How This Summer Job Boosts Your College Resume
Applying to college can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to make your application stand out. Did you know that your lifeguarding experience can give you a serious edge? Here’s how lifeguarding can boost a college resume and catch the attention of admissions officers.
1. Leadership and Responsibility
- Why It Matters: Colleges love to see applicants who can take charge and handle responsibility. As a lifeguard, you’re entrusted with the safety of others, often managing high-pressure situations with calm and authority.
- How It Helps: Highlighting your leadership on the pool deck shows you’re ready for the challenges of college life and beyond.
2. Communication Skills
- Why It Matters: Lifeguards rely on clear, effective communication to ensure safety. Whether it’s giving instructions to swimmers or responding to emergencies, strong communication is crucial.
- How It Helps: Lifeguarding hones your ability to communicate confidently and efficiently—skills that colleges value in class discussions, presentations, and campus leadership roles. Being able to articulate yourself clearly sets you apart both in and out of the water.
3. Time Management
- Why It Matters: Juggling school, a part-time or job, and a personal life is no small feat. Lifeguards learn to balance their schedules efficiently, a skill that’s crucial in college.
- How It Helps: Time management skills show that you’re capable of handling the academic and social demands of college life.
4. First Aid and Emergency Response Training
- Why It Matters: Lifeguarding requires certification in first aid, CPR, and water rescue techniques. This not only showcases your commitment to learning but also your ability to expand your knowledge base for a job you want.
- How It Helps: These certifications can be a unique addition to your resume, demonstrating that you have practical, life-saving skills that set you apart from other applicants.
5. Community Service and Commitment
- Why It Matters: Colleges appreciate students who give back to their communities. Lifeguarding often involves working at local pools, summer camps, or community centers, showing your dedication to serving others.
- How It Helps: Including your lifeguarding job as a form of community service can reflect your commitment to helping others, a trait valued by colleges.
6. Problem-Solving Skills
- Why It Matters: From handling minor injuries to resolving conflicts between pool guests, lifeguards need sharp problem-solving skills.
- How It Helps: Showcasing your ability to think on your feet and resolve issues can give you an edge, as colleges look for students who can navigate challenges effectively.
7. Work Ethic and Commitment
- Why It Matters: Lifeguarding requires consistent effort, dedication, and a strong work ethic—traits that are vital for succeeding in college.
- How It Helps: Demonstrating that you’ve committed to a job like lifeguarding, especially over multiple seasons, signals to colleges that you’re prepared to tackle long-term projects and commitments.
Lifeguarding is more than just a summer job—it’s a powerful way to build a resume that stands out in college applications. So, the next time you’re sitting poolside, remember that you’re not just earning a paycheck; you’re gaining valuable experience that could help you get into the college of your dreams. And parents, encourage your teen to take pride in their lifeguarding role—it could be the key to opening doors in their academic future!
Get started today: https://us-2.fountain.com/c/the-amenity-collective/american-pool/US?utm_source=GFL