(BPT) - The holidays are here, and that means nearly 20 million U.S. college students will return home for winter break. While some college students may seek more traditional internships, for others, a seasonal position with a reputable company may be the opportunity that helps spur a future career.
While seasonal work typically spans a short amount of time, there are benefits to seeking these types of jobs, especially as students prepare for the future. And with wages up nearly 5% compared to October 2020, and talent a hotter commodity than ever, there are many reasons to consider a seasonal job this holiday season.
Seasonal positions can be a steppingstone to a full-time career. While you initially may accept a seasonal position with the intent of staying a few weeks to a month, if companies are impressed with your work, they may consider you for permanent employment. After all, in a labor market where attrition is high and more competitive by the day, companies are focused on retaining good talent. This rings true at UPS. 'UPS offers competitive wages across multiple shifts throughout the country and has a track record of turning seasonal jobs into careers,' says Marc Shannon, UPS Talent Acquisition Director. 'Over the last three years, nearly one-third of the company's seasonal package handlers were later hired in a permanent position after the holidays.'
Employers are upping incentives, like college tuition assistance. A tight labor market has forced many seasonal employers to increase pay, and in some cases, entry-level positions earn more than $21 per hour. In addition to competitive wages, companies are offering incentives to sweeten a job offer - everything from signing bonuses to tuition reimbursement. For companies like UPS, they offer seasonal employees the opportunity to earn up to $1,300 toward their college tuition. Staying on after the holidays? UPS will offer up to $25,000 in tuition assistance through their Earn and Learn program for permanent employees in most cities.
A seasonal job prepares you for real-world experiences. Whether you're stocking shelves, delivering food or a driver helper with a company like UPS, these positions require you to think on your feet, make quick decisions and, in some cases, perform a high level of customer service. With more and more job recruiters focusing on behavioral style questions during interviews, a seasonal job provides some extra cash and also creates an arsenal of experiences for your next interview.
A seasonal job offers many benefits this holiday season. And whether you're just looking for some extra cash this holiday season, or you're a college student looking to get a leg up, this may be the year you want to consider accepting a seasonal position.
