How to Make the Most of Your Summer Job

If you’re reading this, congrats, you’ve secured a summer job! Now you’re probably wondering, “How do I make the most of this without feeling like I wasted my summer when I could’ve been poolside with a seltzer?”

Well bestie, you came to the right place.

And if you don’t have a summer job yet…why are you here?? Jk, check out our guides on summer jobs and internships first, then come back. We’ll wait.

Most people get summer jobs to cover essentials like rent, tuition, or everyday expenses. But if you know how to finesse it right, that barista gig or retail job won’t just secure the bag. It can also set you up for major career wins. Here’s how to make yours count.

Budget Like a Pro

Your summer job will def help you earn money, esp in this economy. But making it last (and actually work for you) means learning how to handle what you earn. 

First things first: where is your money even going?? If you’ve never budgeted before, start by tracking every weekly expense (yes, even that late-night Uber Eats). You can search for a free financial tracker online, try a budgeting app like Mint or YNAB, or even get a physical budget planner to write things down.

Once you know where your money is going, it's time to set a budget that matches your lifestyle and money goals. While there's no hard or fast rule as to how much of your summer job salary goes to what, a good starting point would be the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% needs (rent, groceries, gas, bills)

• 30% wants (brunch, Sephora hauls, sponty trips)

• 20% savings (for future-you)

If that feels too rigid, adjust it! The point is to give every dollar a purpose before it disappears into thin air. Plus, learning to budget now will help you develop financial responsibility, a great summer job skill that will help you long after it ends.

Explore Career Paths

Unless you're set on taking over the family business or following in the same footsteps as mom and pop, your summer job is prime time to explore career possibilities. This doesn't mean you need to juggle different summer jobs at once. It just means asking questions, making connections, and staying curious.

Here’s how to turn your summer gig into a mini career fair:

• Shadow different people in your workplace (ask your manager first, obvs)

• Ask around and help with projects outside your typical responsibilities

• Keep a journal of what you enjoy and what you never want to do again

• Get in touch with people in roles you're curious about

• Test out different skills to see what feels natural and what doesn't

Use this summer to test the waters. Every summer job experience, good or bad, will help you narrow down what you actually want to do. It's better to realize you don't like working with kids over the summer than after earning your education degree.

Build Your Starter Network

Besides getting a taste of actual work experience, your summer job also gives you your first-ever professional network. So, instead of cold-emailing random execs on LinkedIn throughout the summer, focus on building relationships with the people you actually see during your shifts.

The best way to strengthen these connections? Be someone people want to work with. Show up on time, do your job well, and always look for ways to be helpful. Offer to give the workplace a lil’ glow-up, restock supplies before they run out, teach that old coworker the latest TikTok dance trend. 

People remember the ones who make their lives better. So don’t just clock in and clock out. Then before summer ends, exchange contact info with the people you vibed with, whether on socials, LinkedIn, or even just a good old-fashioned email.

Don’t forget to ask questions about people’s career journeys, either. How did they get to where they are now? What advice would they give someone just starting out? And don’t let the conversation die there. Following up with a quick “Thanks for the advice!” message goes a long way in keeping those connections warm.

Learning how to create strong work relationships now will make growing your network in the future a lot easier. The world is small, so don’t sleep on building relationships.

Learn Transferable & Soft Skills

Your summer job might not be your dream job, but trust: every job teaches skills you can use later. Dealing with a Karen who needs to “speak to a manager”? That’s conflict resolution, bestie. Counting inventory every night? That’s attention to detail.

Here are some skills we recommend developing (some are even part of our Fresh Principles!):

• Communication (written and verbal - texting your friends doesn’t count)

• Time management (showing up on time is half the battle)

• Problem-solving (especially when things get chaotic)

• Owning your work (whether it’s a dub or an L, owning your work shows major integrity!)

• Teamwork (yes, this includes working with people you wouldn't choose as friends)

• Adaptability (not everything’s gonna go to plan, and that’s fine)

• Being open to feedback (prioritizing growth over comfort makes you better)

• Customer service (even if you never work retail again, these skills are gold)

Document these skills as you go and mention the specific moments where you applied each skill too. That way, when you’re at a job interview, you’ll have real examples to share when they ask about your experience. Do the same for all your work wins. Before you know it, you’ll have a resume built from your summer job experience, easy peasy.

Build Your Personal Brand (aka your resume)

Your summer job will most likely be one of the first things you’ll proudly include in your resume. Even if it feels like you're just folding shirts or scooping ice cream, your summer job experience is valuable. So don’t let it go to waste!

• Track your achievements with actual numbers (increased sales by 15%, served 200+ customers daily)

• Note any training you receive or skills you master

• Document problems you solved or processes you improved

• Ask for feedback from supervisors and keep the receipts

• Request a recommendation letter before you leave

P.S. Take photos (when appropriate) of your workspace, team, or projects to create a portfolio. Building your resume with your summer job isn’t just about listing tasks, it’s about showing the impact you made during that time.

Avoid the Burnout Trap

We get it, you want to make bank AND have a social life AND prepare for next semester. But burning out is not the move (you’ll experience it post-grad, so don’t ask for it now!).

It’s gonna be tempting to say yes to every extra shift, but overloading yourself will leave you exhausted and miserable. Set boundaries with your work hours and don’t be afraid to turn down shifts if you need a break. Also, don’t forget about self-care! Whether it’s a post-shift treat, a night out with friends, or just binge-watching your comfort show, make time for the things that recharge you.

Finding small ways to enjoy your job can also make a huge difference. Curate the perfect work playlist, bond with your coworkers, or set little rewards for yourself after tough days. And please, take your breaks. Every single one. Your body (and sanity) will thank you.

Most importantly, remember that your worth isn’t tied to how productive you are. Your summer job is just one part of your life. It shouldn’t take over everything.

One Last Thing

Your summer job isn't just a paycheck, it's a stepping stone. Even if you're just serving fries or scanning tickets, you're building a foundation of skills, connections, and experiences that will pay off way beyond this summer. So show up, ask questions, take notes, and make every shift count. 

And who knows? Maybe your summer job will turn into your dream career (or at least give you the skills you’ll need to land it).

Want a flexible job that lets you build more experience after summer? At Fresh Prints, we work with Campus Managers to give college students a chance to develop strong leadership and business skills, all while working on their own schedules. If you want to level up your resume (and your bank account), schedule a call with us to get started.