What if a rising sophomore is hoping to work in advertising but her summer job is working as a nanny for a family? How can a student that aspires to be an accountant make forward career progress while working a summer job as a lifeguard?
Have no fear! While the responsibilities of being a lifeguard have nothing to do with accounting, there are ways to utilize the job as a career development opportunity.
Don’t be shy
People that are in a position to make hiring decisions are always on the lookout for young talent. Summer jobs often present opportunities to make connections with more seasoned professionals that share similar career objectives and passions. College students employed as nannies, lifeguards, or any other job should take ownership over the important task of introducing themselves to 3-4 new people each week.
Just having the confidence to say hello and clearly articulate career aspirations will set most college students apart from their peers.
Ask for shadowing experiences
Most employers have core business functions that can be explored in a shadowing opportunity. Say for example a Longwood student is working for a Kroger supermarket at the checkout area in a customer service role. But also let’s say the student really wants to get into marketing or purchasing as a career path. Organizations love it when young employees express interest in other areas of the business. Longwood students should consider requesting an opportunity to shadow another team member for a few hours and learn more about their role and express interest.
Think through what a long term relationship might look like
Let’s say a rising junior is waiting tables at Buffalo Wild Wings as a summer job. Perhaps the work itself is pleasant enough but not part of the long term plan. Because it’s a large corporation, there are tons of unique roles that exist in support of individual restaurants that could make a rewarding career. Any chain store or franchise has this dynamic. Longwood students should ask great questions to managers about how the corporate office is structured.
Offer to help with a unique project outside normal job duties
One of the keys to discovering different roles out there is to say “yes” to or seek out unique opportunities to help. Managers love to hire young talent that is hungry to learn and willing to step outside their normal duties.
All jobs provide an opportunity to help discover and practice soft skills like customer service, communication, collaboration. Skills are always being acquired, no matter what the job!
At a minimum, college students should always be open to meeting new people and taking on unique challenges during summer breaks.
Ryan Catherwood
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