Making the Most of a Part-time Job

College students everywhere are scrambling to secure the junior (and sometimes sophomore) year internship.  Internships can help solidify career goals, can provide invaluable work experience and industry knowledge.  But not all skills are developed from internships.  Part-time jobs can also help college students develop the marketable skills that are in demand and are often overlooked by students.

For example, a part-time job in a restaurant enables the student to demonstrate customer service, the ability manage multiple priorities as well as the ability to solve problems quickly, skills that are required in any number of careers.  The college junior who couldn’t find a part-time job and started a car cleaning service shows initiative and entrepreneurship.

To maximize the payoff from a part-time job, students should first define the job they are ultimately seeking. The next step is to identify the skills required to land that job. For instance, if the goal is an entry-level position in sports marketing, a part time job at a health club can work. They may start with checking in members, but could offer to provide assistance in coordinating member events.  This would let you demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to multi task as well as proven experience in events planning, all of which are required for a career in sports marketing.

Part-time jobs also demonstrate a work ethic.  Topping the list of “attractive” qualifications from college graduates is a work ethic.  Employers want to know if the candidate can work: can they take direction from someone; can they show up on time; are they willing to do whatever it takes to get a job done.  These traits are critical and never more so than now when employees of all levels are being asked to multi-task.

College students and recent graduates need to identify these skills on their resumes and cover letters and be able to articulate them in a job interview.