- Take an Internship
Internships with the right organizations are a whole lot more than running coffee errands and picking up dry cleaning. Today, interns work in teams and with top executives to do more than just get their feet wet. Some internships give college students the experience and challenges they need to truly get a feel for a role in a company, and they often lead to employment upon graduation.![Image via Pixabay by Sprachschuleaktiv]()
If you do take an internship, consider the job description more than the money you’ll earn. You may find an internship that offers housing, meals, extracurricular activities, and true hands-on experiences. These types of internships are often much more valuable than those that offer interns the top dollar. Search online for internship opportunities, speak with your professors, advisors, and department chairs, or contact your career services staff to help you find the internship that is just right for you. Start the “networking process” at this point in your life. Consider an Entry-Level Job in Your Future Field
College graduates often choose entry-level jobs in their future fields, that way they can get a feel for the industry and start to make connections before they graduate. For instance, if you plan to go into nursing, it would be ideal to take a job as a part-time filing clerk, medical transcriptionist, or receptionist for a local hospital or doctor’s office. Some hospitals and nursing homes also offer summer programs to certify people as nursing assistants.- Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
College is your last safety net, so you should take advantage of this time and go outside your comfort zone while you are able. In this way, you can explore new opportunities and take some chances. Look for part-time or summer job opportunities outside of your major. You will gain new experiences to pad your resume, and you’ll widen your networking circles. Consider a summer job at a country club so you can get to know local businesspeople. Inquire about job openings at the local government or courthouse offices. Or you may even have the passion and inspiration to start your own business. You may just find yourself interested in a field you had never before given a second thought, or able to make a job out of something you enjoy doing as a hobby.
- Take Advantage of Seasonal Work
Seasonal work is great for college students who are home on break for the summer. If you enjoy being outdoors, consider lifeguarding for a public pool or beach or private community pool. Another option is to identify landscapers or lawn services that are advertising for summer help. These seasonal outdoor positions put you in contact with scores of people and provide a wealth of networking opportunities.Don’t overlook seasonal work opportunities that become more needed as people travel for vacations. Often times, hotels and restaurants require more summer help, as do summer concert venues and sports complexes. You may be able to work as a member of the wait staff or hosting crew, or as a member of the security or ticket sales teams. Think about the businesses in your area that become more crowded in the summer, and you’ll soon find places that are hiring seasonal workers.
- Become a Bartender
If you are a social person who loves the bar scene, you should consider becoming a bartender. College students often make quite a bit as bartenders, thanks to the tips, and they often don’t mind the late hours. You’ll have to determine the type of bar that is best suited to your personality, and maybe even which bar may help you network for your future career. You never know!When searching for a job as a college student, it is important to consider your ultimate goal of obtaining the job. If you want to network and build connections, there are some jobs that are better suited to that goal than if you want to gain experience in a field outside your major. Whatever your reason for searching for a job, be sure that you give yourself the freedom to explore your options and determine which one is right for you.
College students often hold down jobs while getting their degrees to help them cover tuition costs, living expenses, textbook fees, and many other things. While searching for part-time or summer jobs, some college students realize that they are drawn to certain industries or fields that they hadn’t necessarily considered when choosing their major. College is a fantastic time to decide where your passions lie, and searching for jobs that will help you choose a correct path is a great start. Here are some job search tips for college students to begin their career journeys.
Image via Pixabay by Sprachschuleaktiv
Erica Francis works with ReadyJob.org to help young adults and graduates transition into the work force, and get prepared for their career paths. She is dedicated to providing helpful resources that young people may not have otherwise. Aside from her passionate work at ReadyJob, Erica likes to spend time getting involved in theater and riding horses.
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