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Summer job outlook better than in 2011
Hinsdale Central has a bulletin board in a hallway outside the guidance office on which jobs opportunities and information about colleges is listed. | Chuck Fieldman~Sun-Times Media
Finding that seasonal job
For area high school and college students still seeking summer employment, a Youth Summer Job Fair is scheduled from 12:30 to 3 p.m. today at workNet DuPage Career Center, Suite 302, 2525 Cabot Drive, Lisle.
Attendees must be at least 17 years of age to participate.
Employers expected to be present include Aerotek Professional Services, Brookfield Zoo, Office Depot, PGA Tour Superstore, TJ Maxx, Manpower and UPS.
Job seekers should bring an updated copy of their resume and be prepared to complete applications on site with employers.
The event is part of an effort led by the National Association of Workforce Boards to promote a nationwide Youth Summer Job Fair Day on May 10.
For information about the Job Fair, visit www.worknetdupage.org.
There also are summer job openings outside the immediate area. One example is Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, which had an advertisement in the May 3 Doings, seeking individuals interested in seasonal employment.
Anyone interested in a job there is asked to apply online at sixflagsjobs.com.
— Chuck Fieldman
Updated: July 9, 2012 1:44AM
The summer job outlook for high school and college students appears slightly more promising than was the case a year ago.
“The sense I get is that things have improved somewhat,” said Steve Erickson, the first-year executive director of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “It seems to me there are jobs to fill out there.
“I get the feeling, personally, that there are more this year than last year.”
Steve Gustis, manager of the Career Services office at College of DuPage, said the summer job market looks a little bit stronger in 2012.
“A lot of seasonal places have been gearing up,” he said. “I personally think that the mild winter has helped both employers and job seekers with the job outlook because there seems to be a more positive mental attitude.”
Gustis said his office doesn’t track information on summer-specific employment for individuals seeking such jobs or those looking to fill job openings. However, trends he observes in job growth or decreases in the area generally also are a fairly accurate gauge for summer.
And for the period Jan. 1-April 1, the Career Services office at COD had 495 new employers register 1,300 open jobs.
“That’s definitely an increase from last year,” Gustis said, adding he wasn’t certain how large of an increase it is. “It really comes down to selling yourself by networking and using connections with who you know.
“Getting your foot in the door is very important.”
Gustis said in some cases it pays to do volunteer work or take an internship over the summer, even if there is no pay involved.
“Interns are hot right now,” he said. “I know it’s tough to take something and not get paid, especially when you have bills to pay.
“But in the big picture, it can be beneficial for some people. You take an internship to build your experience; and that can pay off down the line.”
Gustis said COD continues to offer a free electronic job board at www.collegecentral.com/dupage. The site includes both summer jobs and other employment opportunities.
At Oak Brook Center, which has 165 retail stores, an overall improved sales climate likely could mean a better situation for finding summer employment, said Chuck Fleming, senior general manager of the center.
“Business has been continuing to pick up,” Fleming said. “We’re off to a strong start; and we expect that to continue through 2012.”
Fleming said he does not receive specific employment information from stores in Oak Brook Center.
