Looking for summer job ideas...

[New2Computers]

I guess I should start out with a little background information:

I'm currently only 17 (18 in August), and will be entering college with the intended major of computer sciences in the fall.

I've been working with computers since I was about 6. I took Computer Programming 1, 2 & 3 in high school (C++). I have worked somewhat with html and taken a basic introductory course (my high school didn't offer anything more advanced). I have taken classes for powerpoint, excel, and word. I have built 11 computers for myself, family and friends (both AMD and Intel).

I have some experience with networking (set up lan at home, and worked on school computer lab network occasionally).

I've never had a job before, and I know this doesn't exactly say I have any real experience... especially compared to the people who read this forum. Despite all of that, when looking at summer jobs, I came to the conclusion I might as well TRY to get some kind of job that doesn't involve the phrases "Would you like fries with that?" or "Paper or plastic?". Don't I have some weight over the average high school senior looking for a summer job?

I'm hoping theres something out there which pays above minimum wage and will utilize some of my skills, and which I would be able to put down as experience when applying for future jobs.

Doesn't the good student get some perks for his efforts besides after doing well in college? I've aced several AP courses this year (Economics, statistics, chemistry), and feel like there must be something better out there for me then the average mundane minimum wage job.

Any ideas where I should start is appreciated... as I mentioned earlier I have never held a job before and am not sure if I can get any further with my aforementioned skills then anyone else my age, but hopefully it can help somewhat.

 

[gopunk]

look for a campus job... those are some of the best, imo.

 

[Antoneo]

I'm in a simliar situation like you (17 going to be a freshman in collede in sept and lookin for a summer job) minus the computer programming knowlege . I got my A+ cert last year and I'm not sure if it means anything now. I haven't looked for any jobs until recently because well I had no time to do it after school with track and its senior year too. My friend is offering me his post for data entry and says custom, not flexible, hours for $8 per hour. Hmm... data entry... not very fun. Or I was thinking about going for job at Best Buy.
::sigh::

 

[New2Computers]

My mom keeps telling me best buy but everytime I go there I see someone I know, and .... hmm how can I say this nicely, they aren't exactly required to have any knowledge or skill to work there.

The guys in the computer aisles don't know how to do anything besides read the specs off the card on the shelf below the product, and I'm pretty sure they get paid jack-squat.... nothing more then a cashier.

 

[eakers]

you wouldnt believe how rewarding it can be to have a normal summer job with other kids your own age.
and by rewarding i mean fun.

just a thought.
*kat. <-- realises you want something in your field of study though.

 

[gopunk]

man i'm serious, look for a job on campus, like tech support or something.

 

[Antoneo]

Originally posted by: New2Computers
My mom keeps telling me best buy but everytime I go there I see someone I know, and .... hmm how can I say this nicely, they aren't exactly required to have any knowledge or skill to work there.

The guys in the computer aisles don't know how to do anything besides read the specs off the card on the shelf below the product, and I'm pretty sure they get paid jack-squat.... nothing more then a cashier.

That's exactly the reason why I don't want to work there either. I also feel bad that I would have to sell the people overpriced stuff. I was thinking about doing it for the employee discount... not too sure how much though.

 

[New2Computers]

Hmm employee discount I never even thought about that...

Then again all their hardware stuff is overpriced to the point where it would probably still be cheaper from newegg heh.

I guess I could always use some console games and cds or something but I'm not sure if employee discounts apply to everything, a lot of my friends who work in the mall don't get discounts on things that just came in, they have to wait a couple of weeks etc.

 

[LiLRiceBoi]

I need suggestions too. I was thinking BB because of the employee discount, but its true, you dont need to know sh!t to work there. Also seems like it would probably be pretty boring too.

 

[GermyBoy]

I'd say work somewhere that pays a lot, it doensn't matter if you work w/computers at all. But also try and take as many certification tests you can. When you're a freshman in college, you all take the same classes. Those will really help distinguish you from the other weenies in your college. Plus, make sure you get all A's in your classes. D is short for degree, but A means Academic Excellence! Never forget that, and you'll be a great programmer one day, working for a software company of your choice.

Oh, and if you really want, learn how to program Microcontrollers (like Motorola HC05/08/11/12) and maybe try to do some consulting/private person work for random companies. Just give them a call, and maybe send a resume. You'll be surprised at how many people will give you a LOT of money to do easy things. Plus, you'll be cheaper than "the expoerts" in most cases. They'll throw money at your feet.

Peace,
GermyBoy