Launch Your Career with a Summer Job

Career World, April, 2001 by Constance F. Mudore

This summer, don't just make money--further your career goals!

Elona Kiefer's eyes light up when she describes how she spent last summer. She was part of a construction team on an organic dairy farm. Her days were filled with dry-walling, welding, framing, and cement work.

"The best part was that the adults working with me respected my problem-solving," she says. The Sauk Prairie (Illinois) High School senior is exploring architecture as a possible career. She feels that the practical experience she gained from her summer job was invaluable. Elona says, "I'm considering designing buildings, so I thought it was important to get in on the ground level and see how things actually work."

If your idea of a summer job is flipping burgers just to make a buck, think again. Like Elona, you might be able to gain both cash and experience this summer that will help you with your future career.

A Stepping Stone to the Future

"There are many ways a summer job in a field you're considering as a career can be a stepping stone to the future," says Laurie Busse, a business education teacher at Elona's high school. "For starters, you gain confidence along with communication and other interpersonal skills. You gain a network of contacts and a mentor who may help you now and in the future.

"I've helped a lot of students get summer jobs. I know the bonds many of them have formed with their mentors have been lifelong," Busse adds. "Even if you discover that the career you thought you wanted isn't quite right, you won't have wasted your time."

After all, you might not have discovered until you were a college senior that teaching wasn't your thing, if you hadn't taken that summer job teaching judo.

Ruling careers out, as well as in, is all part of finding the right occupation.

Finding Your Strengths

How can you find a job that advances your career goals if you don't know what you'd like to do?

Because the ideal job is one in which you get paid to do something you're good at and enjoy, it's important to recognize your values, skills, interests, and achievements. (See "10 Tips," pages 6-10.)

There are also many career resources available on the Internet that can help you assess who you are, where you're going, and how to get there. For example, the Career Center Web site at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (career.uwsp.edu) has many helpful links. You might also try cx. Bridges.com, an Internet-based career development system that allows you to explore different careers and map out a career plan.

In addition, your school's guidance office can help you in your career search. Most offer interest inventories, career counseling, and other assistance. Visit your counselor and find out how he or she can help.

Where the Jobs Are

Once you have an idea of what you'd like to do, how do you find a summer job? Amanda Brickl, 17, obtained hers through her high school.

In her junior year, she enrolled in a class called Junior Business Co-op. She was placed in a job at a bank; she worked part-time during the school year, earning cash along with experience and course credit. The job turned into full-time work at the bank during the summer.

"During the summer, I had many more responsibilities. I was treated like a regular adult employee," Amanda says. "I gained important skills by working with the public as part of a team--things like being willing to ask questions and listening. Being employed at the bank confirmed for me that I enjoy the work and will stay in the business field."

Another way you can land a good summer job is by networking. (See "Networking Your Way to a Great Job," pages 23-25.) Networking is letting everyone know you are looking for a job that will further your career. Tell your parents, neighbors, teachers, counselor, relatives, friends, and your rabbi or minister. They can give you valuable leads.

In addition, make a list of local employers, nonprofit businesses, and service organizations. Contact those where you might want to work.

Rob Schindler, 16, says: "I knew I wanted to work with low-income kids over the summer, but I didn't know how to find a job doing that. I talked to my guidance counselor. She suggested I contact several organizations that sponsor summer camps for inner-city youth. I got a job working at a camp offered through a nonprofit agency."

You also can get ideas by browsing through the Yellow Pages or using Internet resources such as www.jobweb.com. In addition, many schools and communities have summer job fairs where employers may interview and hire on the spot. The local newspaper and your guidance office will have information about these.

Reference guides like Peterson's Summer Jobs for Students list positions offered throughout the United States, and also in Canada and other countries.

Know the Rules

Employers are subject to both state and federal laws that regulate the types of employment teens can have. Laws also govern the times of day and number of hours teens can work per week. In cases where state and federal laws conflict, the stricter law is the one that is enforced.