Photo by Jason Joyce
Many businesses, organizations and non-profits hire college students for summer internship programs. You can get acquainted with some of these people by attending job fairs. North Lake’s Career Services holds a job fair every semester.
You are not alone. Most college students find that the financial responsibilities of college life require them to work part- or full-time over the summer months. Often, students choose jobs based on convenience or availability. We know these jobs provide financial assistance and learning experiences, but do these jobs provide you with the best job experience for your resume and your future career?
Whether you are working towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, employers are looking for college graduates who not only have an education but also have work experience in their chosen field before they graduate. As a student, completing employment in your career field is a great way to impress your future employers.
Your first and second years of college are great opportunities to find part-time and entry-level work in the career field you ultimately want to work in after college. Choosing to locate these jobs in your field will give you several advantages.
First, by working in an environment with professionals in occupations you want to obtain in the future, you can see if you like the job duties/responsibilities, and if you think the occupation and/or career field is worth your time in college. This gives you an opportunity to “try-on” the job to see if it is a good fit for you.
Secondly, you can begin to make connections and network with professionals in the field. You will learn realistic and practical knowledge about the occupation, as well as possibly developing relationships with professional who may write a recommendation for you in the future. Having a recommendation from someone in your career field is one of the best references you can have as a job seeker.
Thirdly, by having a list of jobs on your resume in your career field, you show future employers you are committed and dedicated to your field and that you are working steadily to have a future in that career field.
Start researching open positions that fit not only your education and skills, but your future career plans as well. For example, if you enjoy working with children and plan on a future in childhood education, you might consider working for a summer camp program, local day care, or pre-school. If you plan on working outdoors for a career or planning to work in athletics or kinesiology, you might consider contacting the local parks and recreation of your city or local fitness facilities for job opportunities.
Also, many local businesses, organizations, and non-profits hire college students for summer internship programs. Consider contacting businesses and organizations and ask if they will be hiring for any internship positions for this summer.
Snagajob.com, a Web site with hourly job opportunities, advises students to start looking now for summer jobs. This site reports that over 76 percent of employers hiring students will have filled their summer positions through May. Also, many college students who have left the Dallas area to attend college will be returning home for the summer in late May and early June. These students will be looking for employment when they return. Use this information to your advantage and beat the rush by applying for summer jobs now.