The school year is heading towards the end and the summer break is coming. Meanwhile, it is important for those students who desire to have work experience or save some pocket money to find jobs. There are some who are already working, but those who are just beginning to look for a job need to be aware of what opportunities they have and find jobs that perfectly fit for them.

                Senior Erin Russell has had her job at The Greene Turtle, a restaurant by the Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake, for two months. It took her about a month until she actually got the job and out of four places she applied to, three of them offered her jobs.

              “It takes guts to go into the place and speak with the manager,” said Russell.

               Looking for a job, she went to the mall and walked around to find interesting places and sent them applications. The job was chosen based on the wage and time spent. Her work time is usually 4-8 p.m. on week days and 4-9 p.m. on weekends.

               “I am a hostess, so when people come into the restaurant, I assign the seats for them. What is interesting about my job is that I get to interact with employees and meet new people. When there is a game, it gets really crowded and I love the atmosphere,” said Russell.

               To get the job that she wanted, she had to prove to the employers that she was willing to work. She offered a few tips to getting summer jobs.

                 First, look for a summer job now, take enough time. Second, submit many applications and follow up with them. Third, ask friends, parents if there are any jobs available or search online

                Senior Ashlee Jordan has had her job since last November at Chuck E. Cheese. She said that it is a fun place to work. To get the job, she actually had to walk into the store and ask employers if they were hiring and explain why they needed her on their payroll.

              “Watching the kids that are scared of Chuck E run away screaming is the most interesting part of my work,” said Jordan. Meanwhile, having a job seems to provide her a lot of extra money.

                She suggested, “when you are down to earth with people, they embrace you and give you nice tips.”