Seven Tips for Summer Job Success

Though the summer season brings a celebration of school's end, the hard work has only just begun for many students who work throughout the summer in challenging and career-building jobs and internships.

This change of scenery is an exciting time, but it can also be a crucial learning and networking period in the lives of young professionals who hope for success. So, in order to make the first few days of the new job a successful foundation for the remainder of the summer, and the rest of your career, Vice President of Human Resources at Careerbuilder.com, Rosemary Haefner, suggested a few tips on forbes.com.

1. Dress for success — Although it is usually a good idea to overdress on your first few days, Haefner suggests to be aware of the environment that you will be working in and ask your supervisor what people usually wear. "If you dress to impress," said Haefner, "you probably will."

2. Relax — Try to control nervous habbits, said Haefner. The fear of messing up can inhibit your performance and lessen your credibility, which brings us to the next tip.

3. Be confident — If you believe in yourself, others probably will too. As the old adage goes, fake it til you make it.

4. Communicate — Don't be afraid to ask questions or to share your opinions, Haefner said. If you don't know something or you are unsure, ask. It is better to ask in the beginning and do the rest of the job right, than to not ask and do it incorrectly.

5. Separate your personal and professional lives — Haefner suggested that as a new employee, you show your employer that you want to be there by focusing on your work and limiting the amount of personal calls, emails and breaks that you take.

6. Be innovative and creative — Try to bring something new to the table and don't be afraid to go out on a limb, Haefner said. Remember that sometimes the ideas that may seem crazy are sometimes a stroke of genius.

7. Challenge yourself — Set goals and show those that you work with that you're serious about what you do and want to succeed. People that you work with are willing to help you in achieving those goals and helping bring excellence to the company.

— Allie Jeppson
     Communication Specialist
     Jon M. Huntsman School of Business