Get ready for Summer Jobs

Take advantage of the summer months to work towards the future you deserve

While it’s tempting to take the summer off from school, college or university, getting a summer job is the smart move to make.

Summer jobs are one of the first steps to independence for most young people. These jobs provide an opportunity to learn the value of money, build work experience, meet referees, develop an attractive CV and grow your professional network. The great news is there’s a wide range of opportunities with local employers or charities available for young people to reap the benefits summer work offers. It can be competitive looking for a summer job, the benefits will make your search more than worth it.

Not convinced?

Check out our 10 benefits of taking a summer job:

1. Find out what you enjoy, explore roles and careers.

Summer jobs are a great way for you to try out different occupations, working environments and cultures to find out what you really enjoy.

2. Develop ‘soft skills’ that improve your performance.

It’s important to recognise that ‘soft skills’ like teamwork, customer service, confidence, problem-solving, and leadership are the types of skills that all employers look for, regardless of industry.

3. Valuable work experience and transferable skills.

Looking at job listings, experience is often a requirement. For young people summer jobs are a great way to overcome this hurdle. It can seem like much of what you have experienced is not relevant – however, professional recruiters see ‘transferable skills’.

4. Adds value to CV and job application skills.

It’s best to get into good job seeking habits early as possible. Getting your CV and cover letter in order and practising interview techniques are key skills you’ll be glad to have down the line.

5. Score good references.

Request references from managers that you worked closely with, co-workers that trained you, or even a direct report if you were in a supervisory role.

6. Opportunity to connect with people and expand your network.

Even if your summer job isn’t precisely in the field you eventually want to work in, having contacts in any industry can be helpful.

7. Earning money…

The most obvious is, of course, the fiscal advantages. Having a little more to spend can make summer much more fun day-today – and you could even save up for a well-earned holiday or if you plan to study at higher or further education.

8. Sense of self sufficiency.

Jobs help students to develop their maturity and with it comes a sense of independence. It’s essential that you learn to make your own decisions.

9. Learn to manage work-life balance.

Students who work as teenagers get a taste of what it’s like to be an adult who is always juggling several different obligations.

10. Work on your side hustle.

It’s a competitive job market, especially for students who are aiming for careers in niché areas. If you aren’t able to get a summer job or internship at a company, consider exploring personal projects or developing your side hustle.

Working on your CV, applying for roles, and lining up interviews can all feel like hard work. And if you don’t get the job, ask for feedback and bring what you’ve learnt into your next one. Keep motivated. The pros really do outweigh the cons.

Don’t let your summer go by without taking full advantage of opportunities available to you. Learning to balance fun with responsibility is one of the greatest skills that anybody can master. And you never know what doors your summer job will open in your future…

For more information and advice visit our website: www.dywwesthighland.org

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Summer jobs opportunities published 20 April