Don't Sweat It: Summer Jobs

by lee ann ahlskog Illustration by hannah Swann

Summertime. Filled with freshly squeezed lemonade, football on the newly cut lawn, fireworks at night- oh yeah, and work. An inescapable part of life that many college students here at VCU view as a love-hate relationship.

But that is based on the assumption that your summer job is even lined up. Finding one isn’t easy for students these days given certain limitations like seasonal employment, your location and where the job itself is. But there are certain things you can do to help boost your chances.

One is persistency with confidence. Take the initiative and follow up on your submitted application. If you hand-deliver your application, ask to speak with the manager instead of giving it to an employee to pass on. This allows your potential boss to make a facial recognition to your resume when they review it. Persistency isn’t just about one application but many. Apply to multiple locations and be willing to settle for any opportunity.

“Assert yourself,” suggests student Rachel Yonan. “Follow-up calls after completing an application are a must; even several calls if you think you have any shot.” Utilize your social network. Your job might be a connection away. “I found my job because my neighbor whom I’ve known for about twenty years is the events coordinator,” says Yonan.

Don’t be afraid to ask around, you’ll be surprised to find out how many people are willing to help you or share knowledge about an opportunity they are aware of.

What about where to search? Right away many think of going to the local movie theatre, mall, restaurant, retail store, etc but getting more creative might help. Try museums, the government, and summer specific programs. Freshman David Richardson hopes to work for the Virginia State Parks. “I’d be a supervisor for the youth conservation club,” says David. His motivation to work there lies not only because it relates to his major of biology but because “It pays well and is outdoors.”

Many students choose to work over summer because the pay is good. Those who work only during the break get a chance to save in bulk for their spending over the following academic year. For others, it’s an added bonus. “I need money to continue going to school and school is what gets you success (most of the time) and I like having extra money on the side,” explains Elisa. Some students admit money is not the only plus. “First and foremost, money motivates me to work,” says Yonan, but it’s also an incredibly fun job, thanks to my awesome co-workers.”

So when you think about what you could be doing instead of forcing yourself to wake up early one summer morning, think of what you are doing that benefits you. Then, once your shift is over, drink a glass of lemonade, call your buds to come over and enjoy your day off on summer holidays to watch fireworks. (In the event you don’t have the day off, at least remember holiday hours equal bonus pay!)