Here comes summer!
One thing college students know all too well is the need for some spending cash during the summer. I think some older people forget that summer jobs aren’t just for high school kids learning the value of a buck. When you’re in college and living off of financial aid, scholarships or a part-time job, you need something to pull you through those long summer months.
After all, you might not have the budget to travel around the world for vacation, but you do want to be able to afford the fun that summer brings. And for some new graduates, a permanent, full-time job isn’t the ideal thing. Teachers, for example, won’t begin work until the end of the summer. Or if you’re moving to a new city, you need to earn money between graduation and the big move.
What to do? Here are a few jobs to help you out:
Childcare workers - If you like children, get a job as a personal caretaker in a family’s home or at a childcare facility. Not only will you be doing something you like (which counts for a lot), but you’ll also be able to test the waters to see if working with children is something you could make a career out of.
Landscapers – Doing various landscaping work allows you to be outdoors in the summer sun, stay in shape, and to exercise a little creativity. Plus, there’s the fact that your work doesn’t come home with you, which lets you enjoy your summer evenings without any worries.
Hotel and resort staff – If you want to help make vacationers feel like they’re in paradise, work at a hotel or a resort. You gain some great customer service skills and you get to see how the behind-the-scenes operations are kept separate from the relaxed atmosphere for clients. (Plus, the opportunity to network with clients and earn some good tips.)
Office assistants – An office job might not be as sexy as being a lifeguard or even a resort attendant, but it’s a good way to get office experience that could directly relate to your upcoming job. You can get entry-level (or even more advanced level) experience that gives you the foundation to apply for other permanent jobs.
Sales associates – Retail jobs are probably the most popular kind of summer work, but in actuality few people are cut out for it. As anyone who’s held a sales associate job can tell you, customers are demanding, the hours can be hectic, and you might not sit down for the whole day. However, customer service teaches you how to multi-task, deal with clients of all background, and improves your verbal communication skills. It’s a rich experience that really does benefit you regardless of what job follows.
