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Should I get a summer job in college?

Author

Penelope Carter

Updated on March 04, 2026

Should I get a summer job in college?

Pros of Taking on a Summer Job
Working during the summer can help you earn money that can be used to help cover the cost of college. The more of your personal funds you put towards your education, the lower the student loan debt in your adult life. Taking on a summer job teaches you valuable life skills.

Likewise, people ask, what is a good summer job for college students?

Top 5 Traditional Summer Jobs for College Students

  • Lifeguard. Because summer is the busiest season for pools and beaches, tons of summer jobs exist for strong swimmers who are home for the warmer months.
  • Nanny.
  • Camp Counselor.
  • Sales Associate.
  • Food Server.

Furthermore, should I get a job this summer? There are multiple advantages to landing a summer job. You'll have some or extra spending money. You might make a good connection with someone in an industry you want to work in one day. And, a job can improve your college applications by showing schools you can be responsible.

Likewise, should I get a summer job before college?

Speaking of summer jobs, the summer before college is a great time to get a part-time job to help you earn money to pay for college. A summer job or internship can also provide experience, which will help you get a job after you graduate from college. Also, summer is the right time to start shopping for student loans.

Does college have summer work?

Community colleges do offer summer courses, often during two brief summer s Yes, you. The academic year, if you're at a community college that follows the semester system, will be divided into two, 14-week semesters. This works out well for the part time students who can't take more courses during the semesters.

What jobs pay the most for college students?

High-Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students
  • Administrative Assistant — $15.46/hour.
  • Dental Receptionist — $15.07/hour.
  • Orderly — $11.85/hour.
  • Office Clerk — $12.59/hour.
  • Landscaper — $11.20/hour.
  • Virtual Assistant — $15.67/hour.
  • Mystery Shopper — $8-25/hour.
  • Warehouse Worker — $12.62/hour.

What is the highest paying summer job?

If you need to make as much cash as possible, look to these highest paying summer jobs, if you can get them: What's Ahead: 1. Computer technology.
  1. Computer technology.
  2. Bank teller.
  3. Waiting or bartending.
  4. Child care.
  5. Landscaping.
  6. Ice cream shops.
  7. Camp counselor.
  8. Freelance writer.

What jobs should college students look for?

The 25 Best Jobs for College Students
  1. Nanny. Nanny jobs are popular with college students because they offer plenty of flexibility.
  2. Call Center Representative.
  3. Virtual Assistant.
  4. On-Demand Staffing Jobs.
  5. Warehouse Associate.
  6. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter.
  7. Food Service Worker.
  8. Home Health Aide.

What kind of jobs can a 13 year old get?

Can a 13-year-old get hired to work?
  • office messenger or clerk;
  • delivery person (e.g., flyers, flowers);
  • retail store clerk (e.g., music store);
  • certain jobs in the restaurant and food-service industry, with restrictions.

How can college students make extra money?

Here are 12 easy ways to make money in college:
  • Get a work-study job.
  • Tutor other students.
  • Become a driver.
  • Run errands or deliver food.
  • Try pet sitting or house sitting.
  • Become a brand ambassador.
  • Get a temp job.
  • Edit and proofread your peer's papers.

How much money can a college student make in the summer?

Given that there are about 13 weeks during the summer and 30 weeks during the academic year, a college student can work a total of about 13 x 40 + 30 x 12 = 880 hours per year. The student should be able to earn at least $6,380 per year at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Most college students can earn more.

How much do lifeguards make an hour?

How much do lifeguards make? The average hourly pay for all lifeguards is around $9.25 per hour, but will vary by experience and location. Experienced beach lifeguards can earn $16 per hour or more.

How can college students make money over the summer?

10+ Summer Money Making Ideas For College Students
  • Drive for DoorDash.
  • Become a part time pet sitter or dog walker.
  • Make money as a transcriptionist or online teacher.
  • Take online surveys or participate in research studies.
  • Get a summer job as a waiter/waitress or bartender.
  • Work a summer paid internship.
  • Apply to be a summer camp counselor.
  • Become a paid house sitter.

What are the best summer jobs?

Summer Jobs & Opportunities for High School Students
  1. Babysitter.
  2. Camp Counselor.
  3. Pool Cleaner.
  4. Career-Oriented Internships.
  5. Tutor.
  6. Movie Theater Employee.
  7. Golf Course Caddy.
  8. Mobile Automobile Detailer.

Do Internships look good on a resume?

Internships look very good on a resume. So if you are aiming for your first internship, apply to as many as you can. When you are going for your second internship, also apply to as many as you can but focus on the ones that will be most relevant to your career.

What should I do the summer before college?

So, we've got tips for making the most of this final summer before you venture into the unknown:
  1. Have a Yard Sale.
  2. Go Shopping.
  3. Visit Your Favorite Spots with Your Favorite People.
  4. Get to Know Your New Town.
  5. Connect with Your New Roommate.
  6. Schedule a Checkup.
  7. Tidy Up Your Social Media Presence.
  8. Register For Classes.

How can I get a summer job?

How to Get a Great Summer Job
  1. Check on Working Papers. Hero Images / Getty Images.
  2. Get Your References Ready. SolStock / Getty Images.
  3. Write a Resume and Cover Letter.
  4. Decide What Type of Summer Job You Want.
  5. Get Help With a Summer Job Search.
  6. Check out Summer Youth Employment Programs.
  7. Networking to Find Summer Jobs.
  8. Search for Summer Jobs Online.

