With summer break around the corner, students are seeking out jobs. And although the reasoning behind employment varies for each student, it can be agreed that every individual's job provides valuable work opportunities and experience.
A handful of CHS students were asked to provide an overview of their summer jobs and their tips for students interested in pursuing work this summer.
Sophomore Anuj Tandon, for example, works as a tutor for Mathnasium in Columbus, GA. Mathnasium is a national learning program for students with academic needs in the subject of math.
A normal day at work for Tandon consists of teaching math to students whose ages range from elementary to high school.
“I’m helping kids to get their desired [mathematical] results in school,” Tandon explained.
At his workplace, Tandon is able to choose the appropriate work hours to align with his extracurricular schedule.
“Most of the workers [at Mathnasium] are from schools like CHS and Northside, so they understand a high schooler’s plans and schedule.”
This is Tandon’s first year being a math tutor, but it is already off to a good start.
“The work environment is not straining, and I really enjoy helping [tutor] the kids,” he expressed.
Tandon plans to work as a math tutor for the entirety of summer break. The sophomore highly recommends working at Mathnasium for fellow CHS students, describing it as a “good job that will also look nice on your resume.”
Jason McDowell, a junior, works for Stars and Strikes in Columbus, Georgia. This is McDowell’s second summer as an employee for the company, and he expects to continue this job for future summer breaks.
“I work with a good group of people, and I thoroughly enjoy my job,” McDowell stated.
The main focus of McDowell’s job is sales. This area of work includes upselling and encouraging customers to purchase merchandise and invest in Stars and Strikes.
“I try to give customers a good deal while also making money for the company,” he explained.
McDowell’s job, though, is not limited to sales. When necessary, McDowell runs attractions like laser tag and bumper cars for birthday parties and guests. He can also be responsible for “redemption” which includes checking out tickets and restocking.
In order to meet the demands of his job, McDowell is required to interact with a variety of customers.
“Some of the funniest experiences at work have involved the customers we get,” McDowell smiled.
When asked what a student needs to consider before taking a job at Stars and Strikes, McDowell advised that a student should “be able to work in a fast paced environment.”
Overall, working a summer job at Stars and Strikes provides competitive pay and an environment to practice interacting with the general public.
Kira Adams is a sophomore who will work for YMCA this summer. Adam’s specific job is being a summer camp counselor for children.
“I look forward to working with kids, and this job will give me good working experience,” Adams explained.
Adams was specifically searching for a summer job that would not require her to work during the school year.
“I knew my job at YMCA as a summer camp counselor would be temporary, which was convenient,” Adams said.
Adams describes the management at YMCA as flexible and easy to communicate with. She recommends that students who want a temporary job should apply to be a summer camp counselor for the YMCA.
Cole Siegerdt, a sophomore, has been hired as a lifeguard for Breezeway Pool in Fort Benning. In order to become a lifeguard for Breezeway Pool, Siegerdt had to participate in a one-week training course.
The educational course consisted of physical tests, such as swimming, and the memorization of the pool rules. During this week, the lifeguards-in-training were also taught safety measures like CPR.
The required week of training helps the lifeguards become better prepared to handle the vital aspects of the job.
“We are responsible for monitoring pool water quality and protecting the safety of all the swimmers at Breezeway,” Siegerdt stated.
This is Siegerdt’s first year as a lifeguard, and he expects the job to go smoothly.
“I like swimming and water-related activities in general, and the job pays well,” Siegerdt expressed.
Siegerdt suggests that students who are willing to train and work diligently should become lifeguards.