Summer Job Insiders

1. What was your summer jobs title?
I work as a landscaper and general lawn maintenance worker.

2. How long have you worked in that job?
Every summer in some fashion, since I was 14 until now. I'm currently 22.

3. What are your favorite things about the job?
The exercise kept me in shape, I got to take some creative liberties in some designing tasks, and I love being outdoors.

4. What were your least favorite things about the job?
The heat during the summer.

5. On a typical day, what were some of your responsibilities?
We do mowing, edging, weed-eating, clean up, and then general care of other attributes of the lawn like hedge trimming.

6. What are some of the characteristics you need to success in this position?
Good work ethic and a sense of artistic direction for the landscaping projects. You can't mind the heat, either.

7. Has this job helped you learn what you want to do as a career?
Yes, it made me realize just how important an education was so I don't have to do this job the rest of my life. It may be good for some people, but not for me. I guess you can say, having this job helped show me what I don't want to do.

8. What advice would you give to someone looking for a summer job in landscaping?
Find a good company to work with, work hard, and drink lots of water during the day!

1. What does your summer job entail?
I work for a local caterer. On a day we have an event, I go in about two hours early to help do prep work like chopping vegetables. I also go along to the events and help to serve the meals.

2. Was it hard to get this job?
No. During the summer, they need more help because there are more events, like weddings and parties. It is a perfect job to grab just for the summer, and my boss doesn't mind that I don't work during the rest of the year.

3. What are your favorite things about this job?
I actually really like the prep work. Some people find that part boring, but I like working with the food. It's a possible career path for me in the future.

4. What are you least favorite things about this job?
Cleaning up after an event. We mostly use paper products, but at fancier events, we use regular plates and silverware. We have to do dishes, and even if we use paper products, we still have stuff to wash from cooking the food. No one really likes that job, but someone has to do it.

5. What made you first become interested in taking this job?
Honestly, it was what was available at the time. I don't have a car, so I needed a place where I could walk to work. This was one of my only options. It just so happens that I like going to work!

6. What advice would you give to someone who wants a job in this position?
Ask about a job early. I applied in May and began working Saturdays while I was still in school. College students come home from school earlier than us high school kids get out for the summer, and they take the good jobs if you don't start applying early in the year.