Summer job opportunities have been declining for years – TEK appeals to employers: “Let’s work together and make next summer better than the last”

As many as 11 per cent of university students in technology, architecture, mathematics and natural sciences failed to find employment in the summer of 2025, more than double the figure from just two years ago. Nine per cent were left without a job in the summer of 2024, up from five per cent in the summer of 2023. The trend is particularly acute among students arriving from outside the EU/EEA. While 15 per cent of non-EU/EEA students failed to find a job in the summer of 2023, last summer’s figure was as high as 31 per cent.

A total of 72 per cent of students spent the summer working. The rest were studying, on holiday or otherwise unavailable to the labour market due to, for example, military service. More and more students were employed in a role that had no relevance to their field of study. This metric has risen from approximately 17 per cent in the summers of 2023 and 2024 to 21 per cent last summer.

Almost half (49%) of students who did not work last summer were actively looking for work. Many submitted numerous job applications: a total of 37 per cent applied for 20 or more jobs in both their own and other industries. Among students who managed to secure employment, 47 per cent felt that finding a summer job had been difficult or extremely difficult.

“It is clear from the responses of students who found work in the last three summers that securing a summer job has become increasingly difficult. Summer job hunting is not a completely hopeless exercise, however, as almost three in four did end up working last summer,” says TEK’s Research Manager Susanna Bairoh.

Students worry about making ends meet – employers need to step up

Anxiety over personal finances is common among students. The percentage of students who worry about making ends meet has risen slightly compared to last year. A total of 24 per cent admitted being very worried this year (23% in 2024), while 53 per cent were somewhat worried (48%).

Those who worry report suffering from stress, anxiety and difficulty sleeping due to their financial troubles and uncertainty about the future.

Anxiety over personal finances is particularly high among students arriving from outside the EU/EEA. Half of non-EU/EEA students are very worried, with just five per cent having no financial concerns whatsoever.

Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland TEK is calling on employers to examine next summer’s labour force demand with both Finnish and international students in mind.

“Income from summer jobs helps students to cover their living costs and build more stable lives, but it’s not just about money. Summer jobs give students invaluable work experience that makes it easier for them to find employment after they graduate,” says TEK’s Labour Market Director Teemu Hankamäki.

He wants to keep young people’s hopes of finding work alive and invites employers to join in a collective effort.

 “Despite the turbulent economic climate, both Finnish and international students are a worthwhile investment. Investing in students is an investment in the future. Summer jobs are an opportunity for employers to build relationships with the rising stars of their industry. The competition for new talent will be fierce when the economy eventually recovers. Let’s work together and make next summer better than the last,” Hankamäki continues.

TEK is extending an invitation to employers in the technology industry to advertise their vacancies in the TEKrekry LinkedIn group, which is moderated by TEK, free of charge. The group already includes more than 12,500 experts and students in technology, architecture, mathematics and natural sciences.