Students staying in State College this summer have many opportunities to make some extra cash. As the end of the semester approaches, many businesses are searching for new employees to fill vacant positions.

Veronica Brown, salesroom supervisor at the University Creamery, 12 Borland Lab, said that the Creamery is currently hiring for salesroom positions and employs about 25 or 30 students during the summer months. She said the Creamery has already experienced a loss in the number of employees.

"It starts this week," she said. "No one wants to work before finals or they don't want to work much."

She also said that she expects to get more applications following finals.

"Last year, we had tons, like 40 or 50 applications," she said.

Maria Bakowicz (sophomore-management) said she's noticed a lot of openings recently. "There are so many jobs that seem available right now," she said.

Kerry O'Connell, assistant manager of Ye Olde College Diner, 126 W. College Ave., said the restaurant is currently accepting applications for all positions and all shifts. She also expects a lot more applicants at the end of the semester when students know they are staying in town.

Brown encourages students not to wait to apply for positions.

"Get applications in early before summer session starts," she said.

Some students such as Bakowicz applied several places and are just waiting for a call back.

"I have tried seven different places," Bakowicz said. "No one has gotten back to me yet."

Brown also advises students to check back with businesses if they have not heard back from them.

"People that check back, sometimes I interview them on the spot," Brown said.

O'Connell and Brown also said availability is an important quality in potential employees. O'Connell said students are encouraged to stay during breaks but that the Diner tries to work around student schedules.

Students also should consider where the position is located. Elizabeth Blair (freshman-art education) is looking for a job closer to her residence.

"I would like to have one (job) off campus. In the fall, I will be living off campus," she said.

Bakowicz is living on campus this summer and said she is looking for a job within walking distance.

Students employ many methods to find jobs both on and off campus. Some search classifieds, while others look for signs in store windows or find out about positions through friends.

"Some (businesses) had signs outside the window saying they were hiring. One place my friend told me about," Blair said. "Others, I just thought they would be cool to work at."

There are also students already employed in State College who stay the summer and work. Brown said she currently has employees who wish to increase their hours in the summer.

"Most want to work 40 hours a week," she said.