Door - To - Door Summer Sales and Other Summer Employment: A Cost and Benefit Analysis

Author

Jentrie Gilliland, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Accounting

Abstract

Door-to-door summer sales is heavily marketed to college students, especially on university campuses in Utah. These employment options are marketed as having high financial rewards while giving students the opportunity to develop their professional skills. In this study, I examine whether these expected rewards are delivered and if door-to-door summer sales is a viable position for college students in comparison to other summer employment. Specifically, I focus on the financial benefits and skills gained from both job types as well as determinants for students who participate in door-to-door summer sales versus other summer employment. My findings indicate that there is indeed higher financial benefit for participants in door-to-door summer sales than those who pursue other summer employment. Findings about skills gained showed clear differences between the two participant groups. Results highlighted clear job structure differences between door-to-door summer sales and other summer employment. The determinant findings showed that participants in door-to-door summer sales were driven mainly by extroversion. This study deepens the conversation around summer employment for students by identifying the specific benefits and personality traits linked to door-to-door sales participation.

Recommended Citation

Gilliland, Jentrie, "Door - To - Door Summer Sales and Other Summer Employment: A Cost and Benefit Analysis" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1037.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1037