Chris Holman speaks with CAMW! (Capital Area Michigan Works!,CEO Edythe Hatter Williams. She discusses how with the school year coming to a close and summer beginning, many teens may be on the hunt for a summer job. - Summer is a great time for businesses to match up with students who are seeking out seasonal positions as well as internships and apprenticeships.

- Summer employment helps individuals earn money to pay for expenses throughout the school year and is a way to gain experience for future employment opportunities. If you’re on the hunt for a job, you need to make sure all your professional documents are up to date.

Your resume and application need to be a positive reflection of your skills, so it’s important to include relevant experience on your resume and have somebody assist with proofreading and feedback.

- Career coaches at Capital Area Michigan Works! can provide resume feedback, interview practice and other tips to help you find a job and excel during the interview process. For high school students, a summer job offers essential soft skills. Soft skills, such as arriving on time and having a good work ethic, are traits that all employers look for in candidates.

- If you build a good relationship with your current employer and colleagues, you never know what opportunities you may be presented or connected with.

- There also may be additional opportunities for you to continue part-time employment during the school year to earn extra money and other opportunities for advancement. As a college student, something you may want to think about is how your summer job is relevant to your college major and future career aspirations.

- What internships, apprenticeships and part-time employment opportunities will give you the experience you need on your resume?

- How will these jobs help you get a full-time job after you graduate?

- Pursuing internships, apprenticeships and other employment opportunities can help you gain vital real-world experience and can help you determine if your field of study is a good fit for you. Once you’re in a position, be open with your manager about what experience you’d like and how you’d like to grow both personally and professionally.

Managers have valuable experience and advice to help you grow. For whatever job, internship or apprenticeship you have this summer, put your best foot forward each and every day.

- Strive to learn something new or meet a new person every week so that by the end of the summer you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and have discussion points for future interviews.

- Additionally, be sure to ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. A glowing letter of recommendation can be a determining factor to help you land a future job. Visit www.camw.org to connect with the Capital Area Michigan Works! team for assistance with career exploration or hiring needs.

Capital Area Michigan Works!, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, offers services in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties at our Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte American Job Centers.

For more knowledge, news, and insights visit:

www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com