One of the most pressing issues right now is the ballooning state of student debts across the country. Although many Americans have gotten their high school degrees and even their college diplomas, too many are mired with the student debts incurred in getting these degrees. Much of this issue lies at the feet of for-profit colleges and institutions that promise lucrative careers for their graduates.
Compounding the issue is the fact that teenagers are less likely to find employment. According to recent data, only 34.6 percent of teenagers get jobs during the summer. Although summer jobs for college students may not seem as enjoyable as spending the hot months with friends or having fun, such employment opportunities are important for securing your financial future.
But why should teenagers look for summer jobs suitable for college students? Below are some important reasons as well as five different employment options you should consider during the summer.
Why Should College Students Get Jobs?
It may seem difficult to manage life as a working student, but getting employed in summer camp jobs for teens and similar work is important for many reasons. Not the least is the fact that the average cost of getting an undergraduate degree in a public university is calculated at over $26,000. But even if you do have access to a plenty of resources or an academic scholarship, there are still plenty of reasons you should find gainful employment during the summer.
Here are a few of these reasons.
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More Budget for Fun
If you’re a college student on a budget, you can motivate yourself into getting a summer job by using your earning to defray the cost of your entertainment. It’s a lot easier for you to save up for a trip to Cabo or a weekend at the beach if you have a paycheck. Instead of making hard sacrifices with your day-to-day budget, you can set aside a portion of your salary for entertainment instead.
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Get Working on Student Debt
Ballooning debts is a burden of many Americans, one that makes it difficult to get your life as a student together. When you have a job, even one for the summer, you can start working away the debt. Even if you only earn a few hundred dollars by the end of the season, it can still make a bid difference.
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Looks Good on a Resume
A summer job, especially in a field relevant to your college degree, can make your resume look better. It can also give you the work experience you need to be better prepared for employment. For example, summer camp jobs for teens can be the boost you need if you want to pursue a career in teaching or similar fields.
Great Summer Jobs for College Students
There are myriad jobs that are willing to employ teenagers. Some jobs are even available year-round, such as home tuition or academic tutoring.
However, if your semesters tend to be stressful enough already, here are some summer jobs suitable for college students you can consider.
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Camp Counsellors
Contrary to the image conjured by slasher flicks, summer camp jobs for teens have considerably lower risk of life. The most sought-after job in a summer camp tends to be the camp counsellor, in charge of the well-being and day-to-say activities of the attendees. If you enjoy working with kids, being outdoors and moderate physical activity, becoming a camp counsellor can be right up your alley. What’s more, it may not feel like a job at all but a working vacation. Depending on the nature of your summer camp, you can swim, run under the sun and take nature hikes as part of your job.
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Teaching Assistant
Even during summer, there are professors and college departments hard at work. And these professors and departments need people to push papers, do research and go on various errands. Getting a job as a teaching assistant is usually difficult to get, but there are considerably fewer applicants during the summer. What’s more, you can use your time to develop networks with university staff and work on your own academic goals, both of which are invaluable is you intend to work in higher education.
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Barista
Probably the most stereotypical summer jobs for college students are those behind the counters of coffee shops. Being a barista can be very difficult, especially during the morning rush hour when everyone wants their caffeine. But a few weeks as a barista can teach you many valuable lessons. These include the ability to multitask, attention to detail, recalling vital information and increased hand-eye coordination.
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Office Intern
Another time-honored tradition is that of college students becoming office interns. While popular media tends to play up horrible working situations or glamorous internships, the truth is a summer internship is most likely useful in getting you used to the routine realities of your future career. The trick is to find a paid internship for the field you wish to develop in. Such opportunities can he hard to come by, but they are worth it for the paychecks and the work experience.
Freelance Graphic Designer
If you have the equipment and the talent, summer is the perfect time for you to work on your skills as a freelance graphic designer. Although you can accept commissions for graphic design during the semester, summer is when you can devote enough time to work on more lucrative projects without interfering with your studies or social life. Working during summer can also give you the time you need to develop contacts in the industry and make a name for yourself as a graphic designer.
Summer jobs for college students are important steppingstones for future careers. What’s more, they are invaluable in securing your financial future. So this summer, go out and start looking for a fun job.