School is out for summer, and if you're a college student born without a trust fund, this probably means the time to start your summer job is drawing near. However, don't despair over having to set an alarm every morning. Yes, it may feel like a drag to not spend the entire summer lounging on the beach, but it's all worth it when that first paycheck hits your bank account.
Summer jobs offer opportunities to do more than simply save up for next semester's textbooks. Whether you choose to pick apples over the summer or practice your latte art as a barista, employment offers valuable work experience crucial to future career success.
1. Expect some growing pains.
Getting into the workplace groove after hitting the books takes some time. It's perfectly normal to feel completely out of place and extremely during your first few days on the job. It's important that you embrace this feeling. After all, feeling nervous means you're not a psychopath, so you should really be glad you feel this way.
You are far from alone if the workday grind makes you yearn for the days you could sneak a quick nap in the back of the lecture hall by arranging your hoodie just right. Use this discomfort as fuel to power your future dreams. If you don't want your summer job to morph into your long-term career, you'll work twice as hard in pursuit of something better.
2. Have an objective that doesn't have to do with compensation.
Make the most of your summer job by having an objective in mind other than making money. While you don't necessarily need to work in the same type of field you'd like a career in someday, getting summer experience in a related position helps you build a better resume.
Are you studying to become a teacher? Consider working as a tutor or a day camp instructor while school is out. Are you heading into a STEM field? Sign on with a local computer repair company, or even launch your own device servicing business.
3. Practice your elevator pitch.
While some companies with more laid-back cultures may assign someone to show you the ropes and introduce you to the team, others expect you to take the initiative to get to know your co-workers. This can seem super nerve-wracking if you're an introvert. Before the first day, practice a few ways to introduce yourself and make small talk.
Trying to remember everyone's name can prove tricky if you work with a large squad. When meeting new co-workers, repeat their name back to them to help you commit it to memory. Pretty soon, you'll feel right at home in your new workplace.
4. Befriend a potential mentor.
During your first few days on the job, feel everyone out and take note of whom you particularly click with. Once you feel confident someone will be willing to assist, ask if they would help show you how to work best. Most people feel flattered when you ask for their advice and are happy to help.
A workplace mentor can help you learn the unspoken rules of the office. This can help you fit into the company culture more quickly.
5. Talk to the boss whenever you can.
Schedule a time during the first month to get together for a one-on-one meeting to discuss your career objectives. This is important if you envision a future with the company extending past the summer months, but it also makes sense if you plan to head into a different field entirely. Some employers, for example, offer tuition assistance in exchange for a future work commitment, but you may not know this if you don't ask.
6. Make a game out of the work you do.
Who said summer jobs have to be all work and no play? Making the workday into a game helps you keep a positive mental outlook. Those who have fun at work also enjoy higher levels of creativity and can think outside the proverbial box when solving problems.
Making work into a game helps keep even repetitive tasks less boring. If you're bagging groceries, turn it into a private mental game of Jenga. If you work in retail, time yourself and see how long it takes to straighten all of the clothing in your zone and try to beat whatever personal records you may have.
7. Pass on the gossip, but safely.
Having fun is one thing, but not when it's at a co-worker's expense. As tempting and juicy as it may seem, stay away from negative water cooler gossip. Part of playing the office politics game involves staying on everyone's good side, which means not discussing Barb in accounting's marriage woes.
8. Be honest about your needs.
Much frustration from summer jobs stems from failing to communicate your needs clearly. If your family vacation to Disney World falls during the second week of July, let your employer know this up front. Of course, you don't want to rack up unnecessary absences, but the best bosses understand the need for downtime.
9. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
If you're not sure how a certain policy is enforced or procedure worked, ask someone. You may feel silly asking how to use the industrial blender, but it's less embarrassing than ending up wearing a milkshake.
10. Always be humble.
Few people like dealing with braggarts. Yes, you have big dreams of becoming a CEO before reaching age 30. That's admirable, but it doesn't make you any better than the person that's happy to be running the register.
By all means, share your future aspirations with co-workers. You never know who you can make a valuable connection with. Just be sure to do so in a way that doesn't make it sound like you are too good to roll up your sleeves and get dirty when need be.
Summer jobs offer great ways for you to earn spending money for the upcoming school year, and they also teach valuable career skills such as time management and paying attention to detail. They can even serve as the first stepping stone to a rewarding career after graduation. By staying humble, remaining trainable and practicing solid people skills, your job in between semesters can turn into a future career.
