Why you should get a summer job
With summer break coming up soon, students are ready for relaxation and summer activities. Summer jobs are part of that long list of activities. But what are the benefits of working during summer break?
Having a job during summer is a great opportunity to gain experience for yourself and your future.
“You’re doing something fulfilling, you’re working, you’re getting job experience for future things like college or your resume for future jobs,” senior Eliza Ghilzai said.
Summer jobs provide the experience that teenagers need to later on be in the workforce. Many full-time jobs require previous experience. They also provide needed lessons. Summer jobs are a great way to learn about financial literacy and money management, which are skills not necessarily taught in high school. “I feel like it taught me to be more responsible and aware of my money,” freshman Samantha Segura said.
Getting a job during the summer is also a good way to earn money. According to the County of San Mateo, the minimum wage in San Mateo County is $17.06 per hour. Sequoia’s summer break is about 10 weeks (2 months and 9 days). Working 20 hours a week at a minimum wage job equates to $341.20. “The job was a great way for me to earn some extra cash.” Segura said.
Even though summer jobs are a great way to earn money and gain opportunities, they are also a way to have fun during summer break. It makes it so easy to meet new people and make memories with others.
“Some highlights are definitely making memories with co-workers,” Ghilzai said.
Summer jobs are a great way to spend your summer break.
“You’re filling your summers with stuff to do and you’re actively participating in your community while still getting money,” Ghilzai said.
How to get a summer job
People you tell about your job search may be looking for applicants or know someone they can recommend you to. Companies post their job opening on job listing websites, social media profiles, and job-listing websites, but not always all three, so it’s important to check each.
Search
Make sure your resume is up to date, short, organized and fitted to the job you’re applying for. Include your skills, achievements and awards. If it’s easier to read, employers are more likely to look at it.
Resume
Companies want all their positions to be filled before the summer to ensure that they have enough workers, so it’s wise to submit your application before the season and apply for multiple jobs as well.
Apply
The College and Career Center sends out a weekly newsletter with job opportunities for students at Sequoia, and you can contact them in search of a job as well.
College and career center
Linkedin can log your experience, help you build your resume, and give you suggestions on jobs you might want to apply for. Accounts can be created for free, and people can follow companies and friends.
Work permits
A student can visit Ms. Woodman in the M1 office in the music wing to get a work permit to allow them to work legally. “The student, the employer and the parent or guardian need to fill out [their part] in order for me to process it,” Ms. Woodman said. “[Students] have to get the job [and then] fill out their part once they’ve been hired.” It is also important to renew your work permit. “If a work permit has expired you are no longer working legally,” Ms. Woodman said. “If [you have your birthday] before you need to renew your work permit you can come see me and then we can just reprint it. [Also] the amount of hours you can legally work changes as you get older.”
Sources
Everything You Need To Know About Summer Jobs by the Indeed Editorial Team
How To Find Summer Jobs (Plus Top Benefits) by the Indeed Editorial Team
How to Find (and Get) a Summer Job by College Ave