Sumertime...
and the livin aint so easy!
FINDING THE PERFECT SUMMER JOB
The summer break is of course a
great time for you to hang out at
the beach. However, its also a great
time for you to pursue interests and
gain experience through paid or volunteer
jobs, internships, and other activities.
And don't forget, college admission
officers see meaningful summer activities
as a demonstration of commitment and
responsibility.
One of the best ways to find opportunities
is simply by asking people you know,
a.k.a. networking. Start with your
parents, friends, teachers, counselor,
and relatives. If you've already got
something in mind tell them. They
may have suggestions you haven't thought
of, and may know people you can contact
for more information.
Here are some suggestions to help
you start your brainstorming:
1. THINK BIG
The world's a big place; see if
you can come up with an idea to match.
Start thinking about what you would
really like to do. For example, do
you enjoy the outdoors and hiking?
Look into becoming a counselor in
training at a summer camp or getting
a job at a national park - almost
all of them hire summer help. Of course,
you'll have to get permission to range
too far from home, but don't limit
yourself. See how crazy an idea you
can come up with. Let someone else
say, "no."
2. THINK ABOUT CAREERS
If you already have an idea about
a career you'd like to pursue, summer
break is your chance to test the real
thing against your expectations. You
may be anything from an aspiring attorney
to a would-be bookstore owner. Start
by calling up businesses and organizations
that are related to your interests,
and find out if they need any help.
Even if they're not hiring, they may
have suggestions you can use to continue
your search. Consider pursuing a paid
or unpaid internship..
3. THINK ABOUT CREATING YOUR OWN
JOB
During your job search you're likely
to come across a potential employer
that just can't afford to hire you.
If you're really interested in working
there, offer your services for free.
The job skills you gain may be worth
their weight in gold -- just as you
pay college professors to teach, work
experience can be equally valuable.
Treat unpaid jobs and internships
as you would a paid position. Be on
time, pay attention, and work hard.
In return you'll get great skills,
a glowing recommendation, and maybe
even an offer of a paid position down
the road.
4. THINK ABOUT CREATING YOUR OWN
BUSINESS
Being your own boss definitely has
its rewards. Be warned though, it
can be hard work, too! But don't let
that scare you off if you really want
to try going it on your own. There
are lots of potential small businesses
you could try to create. For example,
if you know a foreign language, people
may pay you to teach them how to speak
it. Or, if you're good with plants,
you could spend the summer as a landscaper.
Start calling people now and see if
you can line up a few clients.
5. THINK ABOUT GETTING MORE INVOLVED
Consider more exploring the interests
you pursue during the school year
more in-depth. If you have a job that
really interests you, consider asking
not just for more hours but more responsibility,
to expand your experience and knowledge.
Sticking with one organization or
job gives you depth and breadth --
and shows you've made a real commitment.
6. THINK ABOUT NOT GETTING A JOB
Colleges, of course, like to see
that students have kept busy doing
something constructive with their
summer vacation, but that doesn't
necessarily mean you have to have
a traditional job. Maybe you're really
into acting or dance or sports and
you want to devote your full-time
energy to formally developing those
skills. Not only are there special
programs out there, but most colleges
will allow high school students to
take an actual college class.
7. THINK ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Spending a summer pitching in at
a local charity is a great way to
learn about life and yourself. And
it can help you develop leadership
skills that will last a lifetime.
For more information on finding that
perfect summer job log onto:
www.collegeboard.com
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