Teen Summer Jobs

Summer jobs for teens can help build self esteem

There are any number of places where you can look for a good summer job:

• Local merchants: local stores often need good help – and not just in the summer.
• Small businesses: most towns have a number of small business offices – and your family or friends probably know several owners or office managers.
• Corporate offices: many have established summer jobs and internship programs, but often these are the most competitive.
• Stores at the mall: have a favorite store you like to shop at in the mall? Maybe now is the time to get a job there –- just be careful not to spend all your earnings buying their products.
• Hotels and resorts: summer is the busy season for most hotels and resorts.
• Tourist attractions: even if you don’t live in Florida or California, most states have tourist attractions that especially need help during the busy tourism season.
• Golf & Tennis clubs: as the weather improves, these clubs are usually looking for part-time help.
• Grocery stores: maybe not the most exciting jobs, but probably the most convenient -– and not just for summer.
• Fast food and restaurants: local restaurants always need good help -– and while not the most glamorous, it’s still a job.
• Parks and recreation departments: city, state, and national parks and recreation departments often develop special summer programs, and thus have job opportunities.
• Local government summer job programs: often various government agencies sponsor different kinds of summer youth work programs.
• Summer camps: okay, you went to camp as a kid – now you can go back as a counselor and get paid while being at camp.
• Working for yourself: there are all sorts of jobs/businesses you could develop for yourself in your neighborhood –- Check out, Job Ideas for Teens 15 and Younger: Beyond Babysitting.
• The Web: especially if you want to work outside your neighborhood, or even your state, the Web is the place for you to explore all sorts of summer job opportunities -– so go visit Quintessential Careers: Summer Job Websites.

What do Employers Look for in Teens
Employers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.

Final Words of Advice
Jobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others. The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts (and references)!

Source:  Dr. Randall S. Hansen of Quintessential Careers

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