US President Barack Obama’s daughter Sasha Obama hit headlines after she was pictured working at a restaurant serving food as part of her summer job. Photographs revealed Obama’s youngest daughter donning the restaurant’s uniform, as she stood by the counter, taking orders. Back home, a businessman in Gujarat sent his 21-year-old son all the way to Kochi to work for one month at odd jobs to make him learn “life skills.” Life coaches we spoke to give a thumbs up to these instances, as they explain why part-time jobs prove to be a highlight on the résumé.
Parenting expert Freyaz Shroff observed that starting young helps students understand the core values of responsibility and work ethics. She says, “Starting young means that students will learn the value of money, and spend it responsibly. Plus, it will help them work in the real world. A successful completion of part time or summer jobs show that you are a committed individual, willing to work hard to achieve your goals.”
Learn real business skills
Interning at a workplace — even if it is a job in the company’s bottom rung — instills a sense of responsibility in the employee. Showing up on time and meeting deadlines inculcate develop useful skills. Life coach Chetna Mehrotra says, “Students should make it a culture to work part time or full time jobs during vacations. This will immensely benefit them since they will learn professionalism, which helps in the long run. Taking consistent feedback from their employers will also help students understand what is expected of them. These real-world challenges will teach students important lessons about problem solving, and team work — something that is important in any industry.”
Twenty-year old Sachi Jain volunteered at an NGO last year. Today, she admits that her three-month stint has helped her get out of her shell. She says, “I never thought that someone like me could become responsible. These jobs help you put your skills to practical use. This experience has made me better prepared for the future.”
A self-esteem booster
Life coach Khyati Birla says that summer jobs often boosts one’s self-esteem. “Summer jobs are a great tool for personal development,” she says. “It helps students find their real place in the world. This improves one’s self-esteem. This experience helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where they need to improve.”
A chance to network
Having summer jobs does come with its share of opportunities too, since they give students a chance to develop connections. The boss, manager or co-worker are perfect individuals to list as references for the future, or even a full time job. Chetna says, “These jobs help students become self-reliant and widen their social network. In the long run, references matter a great deal, and having a part time job, will help students meet the right people in the industry.”
