Sweet, sweet summertime. When you’re in college, summer often signals a welcome break, a change of pace, and a wide-open space. Why not maximize this three-month span by earning extra money and enjoying a new experience?
If you’re a college student in Minnesota searching for a summer job or internship, you have an abundance of options. Yes, even more than you think. The secret is to dream big and cast a wide net. With this in mind, here are some out-of-the-ordinary opportunities to consider in your search for the perfect summer job.
(Psst: It’s also not uncommon for college students to snag summer jobs in Minnesota that pay up to $15 an hour. Score!)
How to find summer employment as a college student
Paid internships
What comes to mind when you hear the word internship? Maybe you automatically think unpaid. But that’s not always the case. In fact, paid internships are common and accessible across the country, including Minnesota.
Internships are an ideal way to build your resume, gain experience, and get your foot in the door. Not to mention, you may even be able to earn course credits and a paycheck. It’s a win-win.
Many companies and industries offer formal internship programs, such as the big four accounting firms and even Walt Disney. A quick internet search will pull up dozens of job boards. For example, over 200 summer jobs for college students in the Minneapolis area are posted on ZipRecruiter.
Additionally, if you don’t see any positions posted online, it’s not always a dead end. You can also find a list of local businesses online, and then contact the human relations office or a manager who works in your desired department. It’s not unheard of for companies to create temporary positions, and it never hurts to ask.
Summer camps
Are you an outdoorsy type? Love to work with youth? Consider working at a camp. Minnesota offers dozens of summer camp options in several categories — including Christian, academic, athletic, artistic, and more. Some of our favorites are Big Sandy Camp, Camp Jim, and Camp Victory.
As a camp counselor, you’ll gain valuable skills that transfer seamlessly to any professional workplace, especially leadership and teamwork. Other benefits include mentoring others, meeting new people, making connections, and having a ton of fun.
Search online to find specialty camps in your area, call your local YMCA, or check nearby high schools and colleges. Whether you’re open to overnight options or prefer to work during the day, many different summer camps hire counselors and coaches for the summer.
Positions on campus
Even though summers are typically slower on a college campus, there may still be some positions available. Ask students, staff, and faculty in your network and check your college’s employment site for student worker positions.
The moral of the story: You’ll never regret trying something new over the summer.
You can do just about anything for three months.
Remote work
With the recent rise in remote work and telecommuting opportunities, your summer job search isn’t limited to just your geographical area. With a smartphone and laptop, you have the world at your fingertips.
When searching online, scope out positions that allow you to work from anywhere. Jobs in sales, customer service, writing, communications, and graphic design are well-suited for remote work and likely offer a flexible schedule.
Travel
In case you suffer from an insatiable case of wanderlust, consider moving to a new location for the summer. Whether you find an internship or simply work any job you can find, you’ll gain valuable life experience and get to explore a different city or region.
Do you have grandparents who live in Alaska? Or maybe a distant cousin who resides near the sea? Ask if you can crash at their place for three months while working and playing tourist. If you have a knack for blogging or photography, you can even document your journey. You never know, it could lead to an unexpected career in the future.
Seize your summer.
The moral of the story: You’ll never regret trying something new over the summer. You can do just about anything for three months. Dream big, polish your resume and cover letter, apply everywhere, and don’t give up until you get an offer.
