With summer approaching, many students are looking forward to both newfound freedom and  with it, the responsibility of finding a job to make money.

It can be difficult to navigate the employment market in these economic times, and a lot of people are unsure of where to begin.

Currently, the 4.8 percent unemployment rate in Madison is lower than the national average, which is roughly 8.2. Retail, restaurant and entertainment jobs remain popular with students, and the job sectors in these areas remain relatively flexible with opportunities year-round.

Many people limit themselves to traditional jobs rather than thinking alternatively. A job can be closer than one might think, sometimes right under their nose, or where they least expect it.

Pursuing alternative opportunities during the summer exposes people to new surroundings and skill sets, which can be great resume-builders. Working as a nanny or otherwise being involved with children can be a rewarding and well-paying job that breaks out of the traditional office and retail grind.

Other choices involve working with animals at recreation facilities or at parks. Lobbying or canvassing for a cause is a great way to get your voice heard and to gain interpersonal skills.

Some students even choose to create online stores, like Etsy, and sell homemade art, clothing and other accessories. Summer employment opportunities can be endless, very rewarding, and do not have to be mundane.

Utilizing ones strengths when searching for a job is a great way to narrow down what someone is looking for. A summer employment position can turn into a permanent opportunity down the road, and utilizing a skill set can be a great way to get into something new.

Starting to look for a job can be as easy as logging onto a computer and checking out the resources at your fingertips. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has an online student job center that is not limited to campus jobs; opportunities are also routinely scattered through the area.

Temporary agencies are also a great place to register to find limited term or temp-to-hire work. Other good online resources include Craigslist, Monster.com and even newspaper classified ads. USAJOBS.gov offers a database of internships and opportunities for students, organized by major.

Keeping your eyes and ears open is key, because opportunities can frequently come through networking and staying abreast of current happenings.

The Career and Employment Center at Madison College offers job listings on an ongoing basis, with summer and some off-campus opportunities as well. More information can be found at: http://matcmadison.edu/finding-employment.