CWSL Expert: How to Land a Great Summer Job

This week, our very own John McKee, was featured in WalletHub’s “2023’s Best Places for Summer Jobs,” providing an expert’s perspective on the where, when, and how of landing a quality summer job or internship. You can read his featured section excerpted below or the full article, featuring comprehensive data about 180 job markets around the country, here: 2023’s Best Places for Summer Jobs (wallethub.com)

What tips do you have for a young person searching for a summer job / internship?

• Invite yourself to informational interviews with people who already work for employers you are targeting in your summer job/internship search. Then apply after meeting the contact who works there. Share the name of the contact you met in your cover letter to set you apart.
• Do not wait for job postings – approach preferred employers about opportunities even if they have not yet advertised.
• Be true to yourself as you seek employers that fit your personal ethos and work style. Working or interning for an employer whose mission and purpose do not align with your own values is rarely a success.
• Consult your career counseling office. Nearly all colleges, universities, and graduate schools have career development offices with staff happy to assist their students and graduates with career services.

What types of summer jobs/internships will best equip young people with the skills and experience they need to secure a full-time career after graduation?

• Regardless of the field, seek summer internship programs that offer a structured experience, with training, supervision, assessments, and feedback to equip young people with the fundamental skills and soft skills needed to compete for full-time post-graduate jobs.
• Jobs and internships that involve a project or task that can be used as a sample work product or resume accomplishment statement.
• Jobs that include a mentoring program or that regularly pair interns to shadow permanently employed professionals, allowing young interns to develop long-term relationships, references, or a strong recommendation letter.

What are the most common mistakes young people make when taking a summer job/internship?

• Inadequately interviewing the employer to probe for fitness. Interviewing is a two-way street, but many young people reflexively accept the first job/internship they are offered instead of taking time to fully explore the opportunity to ensure the experience will bring happiness and add skills and value to their long-term career goals.
• Seeking opportunities that do not align with their values. Seeking the prestige of a higher-paying job or the security of a position in a high-growth profession is not as important as long-term happiness and drive to perform a job. Young people are rarely successful if they do not have a strong value in their work.

In evaluating the best cities for summer jobs, what are the top five indicators?

• Cities with plentiful employers in your chosen field.
• Cities with a diverse and robust economy (especially if targeting that city for a post-graduation career).
• Cities trending in fast-growing professions such as technology, construction, and healthcare.
• Cities with access to professional networking opportunities within your chosen field.
• Cities with opportunities for vibrant social and outdoor summer activities.

What are some predictions for 2023’s summer employment?

• A rise in the percentage of students taking 2 part-time opportunities instead of 1 full-time one.
• Continuation of a higher number of hybrid remote internships and jobs.
• More students living with parents during summer employment due to the scarcity of affordable housing.