Internships, Side Hustles, and First Jobs: Helping Your College Student Gain Experience

March is the perfect time for college students to start thinking about summer opportunities. While summer might seem far off, the best internships and job opportunities fill up quickly, and planning ahead ensures they won’t be scrambling for options once the semester ends. Whether they’re looking to build their resume, gain professional experience, or earn extra cash, there are plenty of ways to make the most of their summer break.

One inspiring example is Kelsey Mikula, a former zoology student at Liberty University. What started as a simple side hustle—reselling second-hand clothing—completely transformed her financial future. By sourcing items from thrift stores and selling them on platforms like eBay and Poshmark, Kelsey was able to pay off $80,000 in student loans and eventually earn an average of $12,000 per month. Her success proves that with a little creativity and determination, students can turn small side gigs into life-changing opportunities.

Here’s how you can help your college student find the right summer opportunity and set them up for success.

Why Summer Experience Matters

Summer break isn’t just about relaxation—it’s a valuable time for students to gain experience that can boost their future career prospects. Employers look for candidates with real-world experience, and a summer job or internship can:

Build a stronger resume
Help students explore career interests
Teach time management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Provide networking opportunities
Offer a financial boost to help cover college expenses

Encouraging your child to start searching in March gives them a competitive edge before deadlines pass and positions fill up.

Internships: Gaining Career-Boosting Experience

Internships are one of the best ways for students to gain industry-specific experience and make professional connections. Many competitive internships start their application process in early spring, so March is the ideal time to start applying.

How to Find Internships:

University Career Centers – Most colleges have career offices with job boards, resume workshops, and interview coaching.
LinkedIn & Job Sites – Encourage your student to check sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, and Internships.com for postings.
Company Websites – Many companies list internship programs on their career pages. If your student has a dream company in mind, they should check directly.
Networking – A simple email to a professor, family friend, or former employer can open doors to internship opportunities.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

While unpaid internships can provide great experience, paid internships are ideal because they offer financial benefits as well. If an unpaid internship is the only option, encourage your student to ask about stipends or flexible hours that allow them to take on a part-time job as well.

Side Hustles: Flexible and Entrepreneurial Options

For students who want more flexibility, side hustles provide a great way to earn money while gaining real-world skills. Whether they want to freelance, tutor, or start their own business, summer is a great time to explore different opportunities.

Great Side Hustles for College Students:

Freelancing – Writing, graphic design, social media management, or coding on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
Tutoring – Helping younger students with subjects like math, science, or English through platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com.
Reselling – Just like Kelsey Mikula, students can buy and resell clothes, vintage items, or handmade products on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Etsy.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking – Services like Rover or Wag! allow students to make money while spending time with animals.
Rideshare or Delivery Services – Driving for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart (if they meet the age requirements).

Kelsey’s story is proof that what starts as a small side hustle can turn into something much bigger. She used her extra cash to pay off student loans, and her business became so successful that she continued growing it well after graduation.

Encouraging a side hustle can help your student develop valuable entrepreneurial skills while earning extra cash.

Part-Time or Summer Jobs: Earning While Learning

Traditional summer jobs remain a great way to build responsibility and work experience. Many companies start hiring seasonal employees in March and April, so applying early increases their chances of landing a good position.

Common Summer Jobs for College Students:

Retail & Customer Service: Clothing stores, grocery stores, or tech shops often hire students.
Hospitality & Food Service: Restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels are always looking for seasonal workers.
Camp Counselor: A fun and rewarding way to gain leadership experience.
Lifeguard or Swim Instructor: A great job for students with CPR certification.
Office Assistant: Many businesses hire students for temporary clerical work.

These jobs teach transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—qualities that employers value in any industry.

How Parents Can Support the Process

While it’s important to let your student take the lead, you can support them by:

Encouraging early applications – Many deadlines close in April, so March is the best time to start searching.
Helping with resumes and cover letters – Offer to proofread and provide feedback.
Practicing interview skills – Conduct mock interviews to help them prepare.
Encouraging networking – Help them reach out to family, friends, and professional connections.
Discussing financial planning – If they’re earning money, now is a great time to talk about budgeting and saving.

Final Thoughts

March is the perfect time for college students to start thinking about their summer plans. Whether they pursue an internship, side hustle, or traditional job, the experience they gain will be valuable for their future career. Encourage them to start researching opportunities now so they’ll be ready to jump into action as soon as the semester ends.

Just like Kelsey Mikula turned reselling clothes into a life-changing business, your child’s summer job or side hustle could be the first step toward a future they never expected. By planning ahead, they’ll have a productive, rewarding, and financially beneficial summer—one that helps them grow both personally and professionally.