Though many students look forward to getting a break from school during the summer, those ten weeks aren’t necessarily just for relaxing. In fact, the summer can be a great time to gain experience in your field of interest and to make some money to help pay for expenses during the school year. Because the summer can offer so many great opportunities to further your education outside the classroom, it may seem imperative to land that “perfect” summer job or internship in order to get what you need from your college experience. This may make the prospect of filling the summer with something productive (and maybe even fun) daunting for some, especially when you’re supposed to do so while dealing with the stress of school work.

Well, fear not – below are some tips compiled from various sources for college students who may want great summer jobs but don’t know where to start looking.

1. Visit Career Services. Yes, of course, I had to start with this one – but that’s only because the folks at Career Services can offer you a ton of support while you’re finding, applying to, and carrying out your summer job or internship. Attend sessions of the “Internship 101″ and “Resume and Cover Letter Writing” seminars so you can get the skills you need to begin applying. And, as always, you can make appointments to see Career Advisors or Career Assistants and come in during Drop In Hours whenever you have questions. Check out LUworks for more info.

2. Tap Your Network. They say it’s not what you do but who you know that gets you ahead. Personally, I’d like to think it’s a little bit of both – but there’s no denying that one of the best ways to find job opportunities is by talking with people you know. Start with your family, friends, professors, and contacts in the field you’re interested in. If you’ve already got something in mind, tell them. They may have suggestions and know people you can contact for more information.

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