Summer vacation is here, which means most college students have a lot of free time on their hands. Instead of wasting the summer months raging every night and sleeping the next day away, you might want to take this opportunity to utilize your free time and pick up some extra cash. When seeking employment, be smart about your search and look for jobs that include some additional perks and benefits to sweeten the deal.
1. Barista
The typical sleep-deprived college student intakes a hearty amount of caffeine on a daily basis. If this accurately describes you, why not work at a coffeehouse where you can get coffee at a discount or for free? Starbucks baristas are allowed free drinks on the job and a free pound of coffee each week. If you’re taking summer classes that should be enough caffeine to fuel those late night study sessions.
2. Lifeguard
If getting a glowing tan is one of your main priorities this summer, lifeguarding is the job for you. You can kill two birds with one stone by making some money and simultaneously getting your daily dose of vitamin D. Now that’s efficiency! Look for employment and one of the pools on the UF campus or at Lake Wauburg. (Just remember there is a lifeguard certification process you must go through first.)
3. Waiter/Waitress
Working at a restaurant usually equals free food, or at least a hefty employee discount. This is appealing to students with a limited budget, or those who just don’t want to put the effort into cooking a real meal. Plus you get extra cash from tips. Part-time jobs at a restaurant are fairly easy to attain simply because there are a lot of food places in a college town. Ask around at the restaurants and cafes in your area to see which ones are hiring.
4. Movie theater employee
Almost every movie theater allows its employees to see movies for free. This is an awesome perk, especially if you’re a film junkie and love seeing the new releases right when they hit theaters. Working at a theater will save you about $10 per movie. Most places also give their employees free concession items, so you can much on some popcorn and Twizzlers while catching the latest flick.
5. Clothing store employee
If you’re into fashion and staying up to date with the latest trends, you should definitely look for a job at a clothing store. Almost every clothing store offers an employee discount on their merchandise. Gap offers 50 percent off on regular priced items and 10 percent off on sale items, plus discounts at its sister stores Banana Republic and Old Navy. These discounts will help lower the cost of that new summer wardrobe.
