6 Best Summer Jobs for College Students

College students have certainly outgrown their lemonade stand days but many still thirst for professional experience as they pursue their degree. Summer breaks present the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of vocations, gain valuable experience and earn some cash. And according to Stanford News, summer jobs for college students actually help boost academic performance in the classroom and encourage better thinking overall. Here are six ideas for college students who are looking for a job this summer.

1. Be a Camp Counselor – This job is often described as the most difficult choice for a college student but can be one of the most rewarding summer jobs imaginable if you enjoy kids and nature. Regardless of the location or type of camp, working with youth campers is sure to be memorable and allows college students to spend time outdoors away from the normal grind of academia. Returning to college in the fall knowing that you impacted children in a positive way will provide self-fulfillment that will get you through those long nights of studying. According to the American Camp Association, college students who become camp counselors learn skills such as communication, problems solving and creativity. You can choose from thousands of locations and narrow your options down according to your interests.

2. Seek out an Internship – Although internships can be more challenging to obtain, they are an important step in any college student’s academic career. Most colleges encourage students to take part in an internship to reinforce the concepts learned in class, and it is no secret that interning gives your resume a boost that recruiters seek out when evaluating potential employees. In a recent study, Forbes revealed that 60 percent of all internships eventually lead to job offers, so college students should seek out internships in their specific field of study to get a jump-start on their career.

3. Sign up to be a nanny – Becoming a nanny or a babysitter is a perfect summer job because the need is so great. College students can provide an invaluable service to the family they serve. After all, during the summer months, parents need help while they are at work each day and their children are on summer vacation. As a nanny, your pay will be commensurate with the number of children in the family, their ages and the extra duties you are contracted to perform around the house such as laundry and light cleaning. A nanny’s hours are generally flexible and there can even be time during the day when you can study, depending on the family’s needs.

4. Train to become a lifeguard – Being a lifeguard pays well, but can come with some challenges, such as being exposed to the sun, manual labor and the stress that comes with being responsible for swimmers’ safety. The American Red Cross requires completion of CPR and basic lifeguard course. Lifeguarding offers the opportunity for college students to be outdoors, make friends, assert authority and learn valuable life-saving skills. 

5. Become a fitness trainer, instructor or coach – As a fitness instructor, you can stay active while making money at your local gym or recreation center. There are loads of classes you can teach if you are qualified, such as yoga, cycling, Pilates or kickboxing. You could even coach a local recreational sports team. Recreation centered jobs give college students the opportunity to earn as they play, make memories, bond with others, stay in great shape and spend time outdoors while earning a paycheck. 
6. Pitch in by volunteering – For some, making money during the summer is necessary, but if you are lucky enough not having to focus on monetary rewards,  consider volunteering. Working at a non-profit can be one of the most fulfilling ways to spend your time and provides valuable work experience and ample networking opportunities. Volunteering fulfills an altruistic need and will be a valuable addition to your resume. According to a study conducted by Deloitte, more than 85 percent of those involved in hiring decisions believe resumes that include volunteer activities are more impressive than those that do not.