Parents
A newsletter for parents of Bethel University students
A
Slice of Campus Life
Summer Employment that Works for your Student
By Kathy Scholljegerdes, Director of Career Services
What’s the big deal about finding a good summer job?
Students may not realize that their summer job can benefit their job search when they graduate. Numerous regional and national surveys show that employers look at previous work or internship experience when they review candidates for hire.
How can students maximize their summer employment?
- Use the summer to begin exploring their gifts and recognizing interests and abilities.
- Gain experience that will enhance a future resume, and learn what work environments they enjoy (nonprofit, corporate, government, education). Their job may help them build a network to connect with future employers.
- Observe the world of work and gain a perspective on career paths from people around them. It’s a great time to develop improved written and verbal skills, and the ability to apply academic knowledge to practical situations.
What do students need to do?
- Meet with a career counselor to explore career direction and
take a vocational assessment. Attend on-campus recruiting events
such as panel discussions and employer information sessions.
Before the end of the school year, take advantage of opportunities
to talk with employer representatives at the recruiting tables
by the Bethel Post Office.
- Check the career services website for internships, summer,
and part-time employment. Students may also submit a resume to
Bethel E-Resume at http://www.bethel.edu/career-services/students.
- To provide extra polish for summer job interviews, students may schedule a time to meet with a career counselor to work on a resume and cover letter and schedule a practice interview to develop interviewing skills.
Parents play an important role in helping with students’ future plans. Career Services can work alongside you to provide additional resources to assist your student. This spring we have seen an increased interest in Bethel students from area employers. The need for entry level employees is growing, and summer jobs can set students apart as they prepare to enter the workforce.