Is There Still Time To Find Summer Work?

summer jobs

Savvy college students understand that the work they do over the summer can lead to a lucrative job offer upon graduating from college. Those 10-15 weeks spent interning or working for a major employer can give students an on-the-job education not available in the classroom, a real primer on how business is being done today.

Perhaps most important is that summer employment is a true resume enhancer. Without it, many grads are just a number, but with successful employment under their belts, experienced grads have a leg up in the job market.

The forecast for employment this summer is mixed with some companies reporting business as usual while others are curtailing hiring. A sour economy is taking its toll, but there is still hope for those students who have yet to line up employment. Let’s examine some options for students who are looking to gain some work experience as well as to put some cash into their wallets.

Where To Look For Summer Work

Wall Street — For business students living or able to spend the summer in New York City, Wall Street employment remains the top choice for them despite a rocky market and the troubles of investment banker Bear Stearns. According to The Deal magazine (Summer Daze, March31-April 6, 2008 issue), the top business schools including Columbia, NYU’s Stern School of Business, and the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business, are reporting that the number of offers being made to their students for work this summer parallels the numbers for 2007. It seems that employers realize that they need to continue to offer summer opportunities as many of these same interns are offered permanent employment upon graduation. Previous cutbacks have hurt the companies who found themselves short-staffed when the economy rebounded.

Summer Camps — You won’t make a lot of money working at a summer camp, but for Education, Liberal Arts, Physical Education, and Sociology majors, a ten-week stint as a camp counselor can go far. Most established summer camps are usually not affected by the economy as working parents still need a place where their children can spend their days when school is closed. Increasingly popular are camps offering science and computer curriculum as parents seek to give their youngsters a leg up well before college becomes a factor.

NonProfits — Just about any student can benefit from employment at a nonprofit as most are understaffed and underfunded. Where else can a college student learn to run an entire operation then at a nonprofit? Low pay can be an issue, but with this being an election year, the opportunities to canvass on behalf of a candidate or a cause should be good.

Area Businesses — Of course, many summer jobs aren’t publicized as spots are reserved for the children of employees (ask Mom or Dad) while some companies will create a position to relieve regular staff needing a break for the summer or to handle a short term project. Contacting area Human Resources offices and visiting local businesses is another way to find work.

Summer Job Forecast

Although the number of summer jobs may not be as plentiful this summer as they were during the best years of the most recent economic boom, work is available if you are determined to find it and you are willing to consider all options. Spending a few months over the summer campaigning for a favorite politician will not provide the level of compensation a business school student can get interning on Wall Street, but it can be a resume enhancer and open doors for permanent employment once you do graduate.