Summer jobs are a great way to show US universities that you can take initiative and demonstrate responsibility. As spring has sprung now is a great time to explore your options and secure a summer job.

Some students may think that they need to find a job that aligns with their academic and/or career aspirations. However, US universities are not expecting secondary school students to already commit to a career! If anything, a summer job is a way to show schools another facet of your personality and highlight qualities and skills that cannot be evaluated through your school’s curriculum.

At Vela Education, we encourage students to find age-appropriate jobs at which they can take on real responsibility. This means it is better to work for a smaller organisation or company than a larger one. Though you may think working at an internationally renowned company is ideal, US admissions officers know you are most likely only shadowing someone rather than really working. Age-appropriate work may mean working in a restaurant or coffee shop, running a dog walking or pet sitting service, mentoring younger students at a day camp, or helping a charity or small company with their social media outreach. These jobs all require students to take responsibility and develop “soft skills” like working with the public, forming relationships, and collaborating with others. These are qualities US admissions officers want as they help sustain the campus community.

Vela Education advisors recommend that you do these jobs for at least three weeks! On the Common Application, you will list this job on the activities section and will need to calculate your commitment in weeks and hours. When you do this, it will be important that all your activities are substantial—thus plan on spending as much time as possible at this job!

If you have any questions about how a summer job can help your US university application, please reach out to us. A strategic consultation is a great place to start.