I
am a student studying economics, and looking to take a work placement
within various investment banks. Ok, investment banking and a children's
summer camp may seem rather different, but they are actually more
similar than you may think. After writing application after application,
writing CVs and cover letters, and attending interviews, I've realised
just how useful the skills I gained on camp are.
Here are some of the skills you are likely to gain on camp.
1. Teamwork
This
is a big one in my opinion. Throughout camp, you will be part of loads
of teams, whether it be your team of bunk councillors, a band at the
talent show, or of course part of the lifeguard team
(#RatherBeOnTheWaterfront). Working effectively in a team is a big help,
and something most employers will want to see.
2. Independence
Travelling
to America alone is a big challenge. It is you that is responsible for
getting you there, looking after your belongings (especially the
passport, visa and all those forms...) and generally making sure you are
organised. It shows you are capable of doing things alone, organising
yourself and motivating yourself. This means in a business, you can just
get on with things, without constantly being told what to do.
3. Stamina and working under pressure
Camp
isn't always easy. Long hours, challenging kids and the physical nature
on camp is tiring. But, if you can get through those tricky days with a
smile on your face, you can deal with anything! Let's face it, camp
councillors are pretty hardy people!
It's the
same with working under pressure. Camp is a fast paced environment,
where you need to be on your toes. Often, decisions will need to be made
quickly to deal with campers behaviour, or to prevent something else
going wrong. Such as that time you stopped that kid who absolutely
shouldn't go in the deep end, when he clearly shouldn't go in the deep
end... Or that time 2 kids thought they would start a fight, and you
managed to jump in and stop them. If you can do all that, then working
in the fast paced environment of an investment bank will be doddle.
4. Experience working with children and coaching
Slightly
obvious, seems the job involves both - which is kind of the point. BUT,
who will an employer prefer?; someone who did a week of work experience
in a primary school, or someone who flew out to the states for 9 weeks
with
Camp Leaders to go work with kids, teaching them
swimming/football/Zumba/kayaking/any other of the
100+ skills Camp Leaders looks for?
If you are wanting to go into sport coaching, teaching or similar,
Camp Leaders is going to make you stand out! Plus, if you are already qualified in lifeguarding, FA Level 2 football or loads more sports, you may even get an
extra £50 off your fees! Win!
5. Understanding other cultures.
Fact.
America is a bit different for the UK. There they have massive shopping
malls, every talks a bit funny, and they literally have every flavour
of Oreo you could possibly imagine. Travelling there will help you to
see the world in a different light, and make you a well rounded person.
May sound a bit cliched, but travelling does that, and employers want
people with experience, and have done something a bit different. Even if
the
Camp Leaders program isn't for you, any of the
Smaller Earth
programs will be great for this.
I was actually
asked this at an interview, and talked about my experiences at camp,
and the various people I met from all around the world. Employers are
really impressed about this!
6. Confidence
Camp
is great for this. For some, it is a huge step out of your comfort
zone. Doing something completely new will make you a lot more confident.
If you can get that one child who really struggled to swim, you can do
anything! You will remember things like that for a long time, and you
will be more than willing to put yourself forward, try new things, take a
few risks and generally have 'yes I can' attitude
7. The ability to be flexible
"That's
not in my contract" is something no camp councillor will ever say.
You're hired as a lifeguard, but expect to be doing other activities in
the evening; packing down at the end of the camp - of course you are
going to pitch in with the others; dressing up as Batman to entertain
the kids, no body requested you to do it, but he kids love it anyway!
"Camp councillor" is a bit of a loose term, and you could be pretty much
doing anything within that. Being flexible and adaptable is definitely a
huge benefit in the workplace?
8. Positive attitude
Bit clichéd but my outlook on life really did improve after working on camp
- especially being on an underprivileged one. I've learnt not to take
things for granted, to be optimistic and to value what I have. This
isn't just something employers will notice, but you will notice it in
yourself.
9. Ability to Analyse Macroeconomic Policy
Ok, this one you won't get from camp...
My
colleagues joked that I should have run economics and banking seminars
on camp. I can't even begin to imagine I would ever be able to teach 7
year olds about the principles of supply and demand...
These
8 things are all really useful skills to have that camp teaches you.
Although I'm looking to go into banking, these skills can be pretty much
applied to anything. Whether you want to be a sports coach, a doctor or
the President of the United States, these skills will certainly help
you get there.
Take the first step to the best
job you will ever have with
Camp Leaders. Places are still available for
the 2015 season. Head to
campleaders.com to get started!