It’s summertime again, and besides gasping for that first breath of summer freedom and that thing called a “social life”, it also means looking for a part-time job.

So what is the ideal summer job for you?

Ask yourself what area of work you are interested in, or what skills you think are essential for a certain career. For example, many careers involve people skills – dealing with customers in a daily face-to-face environment. Becoming a cashier or waiter would be an opportune job for developing your communication skills.

Perhaps you are interested in management? If you have any tourist hot-spots in your city, getting a job within tourist areas and understanding how the tourism industry operates could be a beneficial summer job! Don’t let the thought of having to start at a lower level position scare you away from a good experience; being able to understand how a company works from the ground up can improve your understanding of management.

Perhaps engineering is your cup of tea? Getting a job at retail technology store would be ideal. Previous Niagara Falls resident Zachary Edmonson spent a couple months in the summer acquiring knowledge working in an Apple tech support company before heading off to Sheridan college in Oakville.

“Acquiring the technological knowledge and customer service skills, as well as working independently, was a priceless experience for what I am looking to do,” Zach said.

Understanding the reality that nation-wide budget cuts have diminished the number of jobs available to students is essential when hitting the summer job market.  Be creative; even “typical” teenage jobs like fast food can be a great learning experience.  Many large fast food companies have intramural sports teams and volunteer opportunities that increase job value and learning experiences

Current Brock student Heather Long is volunteering at an after-school program called “When I Grow Up” where she is learning how to deal with different types of children.

“I set the room up and organize days for the kids, like ‘physics’ day and ‘musician’ day,” Heather said.

She usually supervises 12-13 kids between herself and one other employee. Learning how to work with children will benefit Heather in her future career as a teacher.

There can be time for some fun in the sun, but manage your time wisely! It is never too early to think ahead about what skills you think will boost your resume and get you your dream job.