Why You Should Get a Part-Time Job this Summer

School’s out for the summer! Well…almost. As we near the end of winter, it’s time to start thinking about summer job opportunities. But before you begin the search, you should think first about what a part time job could mean for you now – and for your future. A part time job during the summer months can be anything. Some students may relish the idea of working in a business-type setting, while others may opt to sling snow cones. Either way, a part time job is a beneficial way to spend the summer months for a variety of reasons.

1. A way to pay for school.

First and foremost, a part-time summer job provides you with a steady paycheck. Without a class schedule and homework to keep you busy, you can devote yourself to a nearly full-time job for two months in order to make money. Those paychecks can then be saved to either help pay tuition or go towards gas money, late night pizza orders and clothing during the school year. This is, perhaps, the number one reason students seek summer employment. While it’s no doubt important, there are other reasons to seek a part-time job for the summer, which pay off in later years. Students should keep in mind that making too much money over the summer can actually hurt their chances at landing some financial aid, believe it or not. According to NerdWallet, students can make at most $6,660. After that amount, their financial aid package could be impacted; however, students would have to be making excellent hourly wages and working full-time in order to hit that figure. As you consider part time jobs for the summer, though, do the math. Make sure your summer job salary helps you and doesn’t hurt you in the long run.

2. A resume builder.

Part-time jobs enable you to actually fill a resume up with work experience, and they help get your foot in the door for an interview. Though your part-time jobs may be flipping burgers or spending summers as a lifeguard at the pool, they are experiences that mold you into an employee who can take instruction from superiors, provide helpful customer service and work as a reliable member on a team. Your working experience won’t just get your foot in the door by buffing up your resume, it can also help you successfully get another job. Hiring managers and supervisors ask a majority of job interview questions about past work experience and circumstances. These summer jobs give you something to talk about that reflects who you are as an employee. Never underestimate the value of a part-time job. Any role you serve in is a step toward building your eventual career.

3. A way to network.

You know the old saying: it’s all about who you know. And when it comes to finding a job, that rings true. The best thing you can do during your part-time job experience is meet other people – customers, co-workers and superiors alike. During your time working, you will meet people in various roles or industries that seem engaging and fulfilling to you. In the interest of your future career, connect with those people and establish a relationship. It can be as simple as saying, “Hey, I’m really interested in what you do, and I’d love to hear more about it. Can we meet for coffee or could I get your contact info so I can email you a few questions?” You will also depend on these connections as you search, apply and interview for your first full-time job opportunity. These are the people that you will list as a reference

4. A way to prevent brain drain.

Finally, one great reason to get a summer job is to prevent what’s called “summer brain drain.” Also referred to as summer learning loss, it’s what students experience when they step out of the classroom for months at a time, forget what they’ve learned and leave routine behind. With a part-time job, you can keep your mind sharp, which in turn will help you problem-solve at your job better, be more productive with your time and return to the classroom in better mental shape than when you left. All things considered, you should get a part-time job just to have something to do all summer. Fortunately, it comes with many more benefits than simply keeping you occupied.

How to Find a Part Time Job this Summer

Finding a part time job for the summer is easy. First, use a search engine like our part-time job finder that’s powered by Monster. You’ll be able to see part time jobs that are seasonal and available in your area. You can also search in your community by word of mouth. Ask family members, friends or your high school guidance counselor for ideas on where to get a summer job. You never know – your uncle could have the perfect opportunity for you. Or your high school guidance counselor could know of a program that previous students have participated in that was highly beneficial. It’s imperative to your summertime job search to create a resume now. Even if you have never held a job, you can utilize the academic and extracurricular experiences that you have had to fill your resume. You can also start prepping for the part-time job interview. Research common interview questions and answers to start. Rehearse your answers in the mirror, and then once you feel comfortable, ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview. Practicing your answers aloud will make you sound prepared when it’s time to participate in a real-time interview. It’s never too early to start preparing for your summer job. Getting your opportunity lined up sooner rather than later will ensure that you’re not scrambling at the last minute to craft a resume or practice interviewing. And you know what they say: the early bird gets the worm. With that, go get your worm! …your part time summer job!