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For many students, summer is the perfect time to earn some extra cash, gain real-world experience, and build new skills before the next semester starts. But with so many opportunities out there, how do you find the right summer job for you? In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common summer roles and share tips on how to land one that fits your goals.
Summer jobs are temporary, short-term employment opportunities that typically span the months of June through August. They’re ideal for high school and college students looking to gain income and experience during their academic break.
These roles can range from part-time to full-time and exist in a variety of industries—from retail and hospitality to warehousing and internships. What makes summer jobs so valuable is their flexibility and accessibility. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 55% of young people aged 16 to 24 participated in the labor force during the summer months.
Summer jobs aren’t just about earning money—they can also help you:
Whether you’re saving for college, travel, or just want to stay productive, summer jobs are a smart move.
Some summer jobs require little to no prior experience, making them perfect entry points for students. Below are a few of the most popular options, expanded to help you get a sense of what the job really entails—and if it’s the right fit for you.
Retail jobs are among the most accessible for students. Whether you’re working the register, stocking shelves, or assisting customers on the floor, retail positions offer a great way to build confidence and develop people skills. Major retailers often hire seasonal help to cover increased foot traffic, especially in back-to-school or tourist-heavy months. You’ll learn how to handle transactions, communicate professionally, and troubleshoot on the fly—all valuable experiences to take with you into future roles.
What makes retail a solid choice is its flexibility. Many stores offer part-time hours that fit around summer classes or vacations. Plus, some retailers offer employee discounts, which can be a nice perk. While it can be fast-paced, especially during peak shopping times, retail jobs teach discipline and customer service fundamentals that can translate into almost any career path later down the line.
The food and beverage industry is a classic summer job space—and for good reason. Whether you’re working as a host, busser, server, barista, or line cook, these jobs teach resilience, multitasking, and how to perform under pressure. Restaurants, cafes, and event venues often see a surge in customers during summer, making it a prime time for student hires.
The fast-paced nature of hospitality jobs helps you sharpen your communication skills and develop a thick skin. You’ll also get firsthand experience working as part of a team. One big bonus: tip-based roles can offer significant earning potential during busy times. While it can be physically demanding, hospitality work is a great crash course in time management and accountability.
If you love being outside and want to make a difference in kids’ lives, working as a lifeguard or camp counselor can be one of the most rewarding summer jobs out there. Lifeguards are often stationed at pools, lakes, or beaches and are responsible for the safety of swimmers. Camp counselors lead activities, manage groups, and create a fun, structured environment for children or teens during summer camp sessions. Both roles often require certifications like CPR or lifeguard training, but many employers will help you obtain them.
These positions teach leadership, responsibility, and crisis management—skills that are valuable well beyond summer. Plus, they’re usually a blast. You’ll spend your days outdoors, build strong bonds with other seasonal staff, and possibly get meals and housing included. These jobs are particularly great for students who enjoy mentoring or who are studying education, child development, or physical therapy.
For those who prefer structure and hands-on work over customer interaction, a warehouse role may be the ideal summer fit. These jobs involve tasks like picking and packing orders, unloading shipments, scanning barcodes, and keeping inventory organized. With e-commerce on the rise, fulfillment centers and 3PL companies often need extra help in the summer to manage volume and reduce strain on full-time staff.
Warehouse work can be physically intensive, requiring standing, lifting, and moving for long periods—but it also pays better than many entry-level retail or food service roles. Most positions offer fixed schedules, predictable shifts, and independence to work efficiently without constant customer interaction. You’ll also gain insights into the logistics and supply chain industry, which can open doors for future employment or internships.
Internships are one of the best ways to gain career-specific experience during summer break. Whether it’s in marketing, IT, education, engineering, or another field, internships allow you to explore professional environments while building your resume. Many companies offer structured summer internships lasting 8–12 weeks, and some provide mentorship, training, or even a pathway to full-time employment post-graduation.
While not all internships are paid, they often offer value in other ways—like networking, skill-building, and getting a sense of day-to-day operations in your field of interest. Paid internships are becoming more common: according to NACE’s 2023 Internship Report, students who complete paid internships receive more job offers and have better long-term job satisfaction.
Gig work allows students to take control of their own schedule and earn income on their terms. This could mean offering tutoring, babysitting, dog walking, lawn care, or remote services like social media management or graphic design. Platforms like Rover, Care.com, and Upwork make it easy to advertise your services and find clients.
The freedom and flexibility are big advantages here—you choose your hours, your rates, and the type of work you do. While it does require some self-marketing and accountability, freelancing can help you grow entrepreneurial skills and explore passions that align with future career interests. It’s also a great option if you plan to travel or have other summer commitments.
