Why casual jobs aren’t so casual
Students add value to the workplace and are changing the nature of part-time work, writes Bridget Acton.
The benefits of casual jobs are no longer limited to earning extra cash over summer.
The term ‘‘casual job’’ is often used when referring to irregular or short-term work, which can be taken lightly by the employer and their staff. However, tertiary students are proving this definition wrong. With students making up 16 per cent of the Kiwi workforce, their impact on businesses and employers has been huge. Student Job Search recently recorded their highest year of student earnings to date, with $83 million going to students.
So how are students changing the nature of ‘‘casual’’ jobs, and what exactly are the benefits? Students are determined The job market can be competitive, even when applying for casual roles. With almost 420,000 students enrolled in New Zealand, the journey to employment can be tough when you have little or no experience. This means that when a student lands a job, it’s taken seriously. When it comes to students’ CVs, the value of referees and work experience can last long after a contract has ended. Students are a blank canvas No preconceptions, no bad habits. Hiring employees who are new to the workforce opens up opportunities to teach them bestpractice and mould their work ethic. This provides a seamless introduction to the job, along with the tasks and processes that come with it. Students are hungry for experience (and employer praise!) so the concept of learning new things goes down easily. They’ve proven themselves It’s not easy getting university entrance. Students who meet the university entry criteria have proven that they’re determined, intelligent and interested in learning new skills. When it comes to hiring students, employers can feel confident their employees are more than able to accomplish the task at hand. Encouraging, supportive Tertiary education can be stressful, and juggling study and part-time work isn’t always a breeze. However, the prospect of building a CV and skill set can remove a huge part of the stress. Today’s employers are encouraging when recruiting students, sending a message that says, ‘‘It’s awesome that you’re studying, and we’re here to make it a bit easier’’. New approach Yes, we’re talking about millennials here. This generation (also known as Generation Y) is exposed to a media world unlike generations before them. With the ongoing consumption of online information, students are native to the dynamic nature of today’s world. This influences everyday life, including a student’s outlook on their job. With a fresh pair of eyes, employers can expect original ideas with an innovative approach to everyday tasks – something that is exceptionally valuable to all businesses. The moral of the story is that ‘‘casual’’ work is anything but. Both employers and employees can get a lot out of casual jobs any time of the year. So next time you need additional staff, consider our tertiary students. They’re an asset just waiting to be harnessed.
Find out more about Student Job Search at sjs.co.nz