Tyler Cant: A Seasonaire's Journey

Tyler Cant (Economics and Finance BSc, 2022), co-founder of the award-winning seasonal hiring platform Ski, Seasons, Smarter (SZN), shares his inspiring journey from graduate to entrepreneur.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Tyler knew he wanted a career that would allow him to combine his love of the outdoors with his entrepreneurial spirit. He spent two winter seasons working in the ski industry, which sparked his idea for SZN.

“I’ve always believed someone to be lucky if they can match their career with their passion – that’s why I’ve worked so hard trying to find that, and I feel I have that with SZN.”

SZN is a new seasonal hiring platform that connects employers and candidates through a simple, user-friendly interface. Recognising the inefficiencies in the traditional seasonal recruitment process, Tyler and his co-founders, Dominic Deely and George Gray, set out to create a more streamlined platform for employers and candidates.

"We wanted to create a community where people could share incredible experiences and find the perfect seasonal job that suited their needs," Tyler explains. "Our goal was to make the process simpler and more enjoyable for both employers and candidates."

I love so many things about my job

SZN has quickly gained traction since its launch, partnering with reputable brands like Inghams and Santa's Lapland.

"I love the unpredictability of my work," Tyler says. "No two days are the same. One day I'm on the phone with clients, and the next, I'm designing new clothing for the upcoming season."

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Tyler also values the experiences and skills he gained during his time at Newcastle University.

“Newcastle allowed me to flex my creative muscles. Particularly in my final year, I was able to work with the university to form a new society.”

My best moments at Newcastle revolved around the people

“The people in Newcastle and at the university really helped me have the best experience I possibly could have. The sense of community around the university, and Jesmond in particular, is something that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world. I like the balance that Newcastle offers; it allows you to let your hair down and have fun but also provides proximity to the countryside and coast, allowing you to explore and feel independent."

It's important to take every opportunity you get

Tyler's advice to the next generation of graduates is to explore all their options and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.

“Whether it's career-related or not, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities. For example, I met my two business partners completely by chance while skiing alone; I mustered the courage to start a conversation with them. Initiating conversations and connecting with people has been, and will always be, my tool for success—I’ve already seen its impact on our business.”

As SZN continues to grow, Tyler is excited about its future and potential to revolutionise the seasonal job market. "Seasonaire" is a term SZN coined, which refers to people who wish to work seasonally – a term yet to be added to the Oxford Dictionary. SZN is currently running a petition to change that.

“SZN is just the beginning. While it’s already a great platform for connecting seasonaires with jobs, we aim to cater to users year-round. We’re launching new initiatives, including articles on recommended equipment and coping with seasonal challenges.”

Check out their website or follow them on their LinkedIn profile to stay updated on the latest projects.

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