What should I do before college?

Here are some tips for things to do this summer before you head off to college.
  • Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you.
  • Find a part-time job.
  • Craft a good resume and learn how to network.
  • Create a budget and learn how to manage your money.

How do you use summer wisely?

  1. Read. Make a list of books you've always wanted to read or find a list of best-sellers and give yourself plenty of reading for the summer.
  2. Take an education vacation.
  3. Take a non-academic class.
  4. Learn to play an instrument.
  5. Learn a language.
  6. Take up a new hobby.
  7. Learn to cook.
  8. Visit museums.

What should I do with my friends before college?

Things To Do With Your Friends Before College
  • Host A Big Sleepover. Throw a huge sleepover party like you did back in elementary school.
  • Plan An Instagram-Worthy Photo Shoot. Kit Junglist/Unsplash.
  • Go To Your Favorite Food Spots. Dan Gold/Unsplash.
  • Shop For Your Dorm Room.
  • Go On A Spontaneous Road Trip.
  • Throw A Back To School Rager.

What kind of summer jobs are there?

Summer Jobs & Opportunities for High School Students
  • Babysitter.
  • Camp Counselor.
  • Pool Cleaner.
  • Career-Oriented Internships.
  • Tutor.
  • Movie Theater Employee.
  • Golf Course Caddy.
  • Mobile Automobile Detailer.

Should a 17 year old have a job?

Originally Answered: Should a 17-year-old have a job? Yes, indeed it's good to start younger though like 16 or 15 if you can help it. A job is a wonderful learning opportunity for those who haven't grown up, to get them ready for life, they should learn how to interact with others on a business professional scale.

What job can a 16 year old get?

  • Grocery Store Bagger/Cashier/Stocker. Many grocery stores have jobs for 16-year-olds who are willing to bag groceries and provide customer service.
  • Retail Store Cashier.
  • Restaurant Cashier/Cook/Waiter.
  • Small Business Worker.
  • Library Assistant.
  • Food Delivery Person.
  • Data Entry Clerk.
  • Lawn and Gardening Services.

Does target hire 14?

Target sets the minimum hiring age for store associates at 16 years old. Labor laws vary by state, and underage applicants who gain employment with the establishment may need to work limited hours.

Why are summer jobs good?

Here are a few other reasons a summer, or year-round job, can help teens set up a foundation for future career success: Learn money-management skills, such as saving. Get an idea for their future career path and decide what they like (or don't like) to do. Build self-confidence and develop a sense of responsibility.

How can a teenager get a job?

These job tips will help you find the best possible first-time job given your age and lack of work experience:
  1. Know what you're getting into.
  2. Be prepared.
  3. Spread the word.
  4. Work for the experience.
  5. Consider your options.
  6. Stick with it.

Why do you want to work this summer?

Working during the summer months helps you build an attractive resume and a professional network, as well as gain some vital savings. In other words, seasonal work can improve your career skills, and your level of independence.

What percent of high schoolers have jobs in 2019?

The employment rate for high school graduates with no college attainment was 69 percent; for those with some college or an associate degree, 79 percent; and for those with a bachelor's degree or higher, 86 percent.

Should I get a part time job?

4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Taking a Part-Time Job
  • Build your own brand. Start with some self-reflection.
  • Expand your skill set. Since you are only working part-time hours, you might as well take advantage of your free time and find some new skills you want to learn.
  • Expand your role into full-time work.
  • Network with people.

Where should I work at 17?

Local Business Jobs
  • Barista. Ah, the sweet smell of coffee.
  • Juice/Smoothie Shop Cashier.
  • Front Desk Receptionist (At a Spa, Salon or Hotel)
  • Front Desk Associate at a Fitness or Yoga Studio.
  • Retail Sales Associate.
  • Waitress/Waiter.
  • Dishwasher.
  • Busser.

Do people in college get summer break?

Yes, you. The academic year, if you're at a community college that follows the semester system, will be divided into two, 14-week semesters. The academic year begins in the fall, usually right after Labor Day, and lasts until mid-December. You'll get time off for any state and federal holidays .

Do colleges give summer break?

It starts mid June (for primary and secondary schools) and ends mid September. University students have a vacation from early July to early October. This varies 2 or 3 days by school or year . The mid-term holiday is usually a week long.

What to do over the summer to impress colleges?

Here are nine summer activities to impress colleges that you could easily take up this summer.
  • Taking College Classes.
  • Completing Classes Online.
  • Getting a Summer Job.
  • Volunteering in Your Community.
  • Completing an Internship.
  • Starting Your Own Business.
  • Starting Your SAT or ACT Prep.
  • Spending a Summer Abroad.

Does Jrotc look good for college?

But what many students may not know is that JROTC teaches skills that colleges and employers want but aren't typically taught in a high school curriculum. Regardless of your military intention, JROTC helps cultivate skills that position you better for success inside and outside the classroom.

What to do to stand out to colleges?

Take the following steps to ensure that you stand out on college applications.
  1. Get to know your guidance counselor.
  2. Stay academically competitive.
  3. Take more than the state minimums for required high school courses.
  4. Take standardized tests.
  5. Ask for letters of recommendation.
  6. Submit stellar essays.