5 Last-Minute Ways to Turn Summer Slumber into Summer Success

1. Turn a Menial Job into a Learning Experience – So you think working at McDonald’s or the ice cream stand is beneath you?

How about using the business owner or manager as a coach and learning the inside scoop about running a business or franchise? Not only can students hone their business skills, but they might also bolster their college or job applications. How? Volunteer to take on more duties, like assisting with the books or marketing and outreach.

The key to getting the most out of any job is to go learn, not just to earn. If you can’t get a paying job, consider an internship or role where you can hone some skills, build relationships, learn what it’s like to work in a new environment and walk out with a great recommendation.  

2. Interview Others – Too many students (and parents) take jobs that simply come to them. How about proactively pursuing the right job?

I met with young advertising executive  who took an unusual turn to find her next career. She conducted “Informational Interviews” with professionals in a host of industries and positions to find the right next career. Yes, rather than going on an interview for a specific job, consider interviews or meetings where you gather information about a career or position. What does it take to get there?  What skills are needed? How has the industry changed the role? How is the compensation? And what are the future prospects like? Those informational meetings might also lead to your next job or internship. And, yes, they can be loads of fun.

3. Conduct a “Summer Cleaning” for Cash – You’ve heard of Spring cleaning. How about a summer sweep of those old books you’ll never use. Chegg.com, the nation’s leading reseller of used textbooks, is one place students can resell old books. Others are BookRenter.com and CampusBookRentals.com.

4. Take a Class – I just met a savvy college grad who took a web design course – a far cry from her college major -- and is now headed to Silicon Valley to make it big with her new resume kit she developed as a result.  Watch out Marc Zuckerberg!
   Seriously, taking a class at a local college can accomplish a few things. First, you might save money in tuition by getting a class or two out of the way and making sure you graduate within the traditional four years. Second, your student could build skills to help them succeed in the real world or even plan for their future career. UCLA’s Alumni Association, for instance, is now offering a summer course to help teens identify career paths, learn to network, and protect their online reputation.
   
   5. Dream, Then Head to Hollywood – Students this summer can take the first step toward reaching their career goals and have a chance to win an iPad2 and trip to Hollywood to meet America’s Favorite Principal from TV’s Glee, Iqbal Theba.

Through the national Dare2Dream challenge, students 14-21 simply create a short video about their dream (even a flipcam or cellphone video is fine).  Then, share it with friends through the summer. To learn more: www.facebook.com/superfutures

Yes, summer is quickly rolling by. See if at least one of these five summer moves can help you and your child make the most of what’s left.