Best Job Choices for High School Students into Psychology

I'm really interested in psychology and am looking for part-time jobs that might relate to this field. Does anyone have suggestions for positions that would help me learn more about psychology?

Direct involvement in the field of psychology can be challenging for high school students due to laws regarding privacy and confidentiality. However, there are several opportunities where you can work in contexts that apply psychological principles and allow you to put your interest into practice.

1. Tutor or Peer Counselor: Many schools have peer counseling or tutoring programs that train students to help their classmates with academic and emotional difficulties. This often involves empathy, listening, and critical problem-solving skills, which are foundational within psychology.

2. Childcare or Elderly Care: Working with kids at a daycare or afterschool program, or with the elderly in a senior center or care facility, can provide perspective on developmental psychology and the impact of aging.

3. Retail or Customer Service Jobs: Learning to deal effectively with customers from various walks of life can provide practical insights into human behavior and interpersonal dynamics.

4. Volunteer for a Helpline: Certain organizations train volunteers to field calls or messages from people seeking help, such as the Crisis Text Line. While these positions have age culprits, they can be great opportunities for high school seniors and for part-time work in college.

5. Intern or Volunteer at a Psychological Research Lab: While many labs require their volunteers to be in college, some offer positions for high school students. Here, you can gain exposure to various areas in psychology.

When seeking any job or volunteer position, make sure to think critically about how you can transfer the skills you learn there into your future studies and profession in psychology. Always reflect on your experiences and keep track of them for future use in college applications or interviews.