With endless ways of making this summer meaningful, something everyone should consider is getting a summer job. Summer jobs, internships, and projects can benefit you in so many more ways than just making you richer.
1. Experience, experience, experience.
Whether your working at a job or an internship this summer, even doing something completely unrelated to the career you're working towards, there is a skill or lesson to be learned in every job you have. Whether it's dealing with complicated situations, customer service skills, or the way you treat waiters when you go out to eat, you can always learn something. Having a job or internship that's related to your job field is even more beneficial because you'll be a pro once you get to your official job.
2. Even though you’re working, you’re still giving your brain a break from school work.
If you're working, regardless of the type of work you're doing, you're doing something to get your mind off of the same old school work you're doing for 9/12 months of the year. Giving your brain something to focus on that isn't writing essays or studying for tests is great, even if it's babysitting for a few hours a day.
3. Even if you’re traveling all summer, you can still make your experiences into a form of work for yourself.
I'm not talking about waitressing or babysitting obviously, but even doing something such as blogging, picture taking, or journaling your encounters from across the globe can turn into something to do. People do it all the time, making social media your platform for your travel can be the job you love and never knew you wanted.
4. The people you meet.
They say it's about who you know, not about who you know. There is no rule that says you have to become friends with everyone you work with, however, you may be surprised at the people you meet. Working leads to resume building and great connections. Maybe your new boss will give you the best recommendations for later jobs, or your coworker just so happens to know someone high up in the industry you want to work in. The world is a very small place, might as well make connections where you can, maybe you'll even meet your best friend while you're at it.
5. Take advantage of being free.
Getting a job as a camp counselor for the summer, or a job doing something you love, is so freeing because you may not be able to do these types of things during the school year. Summers are most importantly for having fun, so if you can find a job that pays you in experience or money, doing something that makes you want to go to work, do it!
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