Summer is filled with plenty of opportunities to have a great time with friends and family while enjoying the beautiful sunshine. Unfortunately, a lot of the activities that are available for college students require the one thing that so many people lack: money. If that situation sounds too familiar, it may be time to start looking for a way to fund all the activities that could help make this the best summer ever. This is where the classic summer job comes on to the scene. Summer employment does not have to be regarded as a necessary evil, or even a great hassle, for that matter. There are plenty of enjoyable opportunities that allow college students to make money while still having agood time.If working outside in the nice weather sounds ideal, make it a point to look for a job that keeps employees out of the air conditioning. The typical summer job for someone who enjoys being out in the sun is a lifeguard. Although it is necessary to get certified for this position, this has to be one of the best jobs around. The entire day can be spent soaking up the sun while keeping a watchful eye on all types of people. The local YMCA offers certification classes during the month of May for anyone who is interested. If swimming is not appealing, there are plenty of other jobs that allow students to stay outdoors. Camp counselors interact with children of all ages while getting the unique opportunity to bond with other workers their own age.
Some people may enjoy more labor-based employment such as being a landscaper, a painter, or a construction worker. Finally, a few students are lucky enough to have an amusement park in their hometown, and these people have an enormous source of employment opportunities. Jen Miller, a freshman studying studio arts, lives in Elysburg, Pa., which is home to Knoebels Amusement Park. She says, “The park motto is ‘fun, food, and fantasy,’ so how could it not be a good time? Basically, I get paid to have fun with most of my friends from my hometown.”
On the other hand, if air conditioning is the main criteria for an ideal summer job, there are still lots of chances to have a good time. One of the most popular places to find seasonal employment is a restaurant or bar. Many college students make money by waitressing, bartending, cooking, or bouncing. The work can be stressful, but the money is usually worth it. Junior communications studies major, Jessica Pulcinella, said, “I love bartending because the money is easy, and the environment is exciting and fun.
Some nights I can make well over $100 in an hour.” Jessica has bartended at Brownie’s 32 East and Jocylnns, and she is currently in the process of obtaining her summer job at 32 Degrees. These are just a few of the hundreds of places in the area that can provide jobs for those interested in working in this type of environment. For those students who would like to work at a slower pace, there are plenty of places looking for summer help. Retail environments, such as clothing or shoe stores, can provide a laid-back atmosphere and some great employee discounts.
West Chester University has several positions available to those students who will be staying on or near campus during the summer months. A few positions, such as those for the fitness center, are already filled, but Sykes is still looking for applicants for other jobs around the building. The bookstore has signs advertising summer jobs for anyone who is interested, and there are several positions open for Union Assistants at the front desk. Leigh Pesko is a Kinesiology major who works at the Sykes Fitness Center during the summer break, and she encourages others to look for employment on campus as well. She said, ” It’s alwaysfun to work in a fitness-oriented environment with people who you will interact with during future semesters. It’s fun, easy, and quick money.” There is also the opportunity to be an orientation leader for incoming freshmen. This position can be rather competitive though so it is necessary to have a real commitment to the job.
For many people, it is more important to begin building their resume instead of their bank account. Fortunately, there are some companies that give these students the opportunity to do both. There are plenty of internships, both paid and unpaid, that are offered during the summer. They allow students to gain some real world experience in their chosen field. For example, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a program that allows students from a variety of majors to enter a managementtraining program as interns, and eventually work their way up to possible full-time positions.
This is a paid internship that can be done at many of the Enterprise facilities. If living away from home sounds more appealing, there are internships available all throughout the US and beyond.
No matter what preference one may have, there is a summer job that will allow for both financial and emotional growth. But always remember: after long days of working hard, do not forget to go have some fun with that well-earned cash. After all, college only lasts so long, and the chance to enjoy this freedom is something that should never be overlooked.