"Summertime, go get a job!"
Have you heard that one yet? I remember hearing that from many people when I was in High School. Oddly, it mostly came from people that I rarely saw, didn't really know what I was doing with my life, and just liked to offer unsolicited advice. I am all about maximizing the time you have during the summer because most don't. If you do have a job or will find one for the summer, approach it with the right mindset because that is how you will get the most impact.
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Here's the kicker, you don't need to work for a Lawyer, Marketing Firm, or other "cool" job to get development. Those are great opportunities, of course, but you can realize the development from working fast food or at the carwash. Use this approach, and you'll start growing faster.
Your summer job is really for your development. Minimum wage jobs are not meant to be careers. That isn't what they are meant to be. You'll find yourself moving out of those types of jobs by maximizing the time you have when you start. Understand that. Your summer job is a foundation step for your career.
Over the summer, you can develop specific skills that will help catapult your career. Accountability, organization, communication, and work, to name a few.
Accountability
Be the best at whatever your responsibilities are. They may seem small or time spent wasted to you, but you are literally getting paid to fulfill these responsibilities, so they mean something to the business you work for. If you are a cashier, never leave a till unbalanced. If you stock shelves, establish an incredible organization system. Take pride in what you do and max it out. Yes, people will tell you to "calm down, slow down, or stop taking it so seriously" but in reality you aren't truly focusing only on today, you are trying to build a mentality that will propel your tomorrow. This will help you establish a habit of accountability. That way, when you start classes again in the Fall, or move on to the next job, you are ready to maximize every class and every responsibility you have even when you know it is only short term.
Organization
Starting a new job means you'll be adjusting your daily schedule around this new role. Start planning your time so that you are never late. Fit in a solid morning routine, get what you need to get done outside of your job, but do not be late. Once you are at work, organize your flow in the way you get things done. Find the best way to work. Try new things, try new ways, improve the process. This is another habit that will give you success in school and later jobs. You'll know how to change up the way you study or take notes, you'll know how to take on new projects in later jobs. You'll be able to get more done.
Communication
No matter the job, you'll work with people. Maybe it is only the same three that you see and talk to every shift, maybe you consistently meet different people every day. Life is all people. Start practicing the skill of developing relationships with people. Great communication will present you with more opportunities than you ever thought possible. Focus on seeking to understand, help them get what they want, and let them know you appreciate them. This will help you as you later work with classmates and professors, and future people you will interact with in future jobs.
Work
More than anything, you've got to get it done! Make sure you are the employee that gets their stuff done. Even though you know this summer job is not forever, don't waste your time. You'll waste your time if you drag your feet. You'll get more out of it when you build your ability to get things done. This mentality and habit will propel you through the rest of school and you will be ready to make some big things happen when you are ready to jump into your career.
Your summer job is more than just having something to do now right? Right. Go get it done. Build yourself into a better human. Start now, and go get it.
