There are not a lot of students getting jobs right now, but the ones that are have a proven track record of success. When I was in college I did the Southwestern Internship. It gave me the opportunity to build a track record while in college, and also pay for school in my summer work. It helped me build skills that employers salivate over. With the job market how it is right now, I believe students are ready to give up some short term fun in the summer to gain good experience.