With the blur of finals week finally behind us, the annual college student ritual of searching for a summer job is in full swing.
Many students scampering home for summer are now forced to search for work.
The good news is a handful of seasonal jobs open up during summertime.
Working as a lifeguard at a pool or on the maintenance crew at a golf course are perfect paying summer jobs for college students.
However, with an influx of students searching for work to help cover the cost of their higher education, there are less opportunities for employment.
With the economy the way it is, college students are also competing against an older workforce who have been laid off.
These unfortunate souls who have been victims of the struggling economy are now looking for jobs in retail and restaurants, which were formerly filled by college students.
Not to mention, employers are looking to cut down on training costs by hiring employees who will work past the summer season.
Employers don’t want to waste the time and money training an employee who will only be working for three months.
So what is a poor college student to do when they have so much working against them?
Besides from going on a full ramen noodle diet, college students should look for volunteer work and internships.
As important as it is to relax and take that much needed break, it is more important to have something to do.
Whether or not the work is paid, having something to focus on through the hot summer days is beneficial.
The free time college students have should be focused on getting professional experience rather than their beach tan.
There are plenty of non-profit organizations that need volunteers to keep their services running. These organizations not only offer students something to put on their resume, but also improve the community.
College students should also search for internships in the field they plan to work in.
Besides from the hands-on experience, there are plenty networking opportunities that come from internships.
Internships also help college students decide whether they are in right field of work. It is better for students to find out now if they are going to enjoy their future jobs so they can change their major before it is too late.
It is also imperative college student are flexible about summer employment. Just because they have free time, doesn’t mean they are entitled to a paying job.
If you are just looking for some experience, a summer internship or volunteer work are the ways to go.
These employers are more understanding of a college student’s time frame and need for work. They will be more willing to work with students if they are working for free.
If a student’s only option is a paying job, students have to realize this is going to take a little more time and patience. There are good paying jobs out there, but they are hard to find.
Offering to continue working after summer can boost a college student’s marketability towards an employer. But, students should make sure that once the fall semester rolls around, they will be able to balance both work and their studies.
In a perfect world, the blend of an internship and pay is the best combination for a college student. Getting paid along with gaining valuable experience and networking options is the ultimate goal.
For those lucky enough to score one of these gems this summer, congratulations. The rest of us may have to be satisfied with flipping burgers at McDonald’s.
Opinions
