Establish a goal 

Identify your goals and aspirations, keeping in mind that they may evolve over time. Consider what you want from your job: 

• Make money 

• Get career-related experience 

• Develop new skills 

• Develop networking opportunities 

• Have fun and/or adventure 

• Test out a career interest 

Align with Your Career Goals 

• Connect your current job to your future goals. For example, if you work in customer service, look for ways to contribute to other projects that align with your desired career path.  

• Every role helps you build valuable, transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.  

• Capture these experiences for your resume and cover letter to demonstrate how they align with your long-term ambitions. 

Capture transferable skills 

• Identify skills gained from your part-time or summer job that are transferable across various industries.  

• Review job postings to see which skills are in demand and how your experience matches.  

• Use accomplishment statements rather than just listing tasks, showing how you’ve applied these skills successfully. 

Build your confidence 

• Confidence is key to career success. Use your job to learn new skills and collaborate with colleagues, which will boost your self-assurance.  

• Track your progress and reflect on your growth.  

• If projects feel overwhelming, break them down into manageable steps and reward yourself for each achievement.  

• Confidence grows as you see your accomplishments. 

Stay connected 

• Your part-time or summer job can help expand your professional network. 

• Build strong working relationships, thank your employer for the opportunity, and maintain connections on LinkedIn or other platforms. 

• Staying in touch with former colleagues and supervisors can lead to future opportunities. 

Request references 

• Request permission before using someone as a reference and keep them informed when you do.  

• Share your updated resume and details of the job you’re applying for to help them prepare.  

• You can also request LinkedIn endorsements or recommendations from former supervisors and colleagues.