For those looking for seasonal or summer jobs in Indianapolis, there are a wealth of employment opportunities. I know this because nearly everyone in our family has held a summer job at one point or another, including one teacher who likes the extra income. When we had teens, they also worked, one as recently as last summer.
Based on our experience and the job market in Indianapolis, here are the prime summer jobs, listed by category, age and hours (part time or full time). One important factor that can’t be denied? A potential recession, already here or looming heavily. So my summer jobs for Indianapolis employment seekers take that into consideration.
Here are some summer jobs in Indianapolis that should be in demand even during a recession:
Tutoring jobs
Best for: all ages, from teens to college graduates, seniors and retired citizens.
When the kids get out of school for that long break, summer jobs in Indianapolis increase for those who are wise enough to seek them out. Many parents want to make sure their kids review material that didn’t go so well during the school year. Even when the budget is tight, they may find the money to pay tutors. Even if they don’t, there are plenty of tutoring agencies that regularly advertise for tutors, whether new or experienced.
Here is a link to many of the school townships: indyusa.com/Indianapolis-TownshipSchools.htm When you’ve found a township that works for the area you live (or plan to live) simply click on the Employment or Employment Opportunities button and use the contact info provided. After filling in any online information, be sure to call the Principal or Employment Director at any local schools and send in your resume;.
Helpful advice: if you are a teen or student and have taken AP or Advanced Placement classes, be sure to note that when applying for a summer tutoring job in Indianapolis. Have experience working with kids or are you the oldest of many children in a family? Note that as well as any CPR training you have. All of these skills will help you nail down that tutoring job.
Alternately, you could work for one of the many tutoring centers in Indianapolis or advertise as a private tutor. We have used private tutors and many Indianapolis families inquire at their schools for the names of experienced tutors. So be sure to check with the local schools (using the link above) and get your name on their job boards as well as make sure your resume’ is in their file.
Salary: varies widely, depending on whether you tutor privately or through a school or tutoring center. Private tutors get at least $40 an hour, if they are certified teachers or have expertise in an area. As with any job, those who have a track record of helping students learn and improve their grades get paid more.
There is a demand for good tutors for summer jobs in Indianapolis!
Child care
Best for: all ages, but teens have to be responsible, have CPR training and a history of caring for siblings or babysitting to have a good chance of landing a job. Teens may not be legally able to work at a child care or day care center, except as volunteers.
School may be out but parents still need someone to care for their children through the summer. Their regular day care workers may take vacations or parents may need help getting kids to and from sports camps, day care centers, summer school or more. These parents often advertise in the Indianapolis Star Classified ads. You can find these jobs under the section Child Care by either picking up a local paper or searching online at Indy Star’s website at indystar.com
Look in the section called General (section 585 of the Indianapolis Star’s job section) and look for the words Child Care or Nanny.
Potential employees looking for summer jobs in Indianapolis don’t just wait for the jobs to come to them, however. They get the word out by putting notices on college job boards, calling schools and letting others know they are available. Some hand out fliers to parents or sign up with temporary job agencies. Another option is to go through a Nanny Referral service such as abetterwaynanny.net/
Helpful advice: be sure to note related background that makes a difference as well as CPR training. Most child care jobs require CPR training (and should). If you’ve dealt with special needs children, don’t forget to mention that. Be prepared for a background and criminal check as well as a list of references.
Salary: varies widely, depending on whether you work for a nanny service or independently. When we hired a child care worker last summer, we paid $80 a week for a part- time student who worked for us. She spent driving one child to and from summer school and sports camps, running errands, getting groceries, etc. We paid for gas money as well, not a small incidental by any means.
Newspaper distributor
Best for: those who have a driver’s license and a car.
There is almost always a demand for these summer jobs in Indianapolis. Why? Because newspaper delivery people are independent contractors and come and go as they please. Many leave for the summer or take vacations. To find a list of potential summer jobs, simply look online at the Indy star site listed above or check the newspaper for Independent distributors or simply call 1-800-669-7827 and ask for extension 4146.
Helpful advice: Make sure you have a clean driving record and a well-maintained car. You must be willing to handle morning routes and when it comes to newspaper delivery, morning often starts before daybreak, while the stars are still out. Be prepared for this. Customer service skills are a must. If a customer doesn’t get a paper or you let a paper get wet or throw it in the bushes instead of placing it inside or near the front door, you’ll hear about it!
Salary: varies widely, depending on the number of newspapers you deliver. Tips also vary widely (and are allowed) depending on customer service.
Pizza delivery
Best for: someone with a driver’s license and good driving record as well as customer service skills.
I know there is a demand for pizza delivery people because two of our offspring worked summer jobs in Indianapolis delivering pizzas. They made decent money and learned the art of driving safely, but promptly, to customers’ doors. There are many pizza places in the city. A look at the yellow pages, using the word Pizza should provide plenty of options to choose from.
Helpful advice: While no job is guaranteed safe, it just makes sense to select a pizza place that is in a safe area and delivers only to relatively safe areas of town. Use your common sense, know how to protect yourself and trust your instincts. Our offspring were never mugged or at risk. We feel that was because they worked for reputable companies that didn’t expect them to drive dangerously or at high speeds to deliver the pizzas and delivered only to safe areas of the city.
Salary: low to minimum wage plus a portion of the tips.
Sports and summer camp assistants
Best for: current or former high school athletes or those in good shape. People of all ages can be hired, depending on whether the position is that of a cook, camp counselor or special assistant in a certain area. Transportation is a must.
There are a variety of summer jobs in Indianapolis where camp counselors and assistants are needed. Good possibilities include both the YWCA and the summer camp programs run by the school systems. The Parks Department also has job openings in the summer as. To check out the information through the parks go to the website at: www.indyparks.org For information on jobs through the YWCA you can look at the website at www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp
or call (317) 464-8115.
Helpful advice: background working with children is a plus – and often a must. CPR training will be required for most positions, if not all summer jobs in Indianapolis of this type. If you drive, you must have a solid driving record and be prepared to undergo a background check and provide references of previous employment.
