Feature -- by Nexsteps Staff

Summer is here. School is finished. Wouldn't it be great to go to the beach everyday, hang out, relax and not worry. I think so. But how would you pay for things? Who would you go to the beach with if all your friends are working? As you may well know, many students obtain summer employment, make money and have a great time doing it. If you have made the decision to find a summer job, then read on and check out the ideas we have here.

We have asked around, talked to the pros and have come up with a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to finding that perfect summer job. The number one thing we heard was, Don't Wait. Get to it as soon as possible. Every day that goes by can turn into a week of lost work. The jobs get gobbled up quickly so it is in your best interest to get out of the starting gate as fast as possible. Second, be clear about what your goal is, make a plan and then follow through on it. Next, be prepared. Have resumés, cover letters and lists of places to inquire. Finally be creative. Research where there are demands for services. Think up jobs, create a business. The possibilities are endless, the rewards fruitful. Below we have listed some other points to keep in mind. Check them out, they may have the answers that you want.

A final tip to pass on involves where to find all these jobs. It has been suggested that only 25% of the jobs available are posted. That means that 75% of the jobs are found via different means. Here are some ways to discover the hidden job market. Talk to everyone you know, friends, family, teachers, etc. Tell them you are looking for work. Offer your services, you will be amazed as to what they will want and what they will do for you.

Things that you require:

1. A social insurance number (SIN).

Things we recommend:

2. A job search workshop - We offer one at YEC.
3. A resumé - We offer a resumé workshop at YEC.
4. A goal. Set a realistic goal. Know your skills. If this is your first job then consider this to be a building block.
5. Consider this list of possible summer employment opportunities:
1. Various positions at seasonal parks. e.g. Calaway Park, the Calgary Zoo, Heritage park.
2. Assist in day camps for youngsters through agencies such as the YMCA/YWCA, City Parks and Recreation, etc.
3. Various positions during the ten-day Calgary Stampede.
4. If you are 15 years or older, the Hire-A-Student Casual Labour Registry.
5. Summer positions at Hire-A-Student (292-4001), Rm #217, 510 -12 Avenue S.W. - Open May 5 - August 22) http://www.has.ab.ca
6. Self employment
   • babysitting
   • cutting lawns
   • washing cars
   • maid service
   • house/pet sitting
7. Counterperson on concession stand
8. Counterperson in fast food restaurants
9. Washing cars at a car dealership.
10. Working as a clerk or shelf stocker in a grocery or department store.
11. Working at a restaurant as a bus person.
12. Working as an usher at the Saddledome, corral, Foothills stadium or McMahon Stadium.
13. Usher and/or concession worker at the movie theatres.
14. Selling ice cream for Dickie-Dee
15. Clerk at a video store.
16. Attendant at a service station.

These are only a few of the possibilities. Check out the Youth Employment Center and Hire a Student for more ideas.