As the end of the winter semester creeps up and the weather starts to warm, it comes time to start thinking about everyone’s favourite thing: summer jobs. There are tons of different aspects to consider when applying for summer jobs, the most important being $$$$ and experience. Do you find a job where you’re going to make tons of money, a job that you actually enjoy going to, or a job that’s going to help further your career? Since it’s nearly impossible for a student to find a job that does all three of these things, it’s important to prioritize.
If you’re someone who has money at the top of the list of summer job criteria, it’s key to look for jobs with a high hourly wage or jobs that includes tips/commission. Both options will leave you with enough money to fund a luxurious student lifestyle (AKA textbooks, tuition, and nights out), but prepare to put in the hours and the work. Jobs like painting, manual labour, and serving at a restaurant are all good options. However, if you’re looking to make serious bank over the summer, expect to miss out on the extra free time.
If you’re looking for a job that gives you an awesome summer experience, you have a little more leeway. You can look for jobs with friends, working outside, working away from home, and just about anything else you can think of. The options are endless and as long as you look early, your odds of finding your summer dream job are pretty high. Having a job that you actually enjoy going to can make or break your summer, so it’s important to make sure you aren’t stuck in a job you absolutely hate for the next 4 months. However, if you choose experience over money when picking a job, be prepared to be a little more frugal during the year and accept having to skip out on extra events, bar nights, and meals out.
The other aspect to consider when choosing a job is whether it will help your long-term career goals. While summer jobs that actually provide you with valuable work experience in your desired field are often hard to find, if you get your hands on one you should definitely hold onto it. Finding a job in your field, even if only as an intern, will not only offer valuable experience for future positions, but it will give you a taste of what it’ll be like to work in that field. Unfortunately, jobs like this don’t often give you the desired amount of pay or free time, so you’ll need to make some sacrifices.
While most of us would love to spend our summers relaxing poolside and getting up to various shenanigans with our friends, most of us don’t have that luxury. You might as well find a job that you’re going to get the most out of!