As the semester wraps up, some students are looking forward to moving back home, heading off on vacation or attending summer classes.
For students planning to stay on Rocky Top, or those who are already long-term Knoxville residents, the search for a summer job is underway.
Summer jobs are extremely common among college students. According to Intelligent, around 53% of students choose to work temporary summer jobs. Many students take on these roles to help pay for tuition, build savings or prepare financially for the fall semester.
“I have a few birthdays and celebrations coming up in the summer, so I need to be able to afford those,” Ngoc Tran, a junior studying computer engineering, said. “But also, without a summer job, I wouldn’t be able to start the school year off feeling financially safe or stable with the amount of money I have.”
Sending out resumes and attending multiple interviews can feel intimidating, especially when employers may hesitate because of your temporary availability. For students staying in Knoxville, the job market can feel even smaller and more competitive. However, there are several ways to get started on your summer job search.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers resources through its Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration that help students apply for on- and off-campus jobs. The center provides information on local internships, fellowships and summer job opportunities specifically geared toward students. They offer resume reviews and application support for those seeking additional guidance.
Handshake also helps alleviate the stress of job searching by allowing students to link their university profile and personal information to the platform. This helps generate a curated list of on-campus and off-campus job opportunities that align with their major, interests and career goals.
Beyond job postings, Handshake offers students an opportunity to connect with future employers, even if a position may not be the right fit at the moment. It allows students to stay on recruiters’ radar and continue building professional connections that can support future applications.
If you are still unsure where to start or are lost on the sites, there are already several summer job opportunities available off campus.
One option is Maple Hall, a bowling alley located on Gay Street, about seven minutes from campus. With free parking available during operating hours, Maple Hall frequently looks for servers and desk attendants to join its team. The business is especially known for working with students who have demanding or unpredictable schedules.
“Maple Hall is actually great with my schedule as a college student. I’m able to go to class in the earlier part of the day and go to work in the latter half,” Tran said. “It’s especially nice since other jobs close earlier, so I wouldn’t get as many hours as I would at Maple Hall. Also, the managers are so understanding about me being a student.”
Even if you initially plan to keep it as just a summer job, the supportive staff and flexible scheduling may make it worth continuing through the school year. You can pick up an application on-site or fill it out online.
Beyond the hospitality industry, the Emerald Youth Foundation is also looking for college students to support programs alongside its long-term staff. This opportunity is ideal for students who work well with children and want to use their skills to help support and develop local youth.
The organization is currently seeking college students for summer tutoring positions to assist children in a variety of academic subjects. Not only does this allow students to make a meaningful impact, but it also provides valuable professional development experience that can strengthen future job or internship applications.
Students interested in applying for a summer tutoring position can do so by visiting the organization’s website online.
Some students prefer to be on campus during the summer.
“A lot of campus jobs have flexible hours in order to work with students’ class schedules, and since they are on campus, it is a lot easier to physically get to work than it would be for other jobs in the Knoxville area,” Olivia Dain, a freshman studying anthropology with a concentration in forensics, said.
For those interested in on-campus employment opportunities, plenty are available.
UT RecSports is frequently hiring students for a variety of roles, including facility operations, event support and fitness services. One of the more popular summer positions is lifeguarding at the aquatic center. This role is especially well-suited for students taking summer classes who need to balance coursework with their work schedule.
Beyond gym life, the Office of Communications and Marketing is currently offering multiple summer positions for students. These include a social media internship, a media and internal relations internship, and a video production internship. These roles allow students to gain hands-on professional experience that directly translates to their resumes as they prepare for post-graduation job searches.
In addition, the University of Tennessee Libraries is consistently hiring students to fill open-desk positions and help keep the libraries running throughout the summer. This job allows students to stay engaged on campus while balancing personal coursework or summer schedules, and it also provides an opportunity to build strong relationships with campus staff and peers.
“Working on campus has been great for my schedule. My hours are super flexible, so I can basically have my work schedule work around the rest of my life. I still have time to study and time to myself, so it works out great for me,” Dain said.
What makes Knoxville so special is not only its vibrant orange-and-white campus that provides students with strong educational opportunities, but also the career development opportunities throughout the city. Whether it’s walking downtown to a desk job or spending more time on campus during what can otherwise feel like a quiet summer, the city expands in a meaningful way when it comes to summer employment.
Students are making connections, building their resumes, saving money and gaining real-world experience that helps them stand out after graduating from the University of Tennessee. By using resources such as the CCDAE and staying active on platforms like Handshake, students can take advantage of frequent job postings and opportunities tailored to them. Together, these tools highlight UT’s role as a strong support system for student success beyond the classroom.
As students make their summer plans, many others continue to hustle and work toward their goals. In the end, a summer job in college is not just a temporary experience — these opportunities often become lasting skills and lessons that follow students into their next chapter.
