Parcel courier, log seller… winter season is open

At 19 years old, Gabin, a BTS NDRC student, will be packing oysters for the third time at the Chiron et fils oyster farm in Royan, on the Atlantic coast. Ocean, 20, a 3rd year Communication Information student at Paris 3, will devote 56 hours of her holiday to the animated film Spider-Man on the Web or the Roller Coaster at Disneyland Paris, where she already works weekends.

Armand, after working at DUT Tech, left Dunkirk for the ski resort of La Clusaz, where at the age of 21 he found work as an additional server (“runner”) for the winter season. “CIDJ mainly communicates regarding summer work issues. But during the holidays we are looking for students for delivery, sales in the food sector or toy trade, managing Christmas markets, hotels and restaurants, babysitting…” encourages Anne Marie Sine, CIDJ advisor. “It’s better to anticipate a little, but young people can still try their luck: recruiters are looking until the last minute! “.

Every year around the holidays, businesses need additional staff to cope with the influx of their business. This is the case in logistics, in markets, in the food industry: “We reach 50% of our turnover between December 15 and 31,” admits oyster farmer Laurent Chiron, whose company employs between 15 and 45 employees every winter. prepare, pack and ship oysters, “a typically holiday staple found on tables on Christmas Eve and December 31st.”

Activity is also growing in the winter tourism sector, with mountain resorts such as amusement parks receiving more and more visitors. “Whether it’s the merchandising, attractions or cleaning teams… the park is significantly increasing its staffing for the holiday season,” confirms Ocean, who has already been hired for winter 2022. “We can’t believe it doesn’t count, but there are thousands of people who work there every day! »

Students get down to business quickly

In fact, finding it is not very difficult: advertisements pop up everywhere, on classic websites (Pôle emploi, Indeed, etc.), on social networks (Facebook groups, etc.), in employment agencies. Sometimes you just need to browse the local press or shop around. “On the Atlantic coast, we go into a warehouse, ask if the company will hire people this winter, and that’s it,” recalls Gabin, who “doesn’t bother with formalities. »

Moreover, students quickly cope with the work in a few days. “The training is not very difficult, they show us a little, then we manage,” he continues. His job: Participate in preparing and sending baskets of 2.5 kg oysters – or 18 oysters, whether at the packing or strapping stage, to the production line. “I put myself where I am needed.”

At Disney, where the hostesses, called “actors”, are called upon to greet the audience, carefully monitor safety before proceeding with the technical part – because, contrary to appearances, nothing happens automatically, doors opening, cars leaving. , etc. Ocean received several hours of training at the start of her permanent student contract and then quickly became familiar with her role.

Interest? Gain new professional experience quickly while continuing your education. “Obviously, this student work has helped me develop, become more hospitable, know how to react, manage my emotions better,” reflects Ocean, who has discovered “treasures of patience” to welcome thousands of French guests and foreigners every day. , while guaranteeing a certain Disney image. “A real plus” for her career, especially since the young woman, who speaks English and Spanish, would like to pursue a master’s degree in tourism or management, hoping to take her place in American society.

The same positive tone applies to Gaben, who is rehired by the oyster farmer every winter. “Internships, jobs… When you’re on a postgraduate course, it’s in your best interest to get as much experience as possible, and obviously being hired for multiple seasons in a row is a plus on your CV: it shows you can be reliable. “Loyal and hardworking,” encourages the young man, who had no difficulty convincing a car employer to hire him as a salesman on a work-study basis towards the end of the BTS course.

And then it is a “good financial plan.” Depending on your industry, winter work can add up quickly… especially if you can work long hours. “It’s easy to see: my 10 days of work allow me to pay for most of my purchases until next summer, when I will work as a bartender or a pizza delivery person,” continues Gabin, whose parents help pay the rent. . Ocean also volunteered to work on December 25 and 31, the days when her salary would be increased.

The same applies to seasonal full-time jobs that need to be done after studying: Armand, who signed a contract for 45 hours per week of work in a restaurant, will receive 1900 euros net, with accommodation and food provided, provided that you work until the end of your studies. end of March. “You have to look carefully! »

We work in “Christmas” mode

“It’s clearly worth it, especially since the days are busy and the atmosphere is great,” continues Gaben. “We work in Christmas mode: it’s a little chilly, the boss comes to our aid, his assistant brings us brioche, it’s good-natured.” It’s the same for Oceana, who has already marked her calendar for a Secret Santa evening planned with fellow Marvel Avengers Campus team members: “There’s a Disney spirit, we feel like we’re not just here to drive cars! »

Sacrifice? Of course, this means spending your free time working without being able to enjoy your own time. “When you’re on duty and everyone else is with their family, it’s not easy,” he admits. The worst thing is Christmas, when clients celebrate the New Year together, laugh, unwrap gifts… It’s a pain in the heart, even if deep down we know perfectly well why we are here,” continues the young man, who saves 80% of his salary. The same goes for Oceana or Gaben, they are very positive: “Then we’ll rest!” “Moreover, this year classes will begin only on January 8, which will allow them to lie down for a while.