When school lets out for the summer, students find themselves with lots of extra time on their hands. They fill their summers traveling, playing sports, hanging out with friends or going to summer school.

In addition to these activities, some students find summer jobs to occupy their time. With college ahead for many, a summer job reflects well on an application, as it teaches responsibility and initiative.

Getting a summer job isn’t always easy, according to Career Counselor Susan Thorngren. She offers assistance to students looking for jobs in the career office.
“[Students should] think about how they spend their free time and make a list of potential jobs that might connect to their interests and think about jobs that intrigue them,” Thorngren said.

Junior Katie Lowenbaum explained that she applied to multiple jobs because it can be difficult to get a one. She likes to spend her summers outside, so that’s her top priority. “You don’t get to go outside all year round, and so it makes the job more enjoyable when you’re outside in the sun,” Lowenbaum said.

Usually, when summer arrives, some students can end up just laying around with their friends. Lowenbaum said she “needs structure for [her] summer and [believes] a job does that.”

Junior Davis Ryan said, “I wanted to do something in the summer and I get bored easily, so I decided to get a job.”

Whatever the reason for students getting a job is, it often benefits them in the end. “Summer jobs are a great way to experience daily tasks and responsibilities that help students understand a little bit more about what they would like to do in a job and maybe what they realize are negative aspects of a job,” Thorngren said.

“Oftentimes, realizing what they like or dislike about a summer job can help them figure out what they are interested in as a potential career.”

Thorngren also suggests that students should apply to jobs with tasks and responsibilities that they appreciate. “If they enjoy talking to people, they would apply to a job in costumer service, restaurants, retail. If they enjoy children, they apply for a job as a counselor, coach, assistant nanny, or tutor.”

Applying with a friend can be great for summer jobs since students can share transportation and help each other prepare for the job.

“I’m applying to some of the same places as my friends and hoping that we get the same jobs,” Lowenbaum said. “But I’m not making my decision based on where they work.”

Ryan found work as a caddy at Westmorland Country Club. “I like golf a lot and I know that caddies make a lot of money and I love being outside. The money definitely is a motivation, but at the same time I love being outside and talking to all the members,” Ryan said.

A job board created by the Career Center Assistant Mary Washelesky lists job opportunities around the community for students. This is located in the Career Center and is a great place for students to start the job search.