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The Daily Tar Heel

Start your summer job search

As flip flops, palm trees and pool parties fill the minds of UNC students, so does a less relaxing topic – summer jobs.

“If you don’t have a summer job yet, start looking today,” said Jacquelyn Gist, assistant director of University Career Services.

Students hoping to work off-campus should consider Franklin Street restaurants such as Panera Bread or Spanky’s Restaurant and Bar.

Panera’s prospective employees can apply online year-round, marketing department employee Elana Jones said.

“If we have more business and we need more employees, we would hire more,” she said. “It’s definitely more of a need thing than a seasonal thing.”

Spanky’s, which employs primarily students, experiences a rise in applications during the summer, said manager Gavin Toth.

In addition to restaurants, Gist recommended students consider working at camps, parks, day cares and the YMCA.

Gist said students should utilize Careerolina, a UCS database, for more information on job listings, career fairs and recruiting.

The largest on-campus employers are CTOPS, Housing and Residential Education, Campus Recreation and University Libraries – although summer positions are filling quickly, according to Gist.

Student Recreational Center Director Reggie Hinton said that Campus Rec employs between 75 and 100 students as fitness consultants, fitness monitors, group fitness instructors, personal trainers and receptionists.

Housing and Residential Education also offers summer jobs, but these positions – like many at Campus Rec – are already filled.

“We had over 200 candidates apply for around 50 positions,” said Alaina Barth, coordinator for staff recruitment and development.

Whether waiting tables, teaching campers or leading fitness classes, students should make the most of their summer jobs, said Gist.

“Don’t get by with the minimum,” she said.

“If you’re bussing tables, be the best table-busser that restaurant has ever seen.”

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.

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