and forced to rapidly improve their remote-working capabilities. This meant that a lot of internships were cancelled, leaving many young people unable to get a head start in the workplace to improve their skills and employability.

Securing an internship was a difficult process throughout the pandemic, but luckily, internships are on the rise again. Because so many companies have improved their hybrid and remote working arrangements, you might find them more common and appealing than ever. Now, armed with a laptop, interns can either work from home, or hot-desk in the office. As a result, an internship is all the more accessible and flexible.

Lifeguarding

Although not a job to be taken lightly, becoming a lifeguard has always been essential and has many benefits, especially as we approach the summer months. For decades, lifeguards have been important and in demand in the summer months, but since the pandemic has ended, this is even more true as people rush back to beaches and pools across Europe.

A lifeguarding qualification opens the door to exciting experiences and the potential to work around Europe. Whether it takes you to a chilly coast or a sandy beach, a lifeguarding position is often temporary, making it the perfect seasonal job.

Want to see current lifeguard vacancies across Europe? Check them out here.

Hospitality

Many young people take on jobs like bartending or waiting tables in the summer months when they are free from college or university. It might seem obvious, but these jobs are always in demand and are a great way to build up your CV while making some money.

Holiday entertainers and influencers

Becoming an entertainer in a holiday resort is a classic summer job aimed at young people, and involves helping to provide family-friendly entertainment for holidaymakers. In the last decade, these types of jobs have been on the decline, hit especially hard by the pandemic. Although becoming an entertainer might not be as popular it once was, holiday resort packages are still available, making this an option worth considering.

Instead of entertaining in hotel resorts, more and more young people are using their social media influence to promote holiday getaways to their followers. This new form of sponsored entertainment has sprung up in the last decade with the rise of social media giants like Instagram and TikTok. The ability for holiday brands to reach out to influencers and promote holidays has created a new job, and it could be your next!

Delivery driving

Although fast food delivery is nothing new, the creation of food ordering apps has meant that delivery driving has become a common place job for many – especially compared to 10 years ago. It used to be that people would call the restaurant for a delivery, or even collect the food in person.

However, now people are turning to delivery apps, causing a surge in the number of delivery drivers needed to fill the job market. This may be attractive to young people who have just learned to drive, or who want to make some money between terms at school or university.

Delivery driving is available just about everywhere, and presents a flexible way to make money. Not only has the job market changed over the years, but so have the characteristics of the workforce.

Interested in finding out more how this can affect workplace dynamics? Check out our article on the similarities and differences between Millennials and Gen Z in the workplace.

Related links:

Millennials and Gen Z in the workplace: similarities and differences

Lifeguard vacancies in the EU

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