How to Succeed in a Summer Job
Now that you’ve accepted a job offer, your plans for the summer are set, and the first wave of hard work is out of the way. But don’t relax too much: You'll need to use the skills that earned you that job offer if you hope to succeed once your summer employment gets underway.
A summer job is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate to prospective employers that you could be an asset to their team once you graduate from law school. Think of it as an audition for a full-time role at that organization.
That job must be the most important aspect of your summer. You need to prove that you’re willing to work hard to earn the career to which you aspire. Be responsive in your communications and timely in completing tasks. Don’t leave the office early on Friday to head to the beach with friends or take long lunches off-site to explore your new city. You’re there to learn and work.
So, how else can you get the most out of your summer employment experience?
First, understand how you fit into the organization. It’s a business, so how do you add value? After all, your summer employment is a two-way street: You’re there to develop your skills and gain experience, but your presence should also benefit the organization employing you.
With every assignment, consider what you’re being asked to do, for whom, and why it’s important. Being aware of who the client is — whether internal or external — and how your work will be used will help show that you understand how you can add value to the organization. This will enhance your likelihood of walking away with a job offer.
A key part of this is bringing your full self to work. You’re expected to do more than just clock in and clock out each day. Use your time in the office to cultivate relationships and network. You never know who might later connect you with a job opportunity or introduce you to a mentor.
Ensure that you treat everyone you encounter with respect and interest. Everyone plays a valuable role in the organization and in your professional development, even if they aren’t your direct supervisor. You might encounter some people with whom you don’t get along, but navigating relationships with difficult people is an important skill — not just for your professional life, but for your personal life as well.
Networking sometimes includes social outings with co-workers, managers, or clients. These occasions are a chance to show more of who you are as a person beyond the confines of the office, but you still need to maintain professionalism. Limit yourself to one alcoholic beverage (or choose not to drink at all), even if your co-workers are imbibing more. Much as you should carefully consider what you post on social media, you should also be aware of how you act during these after-hours events. Before you find yourself out on the town with people from the office, make a plan for how you want to conduct yourself.
Finally, a skill you may have to work on over time is being receptive to feedback. A common reaction is to be upset or defensive when we feel like someone is criticizing the hard work we’ve done, but professional feedback is an essential component of any job. Feedback from your supervisor or colleagues is intended to make the work you do better — and, in the long term, prepare you for success in your career.
Before you react to a critique of your work, pause for a minute and take a deep breath. Remember that the comments you’re hearing or reading are intended to help you become the best version of yourself. It’s not personal; it’s constructive.
After your initial emotions have simmered down, return to the feedback with a level head. Consider how you can fix any mistakes you made and do better the next time. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional information — engaging thoughtfully and respectfully with the feedback you receive demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow. Nobody is expecting you to do your job perfectly from day one, so as long as you commit to improving, you’re on the right track.
Now that you know what skills you’ll need to succeed in your summer job, you’re ready to prove to your employer what you bring to the table. Good luck as you embark on the start of your professional career!
Take a Moment to Reflect
You’re used to taking notes in your law school classes. Don’t stop writing once you get into the office for your summer job. Consider keeping a journal to reflect on what you’re learning.
Writing in a journal will help you think through the skills you’re being asked to use and help you see connections between your work and what you learned in your classes. You can set goals for your summer employment and your broader career, then break them down into actionable steps to help you achieve those dreams.
As you prepare for your summer job, start by reflecting on the following questions:
What is one skill I’m confident in that will enable me to succeed in my summer job?
What’s one thing I want to accomplish in this job?
What is one skill I need to work on improving this summer?
What is one question I would like to ask my supervisor?
How will this job prepare me for my next year of schooling and my career?
Over the course of your summer employment, you can return to your answers to evaluate your progress, congratulate yourself on your successes, and set new goals.