So you’re thinking about getting a summer job? Great idea! We’ll explain how to find work that suits you and your future plans.
Updated: 22 Sept 2025
Working part-time allows you to experience a taste of the working world before you finish school, while gaining valuable insights about what kind of career you want to pursue. There are loads of options for sixth form students, and you’ll strengthen your CV by choosing something related to your long-term aspirations. Best of all, you’ll be earning a wage, which means you can put money towards university, or simply enjoy your free time with some extra cash in your pocket.
Well, besides the money, there are more benefits than you might expect. Firstly, it allows you to test out some of your future career ideas without committing to a three-year degree and investing time and money into something which you ultimately may not use. You can refine your plans, and make a more informed decision about what you want to do when you leave school.
Secondly, you’ll develop workplace-oriented skills and become comfortable working in a professional team structure. This is extremely useful, and many graduates lack this attribute which is sometimes as important as having a formal qualification.
Thirdly, you’ll be taking on a role with real-world responsibilities and consequences, which is fantastic character-building and a worthy investment which translates into many areas of your life including friendships, family and personal relationships.
All sorts of things — you’d be surprised. The classic summer job often involves working in retail, waiting at a restaurant or working behind a bar, however there are many more options which might catch your interest, including:
Dog walking
Babysitting
Festival and events work
Private tutoring
Film and TV extra
Labouring or farm work
Additionally, you can apply to work in a company that’s more directly relate to your future plans, such as an accountancy firm, architects practice, or dental clinic. Be aware that they may offer unpaid work experience only, so it's up to you to decide whether it’s in your best interests.
Quite possibly yes. Depending on your job, you can set your own schedule, or make it clear to your employer that you’re only able to work part-time, allowing you enough time to study and socialise. If the job is a success then you can always ask to continue your employment throughout the school year, if the hours are flexible enough to organise around sixth form.
The best thing to do is to sit down and make a list of all the things you’ve done, both in and out of school which you’re proud of, you’ve enjoyed, or in which you’ve shown yourself to be responsible and hard-working.
Write everything down no matter how small it may seem, and then organise them in chronological order. After this, you can think about the intended recipient of your CV and select things from your list accordingly. It’s often beneficial to have two or three CV’s that are fit for different purposes. For example, if you’re applying for a restaurant job, you’ll need to show a different set of credentials than if you’re looking for work as a babysitter.
Practise writing a clear and concise cover letter to accompany your CV. It gives you an opportunity to show off your personality and bit more, and you can include things which may not have been included in the CV but are still part of your character.
Ask around. Your parents might have friends who can help, or your friends might have parents who can help. Look for local hiring adverts in places you’d like to work, or just send an email to somewhere if you like the idea of working there.
There are plenty of job listings online, and even some specialised websites for student summer jobs. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to work from your hometown. There's a whole world of opportunities out there and you never know where you might end up.
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Check out our online Career Matcher, and browse the many career profiles on our website for inspiration.