Why the Off-Season Is the Best Time to Get Hired

When it comes to landing a meaningful, flexible job during college, most students don’t think about applying in the middle of summer. But here’s the truth: the off-season is the best time to get hired.

At Education at Work (E@W), we’re already thinking ahead to the fall semester and upcoming tax season, so summer is when we actively build our talent pipeline. That means students who apply now are first in line for some of the most in-demand, career-building roles available.

Plan Now, Win Later: Why Summer Recruiting Gives You the Edge

Unlike last-minute hiring surges that happen during the first few weeks of a new semester, E@W’s summer recruitment cycle allows students to:

• Apply early and avoid the rush
• Secure roles in advance before classes begin
• Complete onboarding and training at their own pace
• Step into the semester with confidence, knowing they already have a flexible, tuition-supported job in place

Whether it’s a role supporting customers at Fidelity, DFS, or Intuit or gaining hands-on tech and service experience, these positions don’t just fill—they fill fast. And students who start early stand out.

“Some of our most successful E@W students started with us during the summer. They applied early, got one-on-one support, and were fully trained before the fall rush. By the time the busy season hit, they were already leading the way. Summer is more than a great time to apply—it’s your chance to get ahead and grow with E@W from the start.” – Nalleli Aguilera, Recruitment Supervisor

A Head Start on Hiring: Summer Tax Academy at E@W

At the heart of our summer programming is E@W’s Summer Tax Academy, a specialized training series designed to help students gain the qualifications needed to support Intuit customers during the upcoming tax season. Through this program, students gain hands-on exposure to the tax industry while developing critical problem-solving, communication, and technical skills that employers value.

And it’s not just about knowledge—it’s about opportunity. Students who complete the Tax Academy are well-positioned to work for E@W as a tax specialist for Intuit during the academic year. These roles are more than jobs—they are career pathways with purpose, and they come with flexible hours and tuition assistance to support students both financially and professionally.

“E@W’s tremendous tax academy pass and success rate is rooted in more than delivering training; it’s about building a workforce of students that truly represents Intuit’s brand. Through close collaboration and aligned goals, we’ve transformed training into a strategic advantage. Together with Intuit, we’ve created a learning experience that not only prepares students to perform but empowers them to exceed expectations.” – Demetria Ingram, VP, Job Delivery Training & Quality

Inside E@W’s Summer Recruitment Cycle

Our summer recruitment is intentional and strategic. We know students’ schedules vary, so we keep the process efficient and student-centered. Here’s what it typically includes:

• Open Roles Posted – We identify and post part-time, remote-eligible, and skill-building roles for the upcoming semester or tax season.
• Applications Reviewed Weekly – Our team evaluates applications on a rolling basis to give early applicants a leg up.
• Interviews & Offers – Qualified students are interviewed virtually, with many receiving offers well before school resumes.
• Optional Summer Training – For programs like our Summer Tax Academy, accepted students can begin building skills even before the job begins.

“Summer is actually one of the best times to get hired at E@W. Things are a little quieter, so we can really focus on each applicant, give them the support they need, and get them fully trained before the busy season starts. If you’re looking to stand out and get ahead, this is the perfect time to join us.” – E@W Recruiter

For Campus Partners: Now Is the Time to Promote

Career advisors, academic coaches, and university partners, summer is a prime time to encourage your students to act. When students wait until the fall semester to look for jobs, opportunities are often limited. By contrast, E@W’s summer recruitment cycle:

• Helps students prepare for the school year financially
• Supports academic success with pre-approved, flexible work schedules
• Aligns with career readiness and real-world learning goals
• Reduces stress during already-busy back-to-school transitions

Whether you’re running summer orientation, advising sessions, or bridge programs, promoting E@W roles now can set students up for success in the year ahead.

“At ASU Career Services, we understand the value of early, hands-on experience in shaping students’ career trajectories. Summer hiring opportunities through Education at Work provide our students with more than just part-time jobs; they offer a direct pathway to develop marketable skills, earn a steady paycheck, and gain professional exposure that complements their academic goals. It’s the kind of partnership that supports our mission to empower students for career success well beyond graduation.” – Blake Burford, ASU Career Services

E@W Roles Offer More Than Just a Paycheck

All E@W roles include:
✅ Flexible part-time hours built around your class schedule
✅ Real-world experience with major companies like Intuit
✅ Competitive wages and tuition assistance
✅ Professional mentoring and durable skill development
✅ A supportive, student-first culture that grows with you

Don’t Wait for the Semester to Start, Apply Now!

It’s easy to put off job hunting until the first week of classes, but by then, many of the best opportunities are gone. Apply now to secure a role that helps you build your career, support your tuition, and start your semester strong.

Students:
 Summer Tax Academy

Current Job Openings

Getting ahead starts with thinking ahead. E@W’s summer recruitment cycle gives students a smart, strategic advantage, not just for the semester, but for their future. Don’t sleep on summer, it could be your strongest season yet.