Finding the Right Student Summer Job
Three things to consider when looking for a summer job
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Nothing’s a better reward for a year’s hard work in college than a summer job.
On second thought, many, many things would be a better reward: money, cards, ice cream, a pat on the back… But after you’ve ripped open the cards, cashed the check from Grammy, and dripped ice cream all over your shirt, you’ll need to figure out how you’ll continue to fund your summer adventures. Here are some things to consider when you’re looking for a seasonal job that will keep you swimming in dough (and the pool) all summer.
1. Your location
It seems obvious, but you’re going to need to decide where you’re going to be over the summer. Are you staying close to school or going home (good luck adjusting to Mom and Dad’s rules again, yeesh)? Maybe you’ve got your annual family beach trip in July. These are all things a prospective employer is going to want to know. For the most part, if you want to get a good summer job, you’re going to need to be available for most or all of the summer.
2. Your schedule
Whether you’re staying in a dorm, apartment, or with your roommates (translation: parents), you’d do well to give some thought to when you’ll be able to work. Know when school starts back up, know when your vacation is and know what your summer school schedule is (if you’re unfortunate enough to have to go to summer school). Maybe you need evenings off to catch fireflies and eat snow cones (we aren’t here to judge). Managers need to know your availability to make a schedule that fits your needs and theirs.
3. Your goals
Maybe your goal is to get paid as much as you can while doing as little work as possible. If that’s the case, someone should give you a diploma right now (tell ‘em SnagAJob approved it). You might have more lofty goals, like getting a job related to your major, or finding a job you can keep all year. Whatever it is, keep your end goal in mind while you make your decision about where you’re going to work.
What we’re really trying to say here is that you need to know yourself before committing to summer employment. Be honest about what you can and can’t do, and you’ll be much more likely to get (and keep) a summer job for as long as you want to have it.