A summer job can do more than help your student earn extra cash, it can build valuable life skills, boost their resume, and strengthen their savings before the next semester. If they’re still figuring out what kind of job makes sense, we’ve listed some great ideas below. Then, explore practical tips to help them make the most of the experience.
Popular and Flexible Summer Job Ideas:
- Retail or Food Service: Local shops, restaurants, and cafes often hire seasonal staff, a great first job for building communication and customer service skills.
- Camp Counselor: Perfect for students who enjoy working with kids and spending time outdoors.
- Lifeguard or Pool Staff: If they’re certified and live near a pool or rec center, this can be a solid and reliable summer option.
- Freelance Work: Whether it’s graphic design, tutoring, photography, or writing, students can earn money doing what they’re good at from home.
- Internships (Paid or Unpaid): Even short-term internships offer meaningful experience that can pay off down the road, sometimes even leading to full-time opportunities.
- Dog Walking or Pet Sitting: Flexible and in high demand, especially in neighborhoods with working professionals or summer travelers.
- Gig Apps: Consider delivery or service platforms like Doordash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt, TaskRabbit, or even gear rentals through Fat Llama.
- House or Yard Help: Mowing lawns, organizing garages, or helping neighbors move can be a great way to earn and connect locally.
- Social Media Management: If your student is social media savvy, small businesses often look for help with posts, engagement, or simple content creation.
1. Encourage Them to Start Early
The best positions (especially those with flexible hours or strong pay) tend to fill up quickly. Help them start their search in the spring to increase their chances of finding a good fit.
2. Look for Jobs That Align with Their Interests
Summer jobs can be more than temporary income, they can also build future career momentum. Encourage your student to look for work that ties into their long-term goals, like marketing, education, healthcare, or tech.
3. Remind Them to Stay Professional
Even seasonal jobs teach lasting habits. Being punctual, dressing appropriately, and taking responsibility seriously can lead to great references or even future job offers.
4. Help Them Build a Budget
Summer earnings can go fast without a plan. Sit down together to talk about budgeting, setting savings goals, and tracking spending. It’s a skill that will benefit them long after college.
5. Set Up a Dedicated Savings Account
Encourage your student to open a separate savings account for their summer income. Saving 30-50% of each paycheck can give them a financial cushion going into the school year. If they don’t already have one, check out Climb’s high-interest savings account, it’s a great place to start.
6. Support Balance Between Work and Rest
Summer is a time to recharge, too. Make sure your student isn’t overloading their schedule and still has time for rest, friends, and hobbies.
7. Don’t Forget the Recommendation Letter
A good relationship with a summer employer can pay off down the road. Encourage them to ask for a letter of recommendation before the job wraps up, it may help with scholarships, internships, or future job opportunities.
Final Thoughts
A summer job isn’t just about earning a paycheck, it’s a chance for your student to grow, gain independence, and build healthy financial habits. With the right support and a little planning, they can walk into the next school year with more confidence and less financial stress.
Help your student reach that next level.
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*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Fees may reduce earnings. Rate is effective as of January 1, 2026. Rates are variable and subject to change at any time.
