Student professionals are an important part of the labor force and have a lot to offer. As of July 2024, about 54.5% of young adults between 16 and 24 years old are employed.

Although student workers are valuable in the workplace, many employers experience difficulty getting them to be productive. Sometimes employers forget that student workers might need a little bit of extra supervision.

Students can definitely succeed in summer jobs and make a positive impression if they pay attention to these positive workplace behaviors.

Be a Team Player. Get Along With Other People.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveys employers annually to find which job skills employers want from new hires. Teamwork and the ability to work well with others consistently shows up on that list. It is a job skill employers expect students to demonstrate on their resumes, in the interview and while in their summer job.

Be Respectful

Showing respect for supervisors, co-workers and customers is a good workplace habit that working college students should master early.

Manage Time

The workplace is far more time sensitive than college can be. Unlike college, there are not many opportunities to turn in late work or show up late. I am not suggesting that college students should turn in late work, but I am saying that employers and professors may react very differently to bad habits. Student workers may not get a second chance to make a first impression on the job.

Be Dependable & Show Up as Scheduled

Employers are relying on student workers to show up for work as scheduled. Their businesses are depending on it.  Sloppy attendance habits can get students fired from thier jobs.

Be Willing to Go Above and Beyond Without Compromising Safety

To succeed on the summer job, college students should demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.  If you finish assignments, ask for something new to do.  If you see other duties or tasks that you want to learn, ask your supervisor.

Be an Effective Communicator

A summer job is a great opportunity for college students to develop and using strong interpersonal and communication skills. Students need to know that even though they exist in a “sound-bite” and "texting" world, a different type of communication business etiquette is required at work. Also, workplaces of today have many generations working together at the same time. You will be expected to be a good communicator with everyone at work.

Be Visible

Hiding from work is not an option on the job. Supervisors do not want to search for their college workers who are avoiding assignments or hanging out with friends. Be professional.

Be Open to Criticism and Learn from It

Student workers should ask for feedback. Ask for clarification of instructions and ask for help. Employers prefer working with students who ask for clarification rather than make costly product mistakes or, even worse, jeopardize their personal safety or the safety of other workers.

Be Confident

As new skills are mastered, employers are very open to changing the roles of their teen workers if it will enhance overall business productivity. College students should become confident enough to ask for reference letters and recommendation letters at the end of a summer job assignment if they have done well. As college career center staff will remind students all the time, these summer job experiences go a long way when college students are looking for internships and career programs post graduation.