How well does high school actually prepare you for getting a job?

I'm thinking about getting a job over the summer, and I'm curious if high school really teaches any skills that are useful in the workplace. Do employers care about what we've learned in school?

High school can definitely provide experiences that help in the professional job market, but this often depends on the variety of courses and activities that you've participated in.

For starters, some high school courses, particularly elective ones around business, technology, or vocational occupations, may deliver practical skills that you can directly apply in the workplace. For instance, if you took a course in graphic design or computer science, those skills might be immediately valuable in certain jobs.

Additionally, many of the "soft skills" honed in high school are beneficial in any job. For example, teamwork is often emphasized, whether it is while conducting a group project, participating in sports, or functioning in a club. Communication is another foundational skill—giving presentations, writing essays, and participating in classroom discussions can develop your ability to articulate thoughts and ideas. As you move on to more advanced classes or take on leadership roles, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management are also skills you can enhance.

It's also worth noting that there is a push to foster career-readiness in high schools. Many schools offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs which directly prepare students for high-demand occupations.

Despite this, it's important to remember that not all job-relevant skills are taught in high school. Employers often value specific technical or domain-specific knowledge (for instance, how to code in a specific language, machine handling skills, etc.) which high school curriculums may not cover. Similarly, professional etiquette or industry-specific norms are learned mostly from real work experiences.

Therefore while high school can undoubtedly be a stepping stone, continuous self-improvement and learning are crucial once you step into the job market. You should seek experiences—like internships, part-time or summer jobs—that expose you to the workplace environment and allow you to cultivate the skills that employers desire. With time, you'll be able to better understand the nuances of your chosen field and be more prepared for a full-time role in the future.