Ask Matt: Got any summer job advice for students?

Dear Matt: I just graduated from high school and am seeking tips to help me at my summer job as I start preparing for my future. What advice do you have?

Matt says: The summer job may just be a paycheck for many teens, but for the graduate about to head off to college or technical school this is the chance to start building for the future, even if the job isn't in your future field of choice. Most teenagers working summer jobs don't realize it now, but every day on the job is a chance to learn, grow and build for the future.

"There are many skills that can be gained for any type of employment, even if it's not in your desired field," says Christine Francis, a career counselor in the Career Development Center at Hamline University. "Employers are really interested in candidates who have good soft skills" — including teamwork, communication, problem solving and critical thinking.

A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that employers are interested in these top 10 skills and qualities in employees:

1. Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization.

2. Ability to work in a team structure.

3. Ability to make decisions and solve problems.

4. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.

5. Ability to obtain and process information.

6. Ability to analyze quantitative data.

7. Technical knowledge related to the job.

8. Proficiency with computer software.

9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports.

10. Ability to sell or influence others.

Summer jobs can teach you how to handle adversity and challenges in the workplace — not every day or experience will be positive. In addition, your current boss or co-workers could be a future reference or even hire you for a job as both of you progress in your career.

I had a summer job at a drugstore over 20 years ago. A few years ago my very first manager reached out to me for résumé help, as she found I also worked as a professional résumé writer — proving that the contacts and relationships you build now can pay off in the future. On the other hand, it can hurt you if you are viewed as a slacker or don't take your summer job seriously.

Start building your LinkedIn profile and networking and connecting with professionals and influencers in a wide variety of fields. Check out university.linkedin.com. No matter what type of job or work setting you are in, focus on soft skills, relationship building and learning whatever you can to become more marketable. "Teenage employees should be aware of how they are interacting with others, how they are being perceived and what type of image or professional brand they are conveying," says Francis.

Contact Matt at jobslink@startribune.com.