Summer is an exciting time for a lot of reasons! Now you can add “getting a summer job” to the list! In fact, summer brings a huge surge in job opportunities. Think tourism, agriculture, warehouse jobs, or even retail. If you can find a position that matches your skills, schedule and salary requirements, you can set yourself up for a better opportunity ahead. And if you don’t like it, at least it’s only temporary! Here are four reasons you should consider a summer job.
A summer job is better than having a gap on your resume and it gives you the chance to develop a new skill. A gap on your resume never looks good. It’s a red flag to most hiring managers and you’ll have to explain what you did those three months. But if you take a summer job, no matter how beneath you it might seem, you have the chance to earn some extra dough and prove that you’re a hard worker, not content to just sit around. And don’t forget about those transferable skills—time management, organization, punctuality, teamwork—that you’re enhancing while you work. Those are skills that appeal to any future employer.
A new job gives you the opportunity to impress a new supervisor, boss, or co-worker. Show how hard you work, that you take initiative and can add value to any company. Have a stellar attendance record, show up early and be willing to stay late from time to time. Seek out additional responsibilities and tasks, accept feedback graciously, and always look to learn more. Be friendly, courteous, and professional with everyone around you-you never know who might be able to help you secure your next job.
A summer job can be like an internship. It’s the chance to test out a new career field and see how certain jobs actually function. And it’s easier to accept a different knowing it’s only temporary. If you love it, great, seek out some contacts in that industry and see if they can help you find something permanent. But if you don’t like it, you can walk away from it in a few short weeks and cross one potential career off your list.
If you like the company you’re working for, there’s a good chance it could lead to a full-time job, something bigger and better. Even if they’re not hiring right away, you’ve at least made a connection that could hooks you up with something long term. At the end of your term, thank your employers and let them know how much you enjoyed your time there. In the meantime, soak up everything you can about the company culture, goals, and structure to see if they’re really the best match for you.
For more information on how to take the next step in your career and find your dream job, explore these jobs and apply today!