I came back to my hometown of Chapel Hill this summer and decided that I could relax a little bit. After about a week, I realized I hate doing nothing. So I went job hunting.

I immediately found myself running into dead ends.

I didn’t want to be a camp counselor — I was a camp counselor for three whole summers. Southwestern book company wasn’t an option because I had planned on attending summer classes at UNC because of time. I was in quite a pickle. I couldn’t apply for a year-round position because I’m only available to work for the summer. I applied for about three jobs in the local area. Though the local job market is usually better for students, I found myself pressed for hours when I landed one job at a local theater.

In my first week, I was able to work about 30 hours, but people returned from high school and college, pressing hour availability. That week, I chose not to go to summer school.

In the next week, my manager let me know I would have to only work 20 hours. For me, that means I would need two jobs to fill my time with 40 hours of work a week. Fortunately, I had been looking for other jobs already. I applied for about 20 other jobs.

I got a few responses from jobs I didn’t really want and then got a job I wanted. Throughout all this, I had a bit of time to reflect.

I had applied to over 20 jobs and was wondering why the employers had not responded to my phone calls or e-mails. I wondered why more establishments weren’t hiring. All of these jobs I applied for were those for which I felt competent and capable.

I came to an ugly conclusion. Employers take students with a grain of salt. Employers cater to their full-time employees and trained employees. Seasonal workers such as students get the shaft because we come and go in a matter of months.

Despite all this, I manage to work overtime now.

For my fellow students, I say to you, use what I call the shot-gun technique. Apply for as many jobs as possible. Make full use of classifieds, craigslist.com and Monster.com. If you submit 50 applications, not only do you become familiar with your Social Security information, job records and interviewing skills — you also increase your chances of landing a job you really want or need.

It’s always good having a plan. I suggest planning in advance. Apply for many jobs — even if they are volunteering or interning positions — in order to open doors to future employment opportunities. Students cannot expect to get the job they desire if they don’t follow up with employers or show real interest in the job. Go to interviews, make appearances at the company in person and e-mail or call employers. If you cannot be at work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday, you could at least let employers know when you will be available to work.

The job market is rough for students. Students are given little option in job selection and given little consideration when attempting to make decent wages without experience.

But students have to try as well — as Woody Allen noted, “80 percent of success is showing up.”

E-mail Mansoor at [email protected].