Kelsey Mix – Copy Editor
It’s hard enough finding a part-time job in today’s working world, but if you’re looking for a part-time seasonal job, it gets even trickier. If you don’t work during the year, you really depend on what you make over the summer and winter breaks.
The job market is still in the slumps, so finding a seasonal position is a hit or miss depending on where you’re looking. When I was a freshman looking for summer jobs, I first looked to my town.
Check out your town’s website and see what the job postings are for the summer. You can even stop by your town hall and ask for an application. If you’re looking for something that requires you to be outside or active, check with leisure services to see if they need lifeguards or cashiers at a local leisure center.
If you like working with kids, there are tons of camps all over the state and you could become a camp counselor. Although, you would have to consider whether you would want to do a half-day camp, full day camp, or sleepaway camp.
Working at a sleepaway camp is a lot more time and effort, but it’s an experience you will never forget. Becoming a counselor is so rewarding and you get to do fun activities all day, so it’s a win-win.
Sometimes during the winter, certain camps have a session for a smaller group of children and you could score a job there as well.
Although, my first go-to for winter break is always my summer job. It never hurts to ask where you work over the summer if they need help over the winter. Chances are, they will give you a few hours a week to get you through the winter break.
If you aren’t so lucky, there is always one option that most people dread, especially during holiday time: retail. There are endless amounts of stores in most areas and if you apply to multiple, there’s a good chance you could be hired as seasonal help.
Last year, I had the pleasure of working on Black Friday at Ulta Beauty in Avon, Conn. Since it’s located in a plaza with other stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Verizon, there were quite a bit of people there.
You might struggle during the holiday time in retail, but it’s worth it if you need extra money. Just make sure you have quite a bit of patience saved up for those holiday shoppers.
Retail isn’t very appealing to most, so if you’re still stumped, try hosting or serving in a restaurant. I, for one, have never considered becoming a waitress, simply because of the bad tippers and rude guests, but if you can handle that, then more power to you.
Ask restaurants or food stores in your area. If you’re hesitant about working with food, apply at smaller places like Munson’s Chocolates or Froyo World. There isn’t as much responsibility, the atmosphere is a little more upbeat, but you still get the customer service experience.
Some, like me, don’t want to put their effort into a job that won’t pay off or look good to future jobs. In that case, look online for jobs or interning positions in your desired field. Paid internships are hard to come by but before you leave for break, ask your professors and see if they have any suggestions.
Lastly, never forget to take advantage of the people around you. Ask your parents, friends, RA’s, anyone who you think would have a connection to a potential job. You never know who knows whom, and they could potentially get you an interview. Remember to be persistent yet professional and a job should come to you in no time.
