The Summer Employment Priorities of College Students: A Study of Preferences and Trends
Summer months offer college students a valuable opportunity to gain work experience, build networks, and even pursue personal interests. Public park and recreation agencies, among others, rely heavily on seasonal staff to maintain operations, and college students form a significant part of this workforce. However, with increasing competition for this limited labor pool, it’s crucial to understand what factors influence student decisions when it comes to summer employment. A recent study of 576 college students from two Midwestern universities sheds light on their priorities and preferences when securing summer jobs.
Are College Students Working in the Summer?
An overwhelming 89.2 percent of college students reported that they worked during the summer, with varying levels of commitment. Among those working, 40.5 percent took on a full-time role, working between 32 and 40 hours per week. Around 35.8 percent worked part-time jobs, and 12.9 percent balanced multiple part-time positions. Notably, 40 percent of students also volunteered for at least a few hours during the summer months, demonstrating a commitment to both paid and unpaid work.
Types of Employment Students Seek
When it comes to the type of work students are engaging in, retail and food service industries dominate the landscape. Nearly 37 percent of students were employed in these sectors, with 14.6 percent working in retail and 22.3 percent in food service. Beyond these industries, around 20 percent of students found work in recreational fields, including summer camps, outdoor activities, community recreation, athletics, coaching, and officiating. A small number also worked in construction, building and grounds positions.
How Students Find Summer Employment
The study also revealed the channels through which students discover summer job opportunities. Personal networks are a major source, with 41 percent of students learning about their summer job through connections like family, friends, or academic departments. Previous employment also played a role, as 25.7 percent of students returned to the same position as the previous summer. Job search platforms, such as Indeed.com, were another key source, with 11.2 percent of students finding their summer job through the website.
Interestingly, most students secure their positions between March and May, with 28.5 percent finding new opportunities during these months. About 41.1 percent returned to the same job they had the year before, illustrating a trend of repeat employment for many students.
What Students Want from Their Summer Job
When asked about the most important factors influencing their summer employment decisions, students identified several key priorities. Among these, “pragmatic needs” emerged as the highest priority, with 83 percent of students citing the need to be paid for their work as a “high priority.” Following closely behind, 64 percent of students rated proximity to home as an important factor when selecting a job.
The next priority group focused on a “flexible and fun working environment.” For many students, having a flexible schedule was crucial, with 68 percent indicating it was a top priority. This suggests that students are looking for jobs that offer a balance between work, personal life, and the ability to stay connected to their family and friends.
Insights for Recruitment
The study paints a clear picture of what college students are looking for in summer employment. Not only are they actively seeking opportunities, but they also rely heavily on their personal networks to learn about available positions. The findings provide important insights for agencies looking to recruit student workers, especially in recreation industries.
Although only about 20 percent of students are pursuing employment in the recreation sector, this leaves an opportunity for agencies to tap into the remaining 80 percent of the student population. Highlighting the fun, flexible nature of recreation jobs, along with the ability to work close to home, could significantly boost interest among students who may not have considered this field.
By focusing on flexible schedules, competitive pay, and a positive working environment, agencies can attract more students to explore the benefits of working in recreation. Additionally, leveraging personal networks and referral incentives can help to further engage students and build a strong seasonal workforce.
In summary, understanding what drives college students when choosing a summer job — whether it’s flexibility, proximity, or compensation — can help agencies tailor their recruitment strategies and connect with the right candidates. The demand for seasonal workers is unlikely to diminish, making it essential for employers to market their opportunities in ways that resonate with today’s college student workforce.