Temping in higher education offers opportunities for people at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re starting out, returning to work, or looking for more flexibility, temporary roles can provide valuable experience and a way to explore working in this diverse sector.
Temporary staff play a key role across many areas, from teaching and administration to student services and specialist projects. For universities, temping is a practical solution to recruitment challenges, helping maintain continuity and meet changing needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore how temporary roles can help you start your journey and take meaningful steps toward your career goals.
Temporary working is an important part of how universities manage change and support their day-to-day operations. With around 1.5 million temporary workers across the UK as of September 2024, this way of working is becoming more common across many sectors, including higher education.
In recent years, the number of staff on fixed-term and teaching-only contracts has grown by over 12,000, while 66,115 academic staff are working on ‘atypical’ contracts. These roles help institutions respond to changing student numbers, shifts in funding, and other pressures while also offering something valuable for individuals.
For many people, temporary working provides the chance to try different roles, develop new skills, and enjoy more flexibility. This makes it a great option for those who want to work in higher education but aren’t looking for a traditional, permanent role.
Below, we look at the 5 key benefits of temping in higher education and how it can work for you.
Temporary working in higher education offers something many people value—flexibility. Whether you’re balancing family responsibilities, studying, or exploring a new career path, temp roles provide the chance to work in a way that suits your life. For those who find the traditional 9-to-5 routine restrictive, temping opens up a world of opportunities to shape your schedule and focus on what matters most.
Temporary contracts often come with options like term-time roles, part-time hours, or fixed-term projects, giving you control over when and how you work. Universities also benefit from this arrangement, using temporary staff to adapt to seasonal demands, fluctuating student numbers, or specialised projects. This creates opportunities for individuals to contribute in meaningful ways while maintaining a balance that works for them.
What flexibility in higher education looks like:
Temping is a way to find balance, gain experience, and work in a way that suits your lifestyle while also contributing to the vital operations of higher education institutions.
Temping in higher education is a great way to gain the skills and experience that employers value, especially in a sector that can be competitive to enter. Whether it’s teaching, research, or administration, temporary roles allow you to explore a variety of positions while building your CV. This exposure often opens the door to future opportunities, making it easier to take the next step in your career.
One of the key benefits of temping is the variety it offers. Working across different universities, campuses, and departments helps you understand how the sector operates. This experience lets you develop a diverse skill set while discovering what type of role or environment suits you best.
How temping can help you gain new experience in higher education:
For those looking to build a career in higher education, temping offers a practical way to gain relevant experience, explore different roles, and stand out to future employers—or simply figure out which career path works for you in what institution.
Not everyone is looking for a permanent role, but that doesn’t mean they want to step away from meaningful work. Temping in higher education provides the chance to make a real impact, whether you’re assisting with teaching, supporting research, or contributing to administrative functions.
These temporary roles offer the flexibility to contribute to higher education without committing to a full-time position. You could support student enrolments, assist with research projects, or take on short-term assignments across different departments. The variety in temp roles allows you to match your skills and availability to the needs of the institution, all while playing a key part in their success.
Research across nearly 80 UK higher education institutions found that 76% of employees are proud to work in the sector, with 72% motivated to do their best work. Temporary positions let you experience this fulfillment in higher education without the long-term commitment, offering both flexibility and meaningful work.
Temping in higher education opens the door to valuable networking opportunities across a wide range of roles. Whether you're working alongside faculty, administrators, or researchers, these positions give you a chance to connect with professionals who can play a key part in your career development.
The power of networking in higher education can lead to future opportunities. Building relationships during your temporary role can provide valuable career advice, mentorship, and even job recommendations. For example, a temporary position in a university’s research department might connect you with faculty members, leading to new roles or further career guidance.
Who benefits from networking through temping in higher education?
Networking while temping not only gives you industry connections but also opens the door to potential long-term opportunities, making it a valuable part of your career journey in higher education.
A common misconception about temping is that it doesn’t offer financial stability or benefits, but that’s far from the case—especially in higher education. Many temporary roles come with competitive hourly rates, along with benefits like paid holiday leave and, in some cases, healthcare coverage.
Temporary workers in the UK are entitled to 28 days of paid holiday per year, calculated on a pro-rata basis depending on the length of their contract. Plus, many temp roles offer opportunities for overtime or additional hours, which can significantly increase your earnings.
For those balancing multiple commitments, temping roles in higher education offer the perfect balance of financial stability and flexibility. The ability to work extra hours when needed gives you control over your income without the long-term commitment of a full-time position.
Why financial stability matters in temp roles:
Temping in higher education offers a great way to achieve financial stability while enjoying the flexibility to fit work around your personal life.
Temping in higher education provides a flexible way to build your career. Whether you’re just starting out, returning to work, or exploring different roles, temporary positions offer the chance to gain experience, develop new skills, and make meaningful connections within the sector.
Here’s how temping can support your career growth in higher education:
For recent graduates, temping in higher education is a great way to kick-start your career. Temporary roles give you the chance to apply what you've learned, whether in research support, administration, or student services.
These roles provide hands-on experience, help you grow your professional network, and build your CV, making you a more competitive candidate for future positions in academia or university departments.
If you've been away from work—whether for family reasons, personal commitments, or another career—temping in higher education offers a flexible entry point. Temporary roles provide the chance to ease back into the sector, update your skills, and reconnect with the academic community, all at your own pace.
Many universities offer term-time or part-time positions that work well around personal commitments, allowing you to balance work with your life.
Temping offers the perfect opportunity to explore various roles within higher education. Whether you're interested in academic support, student administration, or research, temporary roles let you try out different departments and functions. This exposure helps you identify where your strengths lie and gives you a clearer picture of which career path suits you best.
Temporary positions in higher education are an excellent choice for parents and caregivers who need flexibility. Many roles offer part-time hours, term-time positions, or flexible schedules that accommodate your personal needs. This way, you can remain involved in meaningful work within the sector while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Temporary roles in higher education often serve as a stepping stone to permanent positions. Universities frequently hire temp workers for full-time roles if they perform well and there’s a need. Temping allows you to prove your skills and fit within an institution, with the opportunity for long-term growth if the right role becomes available.
Temping in higher education offers the opportunity to build valuable experience while exploring different career paths. Whether you're starting your career, returning after a break, or looking for flexible working arrangements, temporary roles allow you to gain essential skills and grow your professional network. These roles give you the chance to contribute meaningfully to universities while also helping you discover where your strengths lie within the sector.
As universities face fluctuating demands, temporary staff play a vital role in supporting key areas. Temping provides a unique way to engage with higher education, helping you find the right fit for your career goals without a permanent commitment.
At TPP, we provide expert insights into the world of higher education recruitment, helping you navigate temporary roles that fit your career goals. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, explore new career paths, or find the right work-life balance, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about temping opportunities in higher education and how we can support your next career move.
