Getting a Summer Job Before High School Graduation

I'm about to graduate high school and I'd love to get some work experience during the summer before college. What type of summer jobs should I be looking for that will help me in the long run?

There are a few types of jobs you could consider for summer work, depending on your future career interests and your main reasons for wanting to work.

If you're looking to build specific skills or gain experience in a particular field, consider looking for a job related to your prospective major or a field you're curious about. For instance, if you're interested in healthcare, a job as a nursing assistant or hospital volunteer could be beneficial. If you're interested in business, a position in a local business or startup can help you understand the ropes. This kind of work experience can give you a head start on internships during college.

Alternatively, if you're more interested in earning money, traditional teen summer jobs like lifeguarding, babysitting, retail or restaurant work are often flexible, readily available, and may provide useful interpersonal skills. Though these may not match your future career path, employers still value the work ethic, punctuality, and customer service skills that these jobs develop.

Lastly, if you're keen to enhance your leadership skills, consider roles such as camp counselor or tutor. These roles require responsibility, patience, and the ability to guide others, all of which are valuable skills in any future career.

Whichever route you decide to take, remember the primary goal is to gain real-world experience, build transferable skills, and hopefully earn some money. Don't discount any job because it doesn't perfectly align with your intended career—every experience has the potential to teach you something valuable.