Summer has always been associated with going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and having no obligations. However, when you’re in college, it’s also a terrific way to earn money that you can put toward tuition or use as spending money once the semester begins again. Here are seven excellent summer jobs for college students.
1. Server
A lot of college students who are home on break tend to prefer working as servers. Working in a restaurant (or a catering hall) isn’t the most enjoyable profession in the world, but it pays well. If you can return to the same restaurant every summer, you’ll be familiar with the job and be able to fit right in with the rest of the staff.
Try to get a work as a caterer if you want to make consistent money regardless of your tips. Servers who work in catering halls get paid more per hour because the tips are inconsistent.
Although the labor is physically taxing, taking orders and remembering the menu is a breeze because the same items are served every night. Just be prepared for long days; caterers typically work weddings, and shifts are usually at least six hours long (expect to get asked to work a lot of doubles, too).
2. Lifeguard
If you don’t want to look for summer jobs because you don’t want to be away from the beach or the pool, becoming a lifeguard will give you the best of both worlds. You’ll not only enjoy a great view, but you’ll also get a great tan and meet new people.
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You can work at a beach, resort, day camp, or country club after completing a certification course offered by your local YMCA or Red Cross. Consider becoming a camp counselor if you want this type of summer work but aren’t a skilled swimmer. Or do both and earn twice as much!
3. Nanny (or Pet Sitter)
Working as a nanny for the summer is a terrific way to get your foot in the door if you want to work with children in the future. Many working parents require assistance once their children have been out of school for a few months, and you will almost certainly receive free housing and board.
You effectively get paid to play with kids in a great place for a few of months if you snag a nanny gig for an affluent family in a cool holiday spot. Nannies can earn up to $20 per hour!
Remember that some folks require nannies for their pets as well! If you enjoy animals (and the one you’re sitting is well behaved), being a pet sitter is a terrific job. Some pet “parents” are willing to pay a higher price to have their favorite dog pampered and guarded.
4. Bartender
Bartending (or bar-backing) is an excellent job if you don’t mind working late. The hourly fee is low, but if you work at a busy bar, you’ll more than make up for it in tips.
To make the most of your stay there, try to get weekend and nighttime shifts. If you have no prior bartending experience but want to learn, look for a restaurant that will hire you as a bartender and teach you the ropes. After one summer of bartending, you might want to try your hand at a few more.
5. Hospitality Representative
Summer is a busy season for tourists, therefore a lot of hospitality jobs become available, especially if you reside in a touristy area. Check with local hotels, restaurants, resorts, and attractions to determine if they require additional assistance during the months of July and August. Many of these occupations are well-paying, and many of them provide tips. You’ll also require a diverse group of people from all throughout the country.
6. Construction
If you enjoy working with your hands and don’t mind building things, a construction profession could be a good fit for you. Construction jobs range from highway work to excavation, and include both commercial and residential projects. Before applying for a job, be sure you’re physically capable of doing it; it requires a lot of stamina, energy, and strength.
7. Intern
A paid internship is the best job you can have as a college student. Not only will you earn some cash for your savings account, but you’ll also gain experience in the field of your choice, which will look fantastic on your resume. You might create some contacts that will be useful once you graduate.