Start Thinking About Summer Jobs Now
The college year can be tough and chances are you’ll be ready to kick back and relax once finals are over. Or, you could find gainful employment and help your parents cover some expenses next year. There are plenty of seasonal job opportunities every summer no matter how bleak the economy is. So when the university dorms empty out and you head home for the summer, start early and arrange for a job to go to once you get there. Here are some ideas to get your started:
1. Fast food, high-end restaurants and anything in between. When the weather heats up, so does tourism. That means any and all eating establishments will need hosts, servers, bartenders and the like. Even if you’ve never worked in the food business before, it’s easy to learn and you could have a great time doing it.
2. Recreation. Where there are people enjoying summer, there are jobs. Public pools and country clubs need life guards, greens keepers and kitchen help. There are amusement parks, summer camps, beaches and the like and each one offers various job opportunities for students.
3. The world of business. Don’t discount the 9-5 office internship or receptionist gig. There’s something to be said stepping into the business world while in college and getting a taste of what it’s all about. Go through your local phone book or just drive around office parks to see what’s out there.
4. Create your own job. Do you love animals? You could market yourself as a dog walker or sitter and help keep dogs out of kennels while people take their summer vacations. Put together a brochure and post it at all the vet’s offices you can find.
In addition to working for pay, there is always a need for help in various volunteering situations. Rewards come in various forms, after all. You might find that joining an elementary reading program at the library is the perfect match for your aspirations to be a grade school teacher. Or, teaming up to build a house for a needy family might help you realize that working with your hands is right for you. Whether you work for pay or out of the goodness of your heart, filling your college summers with something meaningful is always a good idea.
Alan Greene counsels working adult students on selecting online degree programs and online colleges offering graduate programs.
