Students and the choice of summer jobs

Students work part-time at a coffee shop in the city.

It is not difficult to see the image of students busy in uniforms of cafes, supermarkets, restaurants, or weaving through the streets with delivery backpacks on their backs. The most popular part-time jobs are serving at cafes, restaurants, wedding parties, cashiers, selling at supermarkets, working as teaching assistants at centers or receiving technology delivery jobs.

Nguyen Ngoc Doanh Doanh, a second-year student at Duy Tan University, currently working as a cashier at a small restaurant in Hai Chau district, said: “At first, I only intended to try it for a few weeks for fun, but the more I did it, the more I liked it. Despite the pressure when there were many customers, or having to carefully calculate money, I learned a lot – from how to communicate with customers to staying calm when problems arose.”

Unlike high school, students can be more proactive about their time and work goals. Some people work part-time to gain work experience, some to cover their living expenses, and even to help their families. But there are also students who simply “don’t want the summer to pass by meaninglessly.”

Phuc Cong, a first-year student at the University of Education - Danang University, currently working as a coffee shop assistant on Nguyen Sinh Sac Street, shared: “At first, my parents were worried, afraid that I would work extra and neglect my studies. But I promised clearly that I would only work in the afternoon, and still attend summer school in the morning. Now, every night I get to sit and order, clean tables, and wash glasses, and I feel happy. There are days when I am so tired that I just want to lie down, but it passes. In return, at the end of the month, when I get my salary, I buy myself a pair of shoes, which I always had to ask my parents for.”

The story of students working part-time also left many first-time emotions. Duong Thanh Long, a student at Hue University of Law, was working as a shipper when he returned home for summer vacation using a delivery app, confided: "There was a day when it rained heavily, I delivered the goods and was wet from head to toe. But when I arrived, the customer received the package and thanked me sincerely, I felt that my efforts were not in vain. As a shipper, I learned how to locate, control time, and also how to stay calm when facing awkward situations such as customers canceling orders at the last minute or sending the wrong address."

Besides the joy of having extra income, what many students gain is maturity through each working day. The first time standing in front of customers, the first time being reminded for mistakes, the first time receiving salary and spending money they earned themselves.

However, not all jobs go smoothly. Some people share that, due to lack of experience, they were forced to do hard work, long hours, or were not paid as agreed.

“There was a day when I was scolded by a customer for making coffee slowly, even though the shop was crowded and I was new to the job. I was so sad, I just wanted to rest when I got home. But then I thought, if I give up so easily, how can I grow up?” Phuc Cong said.

From the perspective of an employer, Mr. Pham Minh, owner of a coffee shop in Hoa Minh ward, shared: “I usually only accept second and third year students because they have better awareness. When accepting students, I always clearly discuss the job, benefits and time limits. There are students who are very agile, responsible, and do their work well. Seeing them work hard, I feel more sympathy than expectation.”

Meanwhile, parents of students who work part-time also have different feelings. Some support, others worry, but most agree that letting their children go out into society early will help them become more mature.

Mr. Toan, father of student Duong Thanh Long, shared: “At first, I did not agree to let my son deliver goods because I thought it was dangerous. But seeing that he was serious, had a specific plan and knew how to keep himself safe, I gradually felt more secure. Since starting a job, he has learned to save, appreciate money, and care more about his health.”

From an educational perspective, many university lecturers also encourage students to work part-time if the job is suitable and does not affect their studies. Ms. Tram Thi Trach Oanh, lecturer of the Faculty of Art and Physical Education at the University of Education, commented: "Students should work part-time to gain experience, but they need to choose a job that is healthy, safe and has reasonable hours. Sometimes a month of practical work helps students mature more than a semester of theory."

In fact, many universities are also building programs to support students in finding part-time jobs through student support centers, aiming to connect reputable locations, creating conditions for students to experience a career in a systematic way, not simply to make money.

Choosing to work part-time during the summer is no longer a rare thing for students today. Although the jobs are different, the motivations are different - some because of passion, some because of circumstances - but in the end, all are trying to go beyond their comfort zone to collide, mature and become independent. Behind the drops of sweat are valuable lessons about the value of labor, perseverance and responsibility to oneself.

Summer will eventually pass, but what students learn from work – sometimes a gentle scolding, a tired leg or a smile from a customer – will stay with them long after, as part of their youthful baggage.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/sinh-vien-va-lua-chon-di-lam-them-dip-he-3265121.html