Résumés. They're simple pieces of paper that can make or break someone's chances for a job, and this week Heather Maynard is planning on sending out a bunch of them to prospective employers in hopes of landing a gig.

"My game plan is to get in with the state of Michigan because they have a lot of student positions available," the anthropology junior said.

Maynard said the pay and benefits are good with state jobs and is confident about finding summer employment.

"Once the majority of the students leave, there's plenty of openings," she said.

Summer is not just around the corner, it's here. Not in terms of weather but planning for it. Summer enrollment began weeks ago, and many students are trying to line up jobs to go along with the classes they're taking.

Hospitality business junior Kieran Sheppard landed a gig at Holiday Inn Express two weeks ago. He chalked it up to knowing someone who knew someone leaving the hotel.

"Mostly it was my networking," he said. "I'm taking their spot because they're leaving.

"I might have another job because that's only a weekend job," he added.

If networking is not an option, there are several outlets on and off campus that can be helpful in finding employment.

For example, there still are positions open with the Academic Orientation Program, or AOP, on campus.

"The official deadline (to apply) is May 2, but we hire on a rolling basis," said Melanie Wallace, assistant to the director for the orientation office.

About 100-125 student employees are hired to work at AOP every year. The requirements are the employee must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student and enrolled for the following fall.

"The other qualifications are that they must be enthusiastic early in the morning, enjoy MSU and enjoy telling people about it," Wallace said.

There is no room and board; student employees must provide their own.

"I think it's a great job for customer service," Wallace said. "You get to learn how to interact with the public and learn how to recruit and promote MSU in the most positive way."

Other jobs with the university can be found through the Career Services & Placement office.

"We do have jobs posted on SpartanTRAK," said Gale Gower, assistant director of the student employment office. SpartanTRAK is the university's job search Web site.

Gower suggests visiting the office, located in 113 Student Services, or contact departments within the university. Although there are about 350 departments that hire students, applicants have to consider how the campus changes during the summer.

"There are fewer (jobs) because a lot of departments aren't as busy when the students are gone," she said.

Sarah Steele, an interdisciplinary studies in social science senior, has worked in University Development for four years and plans to work there this summer while she's taking classes.

"It's all student run. It's really chill in the summer," Steele said. "It's cool because there's not a lot of kids who hang out here in the summer, but (at University Development) you work with 60-70 people, and you meet a lot of people."

At Lansing Community College, temporary summer jobs are few and far between.

"It's very rare that a department will hire somebody just for the summer," said Terry Wellman, a placement specialist for the college.

Most departments are looking to hire people for more long-term positions, and "it will take them about a semester to get comfortable," Wellman said.

For those rare openings at LCC, the major requirement is that the student must be enrolled for at least one credit to obtain a summer position. For fall and spring positions, the student must be enrolled for at least six credits.

Outside of colleges, Capital Area Michigan Works offers free services to anyone looking for work - even college students.

"Any students are welcome to all of our services that are available," said Kate Tykocki, spokeswoman for Capital Area Michigan Works.

On April 27, the department is holding its Teen Works Summer Job Fair, but it's not just for teens. "The goal is to connect high schoolers with employers, but anyone is welcome to attend," Tykocki said.

Besides the job fair, anyone can come in and use the department's resources to make copies, send faxes or browse job banks online.

"I do think, typically, people that have lived in the community for awhile are familiar with the services and that students aren't taking advantage of it," Tykocki said.

"Students do use the services, but I don't think they use them as much as they could."

Although employees at Capital Area Michigan Works can help people find "any type of job you can think of," it can be difficult for some, Tykocki said.

"It's a frustrating job market for a lot of people right now, but there is a job out there for everyone and it may take a long time to find one," Tykocki said.

"It may become your full-time job to find that position."