Vac Work - get working experience while you study

Vac Work – all you need to know & companies that offer vac work

What is vac work?

Vacation work is a great way for University students to gain valuable work experience whilst making a form of income during their university holidays. Vacation work (or vac work) also provides students with the opportunity to improve their skills, as well as gain valuable experience and insight into the corporate world.

Most employers would prefer that you obtain some working experience whilst you study. No matter the type of work (whether paid or voluntary) each can be seen as an opportunity to develop your skills and experience – something you can’t gain from just studies. Working in a new environment will also allow you the opportunity to create a solid network and gain useful contacts for your future working career. A perfect example of beneficial networking is the option to use your supervisor as a reference for future job applications after graduation.

Vac work also allows you to develop interpersonal skills which will aid you in the workplace, such as communication, proactiveness, and attentiveness to workplace procedures.

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What are the benefits of vac work?

Whilst there are a number of benefits to engaging in vac work, here are researchers top 5 reasons you should get a job while you study:

It can help you decide if your chosen career field is the right one. It is always beneficial to know if your chosen career field is the correct one for you. Before you make a long commitment to a particular trade, vac work could aid you in finding out if this is the career you want for the rest of your life. Vac work will bring you clarity and allow you to have real-time experience within your chosen working environment.
You can gain extra income (if it is a job that pays). Some vac work may not always come with an income, however if it does, that means you will have extra money to spend on yourself as well as some for savings. If you are involved in a job that does not pay you (i.e. internship or volunteer work) you can still gain a lot from the experience. It is therefore vital that when you engage in any job, always make sure of the various opportunities you may have, and see if there are individuals/ mentors who are willing to guide and help you.
You can gain new experiences as well as valuable encounters. This is self explanatory- it is always beneficial to engage in an opportunity that will allow you to gain experience. With a new job, you will be rejuvenated and gain a new perspective at how to do something, at no extra cost to you.
You will show your parents that you can be responsible. Many parents want to see their children succeed and show signs of being ready to enter the adult world. By getting your job, you are not only showing them, but also yourself that you are grown up, responsible, and can take charge of your own life journey.
It will give you a feeling of accomplishment. Nothing is better than the feeling of achievement. No matter how big or small your success may be, any milestone you surpass will be a step in the right direction and allow you to feel pride that you are taking charge of your life.

Through this, one can see how Vac work is worthwhile and beneficial to career advancement. It will not only allow you to get an extra source of income, but also build a sense of pride in yourself for putting in the effort to become a better version of yourself.

Which companies offer vac work?

Read our other tips and articles here:
Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.

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This post was last updated in March 2023.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.