Posts published on June 7, 2012

Three College Student Summer Job Strategies

Guest Blogger: Lauren Bailey

The semester may be long over, but that shouldn’t give students the ok to just bum around this summer. It’s important to use this time-off effectively in order to help you stand out among a sea of applicants once the career job hunt begins. What are the three main components employers are looking for in an ideal candidate? Strong communication skills, an effective team worker, and someone with a positive attitude, according to the latest report from Millennial Branding — a Gen Y consulting/research firm. While most of these traits are something that is gained over time via experience, you can help speed up the process and increase your chances of solidifying a job offer come graduation time by participating in the following activities this summer.

Score a Summer Internship

Experts say that earning at least two internships throughout your college career can substantially help you pass the “experience” portion needed to satisfy most entry-level positions. But getting an internship isn’t enough—you need to ensure that your internship is fulfilling and you actually walk away with more knowledge and information about the industry than before. It’s ok if your intern advisor makes you go on coffee runs, but you need to take the initiative to get the most out of your internship too. Ask to sit-in on meetings and assure your intern advisor that you can take on more responsibility if it seems as though he or she is only giving you grunt work. By all means do the grunt work too, but be proactive in making your internship a true learning experience. The tasks and responsibilities you take on during your internship can really help you shine come job application time. Most organizations and companies have already selected their interns for the season, but if you cold-call and are really enthusiastic about it, you could score a summer internship—or at least save you a spot for the fall.

Start your own Business

If you struggle trying to get an internship, another great way to get some real world experience and demonstrate your work ethic and ambition is to create your own start-up project related to the industry you are pursing. Even if it doesn’t really go anywhere and all you make is the business plan, putting your ideas to paper is a great way to grab a potential employer’s attention. Some employers really admire entrepreneurship. So create a mock magazine, create a new website where students can trade/sell textbooks, or maybe start a photography business.  As long as it pertains to what you want to do in the future, it will most certainly help.

Participating in Career-Related Volunteer Work

Lastly, volunteering is an excellent way to demonstrate team work, philanthropy, and meet some individuals that can write you stellar letters of recommendation. While dedicating your time to serve your community will look good to any employer, if you manage to find a way to practice your skills in your direct field even better. For example, if you’re a journalism or public relations major ask if you can do field work and write the monthly newsletter. Or, if you’re a graphic design major, perhaps you can revamp the website or create fliers. Find a way to build your experience repertoire while still giving back to the community.

This doesn’t suggest that students can’t enjoy their summer, but taking the initiative to make sure career goals are met is a great way to spend a good portion of the season.

Lauren Bailey is a freelance blogger who loves writing about education, new technology, lifestyle and health. As an education writer, she works to provide helpful information on the best online colleges and courses and welcomes comments and questions via email at blauren 99 @gmail.com.