The Perks of Having a Summer Job

Working this summer could mean more than money in your pocket.

June 2010

Ah, summer. Your plans are to sleep in, hang out with friends and forget about school for the next couple months, right?

But if you’re planning to apply to college in the next few years, you might want to add something else to your summer “to do” list – get a job.

Work experience - paid or un-paid – can beef up your resume and boost your opportunities for scholarships and competive college programs. College scholarship programs and admissions departments look at work experience as a way to find out more about you, your character and your abilities. Even a job that you might not think is beneficial or glamorous can help show admissions representatives and scholarship reviewers that you are determined, hardworking and capable of multi-tasking.

But before you dive into the classifieds, think about the types of careers that interest you. Thinking about majoring in art? Look for a job at an art gallery, art supply store, museum, or even check out a summer art camp. Getting experience in your area of interest is priceless. It will save you time and effort if you can get hands-on experience in your desired field before you even step foot on a college campus.

No paying jobs in your field nearby? See if you can shadow someone who has your “dream job” this summer. Sure, you may not get paid, but think of the interesting things you’ll get to do and learn.

Are you volunteering at a camp or other summer program? Don’t worry. That’s work experience, too! You don’t have to get paid to gain the skills that come with work experience. When you volunteer, you’re not only getting “real world” experience, but you’re doing it to help your community and to make a difference. That definitely scores you points on college entrance and scholarship applications – and will make you feel good, too!

Need some help finding a job or volunteer project? CFWV.com has information about careers that can help you find areas of interest. And the resume builder and interview prep tools on the site can help you get ready for your interviews.

Keep in mind - it’s not a good idea to load up on extra activities or work if you have other things that need your attention. If you’re taking a summer course or working with a tutor this summer, you might not want to take on more responsibilities. The key is to make sure you're doing something that will help you grow - academically, socially, and creatively - each day.

Additional Information and Resources

Bored? Check out our list of ideas for killing time and having fun.
Check out the career tools at cfwv.com.