Summer and Part-time Jobs
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More than just a paycheck - Money + Experience
Rather than obtaining summer or part-time employment strictly for the extra (or perhaps necessary) cash, utilize this opportunity to make the most of the position by acquiring important experience or skills at the same time. What is your ultimate career goal? Once you have the answer, or at least a general direction, you can then investigate which type of experience will help you reach that goal. Summer or part-time work can also help you learn about different fields and whether or not they're the right fit for you.
Consider:
- Transferable skills. You may view waitress and sales jobs as unrelated to your career goals, yet think in terms of skills that you develop in one position that may be applied to other positions and environments (i.e., managing multiple tasks efficiently, teamwork, providing customer service).
- Internships. Employers are often looking for upper level students but it doesn't hurt to investigate. There is a training/educational component in an internship that may not be present in a part-time or summer job. Internships are options even if not for credit; they are still valuable sources of information and experience.
- Combination of paid + unpaid summer experiences. Complete a 3+2 program: 3 days unpaid (for experience) + 2 days paid (for paycheck). Finding both in one job is the most ideal combination!
Before beginning your search, clarify your objectives:
- What are you looking to get out of a summer or part-time job?
- What do you enjoy doing?
- What are you good at?
- What would you like to learn more about?
- What work experience would enhance your qualifications for future career opportunities?
Once you know more about what you're looking for, check out:
- Part-time Job Binder. Located in Career Services, this binder contains both off and on-campus listings.
- Geographic & Career Directories. Located in Career Services, these resources can help you identify types of companies/organizations by geographic area or career field, which can help you pinpoint companies/organizations to target for employment.
- Summer Season Opportunities. In the Northern U.S., various opportunities open up during the summer that other climates have year-round. Many of these opportunities revolve around the weather, and hence, the outdoors. Consider the travel/tourism industry, camps, amusement parks, national parks, outdoor summer programs, restaurants, etc.
- Parents' Employers. Some companies have openings for relatives in the summer or part-time during the semester. Talk with your parents or the Human Resources department at their workplace.
- Temp Agencies. Depending on your skills and the kinds of positions you're interested in, these are a good source of employment that can pay well. These types of agencies specialize in short-term assignments. Some well-known agencies include Accountemps, Manpower, Kelly Services, and Snelling Personnel Services.
- Internet sites
Job Search Tips Plan early! Especially for summer positions, don't wait until May to start looking. Not only does that reduce the amount of time you can spend working (and the money you'll make), many places - especially those in high demand - will select their summer staff well in advance. If you wait until you return home, you may be competing with several other students in your area who are also looking for work. To begin working a part-time job at the beginning of the semester, get that lined up in advance as well. Like summer jobs, you may be competing with more students if you wait until your arrival back to campus.
- Network. Talk to a lot of people and let them know of your interests and employment needs. Drawing upon your network of contacts (i.e., family, friends, & professors) can be helpful in finding a position.
- Utilize
Career Services resources. Some specific resources you may wish
to consult include:
- Summer Jobs for Students
- Summer Jobs binder
- Part-time Job Binder
- Internet Resources
- Other summer job/internship books depending on field
| Contact Us | |
| Science Library G-50 | Phone: 518-437-4900 |
| Fax: 518-437-4906 | Email: career@uamail.albany.edu |