Summers usually involve sunshine, longer days, and more free time… to start working a summer job. Whether your summer job is at your dream company in the big city, working with children at the local community center or lifeguarding back home it is important to make it count. Here are a few things to consider when making your summer job count:
- Building transferable skills – What skills are you able to build or strengthen at your summer job that will help you market yourself to future employers? Interacting directly with customers, helping train/manage other employees, or working as part of a team are all skills you can apply to future positions.
- Exploring potential career fields– Summer jobs are unique in that they are for the three short months- you are not committing long term to a particular field. You can explore a new interest or career path to see if you want to continue working in the field or explore others.
- Networking – Summer jobs allow you to start building relationships with other employees and supervisors, talk with everyone and tell them about your interests. Connect with them on LinkedIn and check in with old supervisors, they may be great references or connections to future positions.
- Saving up money – Working during the summer can help save up money for the school year, when it may be more difficult to balance work and school. Make sure to stockpile some money to get you through the semesters ahead.
Summer jobs can be great ways to get outside of the classroom and start exploring the world of work, make sure you keep your end goals in mind and make the most out of your summer job!
Katelyn Jerles
University Career Services