Summer jobs can be platforms to help launch careers. But when you’re in highschool, the stakes are much lower. Choosing a good summer job is really not that hard. It will basically be anything you can get. At this point in your life you should not be worrying about your career just yet. It’s good to keep it in mind, but the years of college will be when you really get to explore your passions and have a chance to start building the career you want. That will be a time to choose your summer jobs and internships very carefully.
Planning on College?
Now, if you are not planning on going to college, then the summer job you choose becomes much more significant. Summer jobs then take on the importance that internships hold for college students. They are a chance to explore your career and make connections in your future industry. The job you work at will be an opportunity to acquire necessary skills and an understanding of all the positions you could hope to hold in the future. It can also provide you with good references that will aid in your job search, and sources of information about your industry and job openings.
Searching for that ideal Job.
Job searching has never been easier. There are a number of job sites that have listings such as Indeed.com and Craig’s List. Federal government initiatives to help Americans find jobs have also created a number of local agencies that have job placement resources. Industries also often have industry specific job posting boards such as Bookjobs.com which lists job postings that come up in the publishing industry.
Higher Level Positions.
Many entry level positions are looking for a candidate with a bachelor’s degree and some work experience, which makes them poor options for high school students. A better option might be a summer program that is relevant to a field of interest. Serving as camp counsellors and assistants at such programs can often reduce the price of attendance, perhaps even down to zero. There is also a chance of earning money, though that is more likely if you’ve attended the program in past summers as they are unlikely to hire an unknown.
Seasonal Jobs
There are also a number of jobs that are specific to the season. Jobs such as life guarding, pool cleaning, various yard work and outdoor labor and a number of construction projects that home owners usually put off until spring or summer. Finding those jobs are often about going to the job site and asking about them. Check out the local pool to discover what their hiring policy is, or enquirer with neighbors to find out if they have any yard work or home improvement projects planned.
Keep in Mind
Remember that the search for a summer job should be fun and productive. For most, a summer job in high school is only meant to provide a little extra spending money. Summer jobs can help prepare you for a career you want later in life, but there is also plenty of time to figure that out.
Kev is a recruitment consultant from Sussex, UK and runs a popular Cabin Crew jobs board in the UK
