Your side hustle guide for this summer
We can all agree that right now is a SUPER weird time – that includes the job/internship market. If you landed a summer/full time gig – go you, we are applauding in your corner. If your job/internship search has been dampened by corona we got you with some options for a side hustle…
Digital Camp Program
Parents are at their wits' end. After a semester of homeschooling, the thought of a summer with no camps is a ripe opportunity for you. Call it tutoring, call it Zoom camp, what can you offer to save the day?
What: No matter your pick, market it with a theme or “program” to up the credibility.
If you speak another language, offer conversational language sessions with kids.
If you love your major, offer to develop a junior curriculum (history, art, dance, science projects).
Tutor in a specific subject (like math or reading), since no parent thinks they nailed homeschooling this semester.
How: Multi-channel marketing strategies apply to Zara and you.
Create a pithy post in neighborhood forums like Nextdoor so you come with a badge of trust.
This is where your parents’ bragging to their friends of your hustle should 100% be tapped. Give them a referral bonus in hugs.
LinkedIn post. Where else will you find parents who are busy working professionals and need help?
Unglamorous Work
Sometimes, things are just a means to an end. Whether your end is bringing in some cash, or an “in” for a future (better) role with a company, the unglamorous jobs still move you forward. Example? It helps you crystalize what you like or don’t like to do professionally; that’s often a big point of any job.
What:
Some companies (especially small ones) always have tasks they’d love to get done but don’t get to when times are hot and busy.
Offer to build social media strategies — what’s the point of being Gen Z if not to help brands-stuck-in-the-past re-find their relevance?
Come up with creative things you could get done for a company and pitch them the idea — they might not even think of half the things they could hire you for.
How:
Tell everyone you know (from family to neighbors) you’re hireable and open to the unglamorous work others may be unwilling to do.
Broaden the search filter on your typical job search sites.
Look up companies you like (especially small ones) and pitch yourself to their info@ and hello@ email addresses.
Consulting & Freelancing
Freelancing isn’t just for photographers. Many companies (especially in the current climate) would rather hire a freelancer than a full time employee. They are often project based, so it's a solid option for a quick gig.
What:
You are IN THE TARGET MARKET for MOST companies — use this to your advantage. Your insights into what 20-something year old women want is gold for some companies. Hello market research consultant!
Content companies regularly hire young people to write articles (ex. Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Sugarpop). Reach out with a sample piece.
How:
Craft a LinkedIn post listing your top 3 superpowers. Email everyone in your network you’re open to consulting projects. Why 3 superpowers? Everybody likes to be spoon fed; ain’t nobody got time to read your resume and decipher for themselves what you can do.
As always, thicken that skin and reach out to hiring managers at companies to pitch yourself — the worst they can say is no, when you then say “Please keep me in mind for the future.”
Check out sites like UpWork that post freelance-only jobs.
Every step you take to move forward, you need to acknowledge your resilience. On the flip side, because these are outside-of-our-wildest-imaginations times (raise your hand if you’re paying people to not say “unprecedented” again....🖐) maybe it's your chance to do something outside of the box.