Concluding your summer job

by Ahibba Kazi, Sangeetha Ramanuja and Sumaitah Shahid

 Ahibba, Sangeetha, and Sumaitah are full-time students who spent the summer working with the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Program Integrity team.

Summer jobs may last only a few months, but they have a lot to teach us. Through visiting various YMCA of Greater Toronto program locations, meeting warm and helpful YMCA staff, creating blogs, training manuals, and social media content, the YMCA has helped us learn invaluable lessons about creativity, collaboration, and communication in a work setting. As our time working at the Y this summer draws to a close, we’re now looking to to maximize our learning experiences.

With that in mind, here are 3 wrap-up tasks that we’re doing — and that we recommend to all summer placements students — before heading back to school..

1. Schedule a feedback session with your supervisor

Summer jobs are a great way to learn about your strengths and weaknesses. Feedback from your employer can really help you evaluate your skills. Set up a meeting with your supervisor during the last week of your summer job, and ask them to share their insights on the projects you have completed. Ask them about what you have done well, which will enable you to continue to build on your strengths. Most importantly, ask them about what you could have done better or differently so you can improve on these areas for your next work experience.

2. Reflect on all the tasks and skills you’ve developed throughout the summer

It is important to reflect on what you have accomplished during your summer job. Self-reflection can guide you to a better understanding of your skill development effectiveness in the work setting. You can start by thinking of reflective questions to ask yourself, or ask your supervisor to provide you with some questions. Write your answers and save them to review later. Keep your résumé updated with newly achieved skills, which can be helpful for your future career decisions and applications!

3. Thank your colleagues and supervisors for their help shaping your summer experience

 A few days before you finish your summer job, send an email or hand-written note to your supervisor and colleagues. Thank them for your summer work experience, and mention how they’ve helped you improve your skills. It’s also a good practice to ask for a reference letter which can be useful for future employment. This step will help you as you apply for future positions.

By following the steps mentioned above, you’ll conclude your summer job experience positively and professionally. Good luck in the forthcoming school year!