Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development says strong job growth over the last three years is making for a sizzling job market this summer. Thousands of seasonal jobs are swelling the area's pool of workers. State officials say four or five years ago, employers weren't hiring thanks to a sluggish economy. Now, help wanted signs are going up often and the opportunities are becoming careers for aspiring students.

Mike Lonergan started working at Bridges Golf Course immediately after graduating high school.

"I got the job as a cart attendant in charge of washing all the golf carts, picking the driving range, etcetera." says Lonergan.

Now Mike gives tips on the game to dozens of customers as Assistant Golf Professional. "I love what I do now," says Lonergan. "I get to teach golf lessons, play golf all the time and be around the game."

Being around the game also helped college grad Heather Hardy land a full-time job as Bridges' bar manager.

"It's definitely helped me understand this side and what is demanded on this side if we're doing an outing for bachelor parties or companies," says Hardy. "It's great to know ok, they're going to be done in four hours. I need this to be prepared when they get in."

Bill Clingan from Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development says this summer's job outlook is brighter than ever.

"Now is a good time to look for work," says Clingan. "We've added about 35,000 jobs since a year ago this time and in Madison we've added about 5,600 jobs since last year."

A large number of those are seasonal jobs, added in May or June in retail, recreation, construction and landscaping.

"But once you get that entry-level job, then that's the stepping stone for something better in the future," says Clingan.

"You got to start at the bottom and work you way up," says Mike Lonergan. "There's no way to go school for it. You still have to work your way through the whole process."

Bill Clingan says the competitive economy is also driving wages up. He says a good economy means more businesses may be attracted to come to Madison and that can translate into more jobs.