Landing a summer job that fits your schedule, goals, and interests takes a bit of planning—but it’s absolutely doable. With the right strategy, students can secure jobs that don’t just pay the bills, but also help build long-term skills or even career pathways. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Before jumping into job applications, take a moment to reflect on what you actually enjoy doing—or what you’d like to explore. Are you outgoing and energized by people? A customer-facing job in retail or food service might be a great fit. Prefer working independently or behind the scenes? Warehousing or gig work could be your best match. Thinking through your strengths, goals, and schedule upfront will help you narrow your search to roles that you’re more likely to enjoy and succeed in. This self-awareness can also help you speak more confidently during interviews when explaining why you’re interested in a particular role.
Once you’ve honed in on a few job types, staying organized becomes essential. Summer hiring can move quickly, and it’s easy to lose track of which positions you’ve applied to or when follow-ups are due. Create a simple spreadsheet to log company names, job titles, dates applied, contact info, and next steps. Organization helps you stay on top of deadlines, follow up appropriately, and avoid double-applying to the same place—all signs that you’re a responsible, thoughtful candidate.
Even if you don’t have extensive work experience, your resume can still shine with the right framing. Use your application to showcase transferable skills you’ve gained from volunteering, extracurriculars, class projects, or part-time gigs. For example, teamwork from a school club, responsibility from babysitting, or problem-solving from a group assignment are all valid experiences. The goal is to show employers that you’re reliable, teachable, and motivated to contribute.
When applying to each job, take a few minutes to customize your resume or cover letter to match the role. Look at the job posting and pull out keywords or responsibilities, then reflect those in your application. For example, if a retail job lists “customer service” and “team collaboration,” be sure your resume includes those phrases.
Don’t underestimate the power of your local community when it comes to job searching. High school career centers, college job boards, local chambers of commerce, and nearby staffing agencies often have listings specifically for student-friendly jobs. These sources also tend to feature businesses that are familiar with younger workers and willing to train on the job. For example, Starboard can help match students with seasonal roles in warehousing and logistics, even if they’re new to the industry.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with your school’s career services office. Many schools also partner with companies to host job fairs in spring. You can also check with family, neighbors, or even your local YMCA for potential leads. In many cases, small businesses prefer hiring someone they know or who comes with a referral—so put the word out and don’t be afraid to ask around.
While job boards are a great tool, many summer jobs are filled through word of mouth or personal connections. Let friends, family members, coaches, teachers, and mentors know you’re looking for work. Even if they don’t have something directly available, they might refer you to someone else who’s hiring. This kind of networking can give you access to unlisted or “hidden” jobs that aren’t posted online.
Make a point to follow up with anyone who offers advice or a lead. A quick thank-you message or email update shows initiative and professionalism, which leaves a lasting impression. You can also post about your job search on social media (like LinkedIn or even Instagram) to get more eyes on your request. Just remember: your network can’t help you if they don’t know you’re looking—so be vocal!
Once you’ve landed an interview, it’s time to make your case. Whether it’s a phone call, video chat, or in-person meeting, preparation is key. Start by researching the company so you can speak intelligently about their values or services. Then, practice answering common questions like “Why do you want this job?” or “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.” If you don’t have work experience, lean on academic, athletic, or volunteer examples to show your strengths.
Also, don’t forget to prepare a few questions of your own. Employers are impressed when candidates are curious and engaged. You could ask, “What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?” or “What are some of the biggest challenges your team faces in the summer season?” Practicing ahead of time will help you feel more confident—and stand out as someone who’s taking the opportunity seriously.
It’s easy to get tunnel vision when applying for jobs—especially if you’re chasing a specific role or company. But summer is a great time to try something new or unexpected. Maybe you hadn’t considered warehouse work or being a camp counselor—but once you’re in the role, you might discover a hidden passion or talent. Many students land in entirely new career tracks thanks to their summer job experiences.
Remember that every job teaches something. Even if it’s not glamorous, you could gain time management, problem-solving, or customer service skills that become valuable later on. Be willing to consider roles that offer flexibility, growth, or leadership opportunities—even if they’re outside your original plan. The goal is to make your summer count and come away better equipped for what’s next.
Looking for a summer job but not sure where to start? Staffing By Starboard specializes in fast, flexible placements across a variety of industries. Whether you’re seeking hands-on warehouse work, seasonal fulfillment roles, or something that fits your schedule and interests, our team is here to help.
Reach out to our recruiters today—we’ll take the time to understand what you’re looking for in a summer position and connect you with opportunities that make sense for your goals. Let’s make your summer job search simple, stress-free, and successful.
816-659-1544 | customerservice@staffingbystarboard.com | 16100 W 116th St, Lenexa, KS 66219