As we bid farewell to another wet, windy Atlanta spring season, and the pollen cloud enveloping the city finally lifts, people in the metro area begin in earnest to seek out the best employment opportunities available for those sweltering summer months. Choosing the best summer job can mean the difference between a season of sun, fun, and personal enrichment…or a long, mundane season of aching feet and frayed nerves as you sweat over a greasy hamburger grill, repeating over and over, “You want fries with that?”
Although by their very nature, summer jobs are intended to be seasonal, short-term employment opportunities generally paying around minimum wage, by no means should you feel relegated to applying at the “typical” summer job venues. In fact, with a little creativity, prospective employees in the Atlanta metro area can secure employment that is not only personally fulfilling, but can offer some great “perks” as well!
For sports lovers, perhaps a job with Gwinnett’s newest sports venue would be in order. The Gwinnett Braves, Atlanta’s top minor-league affiliate of it’s pro-team by the same name, has recently opened a new stadium in Lawrenceville and is looking to hire about 400 new employees for all positions, from ticket-takers to grounds crew and everything in between. The new season begins in mid-April and is scheduled to run through the summer, which is great for prospective employees hoping to get a glimpse of future Major League stars in the making.
Music fans in and around Atlanta would do well to consider a position at concert venues such as Chastain Park Ampitheater, HiFiBuys Ampitheater, the Fox Theater, or the newer Gwinnett Center Arena. Generally speaking, these venues are extremely busy during the summer months and need seasonal help with positions such as security, ushers, ticketing, and food services. The best part about a job at one of these locations is the number of free concerts available to employees. In many instances, there are a number of tickets available to employees that do not get released to the public until the day before the show, so even if you’re not scheduled to work that particular event, there are still opportunities to obtain great seats to see your favorite artists!
Are you a computer geek? No shame in that! The Geek Squad, arguably the nation’s largest computer service company, is also the most recognizable: who hasn’t seen one of those little orange-and-black VW Bugs tooling through the city? There are hundreds of locations nationwide, including several in the Atlanta area, and they have a simple, online employment form (of course) for prospective employees. Not interested in wearing trousers and a clip-on tie? Consider a position at one of the many computer or IT camps in the Atlanta area. ID Tech Camps, for example, organizes summer computer camps at over 60 college and university campuses nationwide. The Atlanta camp is located on the campus of Emory University and focuses on unique, creative IT skills such as computer-based film making, videogame creation, and web design for campers ranging from the novice to the most advanced. What’s more, campers get to experience real college life: they study in university computer labs, eat in the student cafeteria, even sleep in the dorms! Prospective counselors can check the Web under ID Tech Camps for employment information.
Are you an excitement addict? Me, too. Consider applying at one of Atlanta’s many recreational attractions for the summer. Six Flags over Georgia, in Mableton, is currently accepting applications for all positions: food services, ticketing, parking attendants, and more. The best part: free admission and guest passes are provided to employees all season long! For those who prefer the sun and surf, Atlanta’s two water parks, White Water in Marietta, and Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park in Buford, are both excellent opportunities to find seasonal work while working on your tan as well. These venues are not just for the teenage “lifeguard” applicants, either. Both parks provide employment opportunities for all ages and boast a friendly, diverse staff. Job openings, descriptions, and applications can be obtained on their websites.
For movie lovers, consider working as an “extra” on a movie set. It’s easier than you think! Tyler Perry Studios is located in Southwest Atlanta and is the area’s most prolific creator of movies and TV sitcoms. To apply, simply send in a photo and resume to their “extras” department (located on their website) and wait for a phone call. To gain even more exposure and experience, try submitting your application to www.extrascasting.com. An online resource for casting directors and talent scouts nationwide, this web-based service searches for “extras” jobs in your area and notifies you when they become available. Generally speaking, the industry standard is $90 per day, but the perks are unique: often the scenes to which you will be assigned feature big-named stars whom you would otherwise never have the opportunity to see in person. Examples of actors recently seen working with extras in the Atlanta area include Bill Murray, Tyler Perry, Tasha Smith, and Gladys Knight.
Atlanta is a fantastic city to find the perfect summer job, as the opportunities for creative, unique employment are limitless. Your best summer job is out there, waiting for your application. Here’s to your most memorable, successful summer ever!
