‘It’s all a bit disheartening’: Cardiff Uni students struggling with summer job hunt

A Cardiff University student has opened up about their “disheartening” struggle with seasonal summer job hunting.

Georgie Smith, who studies chemistry at the university, had been trying to secure work before returning to university.

The 19-year-old explained to the BBC how, despite creating tailored job applications and actively following up on them, no employers have replied.

New data published by the UK hospitality sector has found businesses and employers cannot afford to take on new employees, exacerbating the gap in available seasonal work.

Working since the age of 15, Georgie said seasonal work is “a great way for me to build up my budget now I’m going back to uni for my second year.”

However, the chemistry student expressed her frustration at the current lack of opportunities: “It’s gotten to the point where I’d sort of prefer if people would almost respond with rejection.”

Georgie added that she felt disheartened by the process, adding that it’s “getting a bit frustrating at this point.”

She remains optimistic, though, encouraging other students to continue their search for seasonal work: “It is important to keep applying even if you’re not getting much back.”

via Pexels

The 19-year-old urged students in similar positions “to keep going because eventually you will get to the point where you’ll find something.”

Jules Barons, the owner of The Lookout Cafe in St Helier, explained how the cost of employing students for seasonal work acts as “a barrier” for business owners.

The cafe owner said they receive “lots of applications” every summer from students seeking work, but revealed this year they’ve actually received less than usual.

According to the UK hospitality sector, 25 per cent fewer students have been available to employ over the summer.

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Jules explained how hiring students is “a key part of my employment strategy” due to “a lot of fantastic students”.

She added: “I like people who make an effort – come in and see us or do a CV or tell us something about themselves.”

Struggles faced by business owners include the minimum wage having risen to £26 on bank holidays which, Jules said “is a real challenge for a lot of hospitality businesses.

“So that’s why you will go to some places in Jersey and they are closed on bank holidays because it’s just too expensive to employ them,” the cafe owner explained.

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