It’s often easy to find a summer job as a student, but many only pay minimum wage. To make as much as possible — to pay for your education and to have some spending money left over — it’s worth searching for the highest-paying jobs. Here are a few types in particular to look out for.
IT Jobs
If your major has anything to do with computers, you’re in luck. There are a range of jobs to pursue, many of them freelance, which means you can have several clients and fit work around other commitments. It’s a great way to gain experience that could help you land a full-time position after college.
Bank Teller
By working as a bank teller, you’ll learn transferrable skills, including handling money and customer service. You’ll also show that you have integrity. Summer jobs in banks usually offer regular hours for decent pay, making them highly desirable for students.
Child Care
Parents often need to keep working throughout the summer, but schools and after school programs are closed, leaving them without childcare. For this reason, child care is in high demand — and parents are willing to pay large amounts, particularly if they have several kids. It’s best if you have some experience, whether babysitting or even taking care of your own siblings.
Camp Counsellor
Another way to spend time with kids over the summer is to become a camp counsellor. This can be fun if you choose a type of camp that matches your own interests, as you’ll be able to share your passion with the kids. If you pick an overnight camp, you’ll also receive room and board as part of your pay.
Ice Cream Shop Assistant
One type of business that’s always in need of more workers over the summer months is an ice cream shop. Although you’ll likely receive minimum wage as a sales assistant, tips tend to be high, particularly in tourist towns.
Waiting and Bartending
You can also increase your earnings from tips if you work as a server, either at a restaurant or a bar. Hours are more variable than at many other jobs and you’ll likely receive many shifts in the evenings. In fact, you could make waiting or bartending a second job along with something you do during the day.
Writing
You can pick up writing jobs from various freelance platforms. This could be ideal if you want to start developing your portfolio for a career in journalism or publishing.
Landscaping
After being stuck indoors for most of the semester, you may prefer a job that allows you to spend some time outside. Landscaping is a great option, especially if you’re physically fit (or want to be!). You’ll be responsible for mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and planting flowers.
Internships
An internship will pay at least minimum wage, but it has the added advantages that it will give you valuable experience in your field, help you decide what career you may like to pursue, and introduce you to useful contacts. Bear in mind that you’ll need to apply early because of the large amount of competition for top internships.
Save more of your hard-earned money by moving into affordable student housing. An alternative to living in Fleming College residence is Severn Court. As it’s directly across from campus, you never need to worry about arriving late to class. Plus, you’ll have your own bedroom in a fully-furnished suite, with high-speed internet and utilities included in your rent. Take a virtual tour to see everything Severn Court has to offer.
