School Out - Summer In: What's Next for College Students? Summer Job Tips

Many college students have been waiting for this faithful day when finals are over, books are returned, campus gear is packed up, and grades are passed out. Only then the sighs are heard around campuses all over the Unites States and the world. Summer has indeed arrived! Vacations are being planned, parties are arranged, and all that's left for some is the question of their day to day existence: getting a summer job. This is definitely harder for a large majority of students than it is your atypical A+ student who has a personal social network with everyone. Many students (including myself) have a pretty difficult time finding decent employment, summer or otherwise. By this I mean a job that will suit your capabilities, offer compensation in the double digits, and leave room for potential long term growth. Location is definitely vital because depending upon your local, the cost of living could be high or low, the economy may be up or down, and the opportunities may be abundant or scarce. This article gives college students five very important tips for searching and finding summer jobs that can make their resume smile with gladness. Make 2007 a prosperous year!

1. School Databases: All colleges or universities should have employment offices that overall function to place students in the job of their choice during, and after their academic career. Some students maybe looking for long term employment because of their graduation approaching while others may be looking to build their experience with a summer job. Go to your school website or go to the administration office at your university to inquire about these particular matters. In many cases, your school has contacts with several companies that need fresh minds and skills to complement their organization.
2. Networking: The old tried and true. Everyone knows that saying, "it's not about what you know. It's about who you know." Well, in this society, that rings very true. However, do not think that a friend, family member, or 'friend of a friend' will not expect you to be marginally knowledgeable about the company and position. Networking has been around since the Ice Age (just kidding-well, maybe not). Depending upon the organizations that you are joined with or the types of circles you hang around, those particular networks can be beneficial when it is time for you to look for a summer job. Also, talk to your teachers. They may be an inside source to other career avenues. Do not be afraid to ask around.
3. Careerbuilder: This site is one of the most popular recruiting sites in the U.S. Many companies post their open positions on this particular site and this gives students the opportunity to apply to various jobs all at once. Keywords are very important. For example, if I was most interested in the doing a job that suits Sociology majors, then I would search in the nonprofit sector for open employment positions. Different jobs would come up and give me the variety needed and allows me to keep my options either focused or wide open.
4. Local Employment Sites: Some companies do not use such recruiting methods as Monster or Careerbuilder. However, there are a few local employment sites that are specifically geared to recruiting from your particular region. Google should be your very best friend by now. Simply enter in the industry you are looking to work in and make sure to add the city/state that you are in and press enter. The results should be rewarding.
5. Create your Own: If all else fails, don't give up. In between looking for that special job you want for yourself, take a moment to create your own job. Entrepreneurship has certainly help many people succeed into becoming some of the most famous and wealthy people that we know today. If you are especially interested in some unique idea, make a business proposal, get people on board, and go for it!