Siddharth Deshpande
Reporter
In the midst of a cold winter, most people eagerly await the onset of summer but are far from planning what they actually plan to do over the two-month vacation. But students interested in pursuing summer programs and jobs this year should probably start to plan for summer for summer now, as the deadlines for applications and other opportunities are quickly approaching.
According to Susan Carroll, coordinator of the College and Career Center the deadlines for applications to summer programs may be due sooner than we think. “Deadlines…vary, but they are generally around late winter and early fall,” Ms. Carroll said. “Summer jobs are posted in March.”
Ms. Carroll also said that if students’ are looking or ways to further their summer plans, they could begin by doing research on summer programs and jobs, “using Naviance and the College and Career Center,” she said.
However, after researching the availability of summer jobs (which can be frighteningly few), the process moves on to the task of applying. “Applications to summer programs usually require a formal application that is very much like a college application,” Ms. Carroll said, “but applications to summer jobs generally require the applicant to make a phone call, give references, and take an interview,” Ms. Carroll said.
Though the application deadlines appear to be far off, decided applicants and other summer program-hopefuls are advised to complete their applications well before deadlines. “My advice to people who are applying to summer programs or jobs is to get the application in before the deadline, senior Peter Huff said. “Sometimes they can be extensive.”
Ms. Carroll agreed that when it comes to summer jobs, the emphasis on applying early apparent. “This really is a case of ‘the early bird catches the worm,’” Ms. Carroll said. “Students who are interested in a summer job should check early and check weekly in March in order to apply before anyone else can do so,” she said. “People can come to the table later, say in May, but it is harder to find openings at that point.”
Though this application process may seem tedious, there are rewards in the end. “People should keep in mind that college applications can have places to list summer jobs and other summer activities,” Ms. Carroll said. “ And in the case of a summer job, it’s is important that the students cultivate a relationship with their boss in order to get a possible college recommendation.”
And there are ways to get around the thirty-or-so pages of applications and references. “I am applying to Camp Dudley for my fourth year of camp counseling this year, so my application is probably going to be based on past performance,” Peter said. “However, for people who are applying for the first time, the application requires a letter to the camp director about the applicant’s desire to be a leader, and on the basis of this letter, the applicant may be sent an application,” he said.
Because it’s usually not possible to do both a program and a job in one summer, students need to weigh their options. “There is a large variety of summer programs, which offer opportunities ranging from sailing to study abroad experiences.” Ms. Carroll said. “However, these programs can be expensive…job opportunities on the other hand are generally limited to field clubs and camps…”
Though applications may seem tedious, there are rewards in the end. “I’ve found the experience to be very rewarding,” Peter said, ”and I feel that filling out the application is much easier than just thinking about filling it out.”
