Although that sounds lovely, the reality is many people who study full- or part-time need to ensure that their summer pays. But whilst it may be hard to watch your chums drive off in a double-decker bus round Europe for the season, there are lots of ways to make the most of a holiday spent working, whether it’s the innovative ways you choose to earn money, or the skills and contacts you build up while you’re doing it

Holiday work needn’t be temporary, either. Time off from study can give you the chance to start putting what you’re learning into practise and get a head-start in your chosen career. You can either try to gain some paid work in your industry of choice; combine a simple, part-time paid job with unpaid work or interning for a relevant company (although be very careful not to get taken advantage of – details of your rights as an intern can be found here: www.gov.uk/employment-rights-for-interns); or you can start to set up on your own, finding your feet as a freelancer, networking and building a portfolio whilst charging rates appropriate to a beginner.

If the work you find is related to what you want to do when you finish studying, it’s definitely worth starting a blog so you can show how much you’re getting out of the experience, and to demonstrate all the skills and knowledge you’re gaining (obviously, only do this if things are working out well! If they aren’t, time to keep a dignified silence, on social media at least, and find a new post elsewhere). Twitter can also provide a springboard for your budding career: follow as many influential organisations and individuals as you can, Tweet with confidence and enthusiasm about what you’re doing, and you will start to get noticed.

And don’t forget: hobbies such as music or dance can be a fantastic way to obtain an income if you’ve reached a high enough level to teach others. If you haven’t gained a teaching certificate, make this clear and tell prospective clients what level you can help them reach, and charge accordingly.

Here at Recruit Mint, we have plenty of good-quality temporary work available, enabling us to find employment to suit clients’ skills, interests and available time for as long as they need it. We can’t promise a road trip to the continent, but register with Recruit Mint and you’ll find friendly, skilled staff who will ensure you’re always treated like an individual, with appropriate pay and conditions.

And when you do finally take a well-earned break with some money in your pocket, you can send us a postcard!