What Are the Different Types of Temporary Summer Employment?

Temporary summer employment is often geared toward high school and college students who have this segment of time off from studies, but anyone can find temporary positions if they have the right schedule. Several types of temporary summer employment opportunities exist in just about every field. Some positions are unpaid internships, while others are jobs that are paid hourly. Still others may be temporary contract positions that pay a specific amount of money for a certain number of days of work or hours worked. Seasonal employment is often required in retail establishments, as well as in restaurants, particularly in areas with a high rate of tourism.

Internships are generally only available for high school and college students. This type of temporary summer employment allows a student to get valuable work experience, not to mention potentially valuable connections within a career field. Sometimes students are required to take part in an internship as part of a graduation requirement. These positions may be paid or unpaid jobs, and they generally only last six to eight weeks. The student intern is likely to only perform basic job functions during this temporary summer employment, but he or she may also get the opportunity to perform some higher level tasks under proper guidance and supervision.

Elementary, high school, and college teachers often take part in temporary summer employment within the education field. Summer teaching generally involves instructing truncated courses for students who may have fallen behind during the school year or who may need to earn extra credits toward graduation. Sometimes teachers may get jobs over the summer that focus more on writing curriculum for various courses to be taught throughout the school year. The teacher is generally paid a predetermined stipend per course taught or per hours spent developing curriculum.

Tourism is often a significant draw to certain areas within a country, so temporary summer employment may become available in such areas. Retail establishments and restaurants are most likely to have job openings, though other types of employment may include seasonal tour guides, parks services, groundskeepers, and maintenance personnel. Golf courses also generally hire additional personnel during the summer months; pro shop attendants, restaurant staff, bartenders, groundskeepers, and golf pros may all find temporary summer employment at a golf course. Event organizers may also find jobs at golf courses during the summer, particularly if the course hosts any large tournaments or events.