What are good part-time jobs for design students?

I'm a junior in high school considering a design major in college. I'm curious about what part-time jobs could be beneficial for someone with a focus on design. Are there particular roles that help build skills for this field?

Absolutely, there are plenty of part-time roles that can help you build skills relevant to a career in design. Here are a few you may want to consider:

1. Graphic Design Intern/Assistant: Many local businesses, nonprofits, and even schools or colleges often need help in their marketing departments. As a graphic design intern or assistant, you could gain hands-on experience with designing promotional materials like flyers, social media posts, and ads, which would be an excellent way to enhance your practical skills.

2. Freelance Designer: Online platforms allow you to offer your design services to a global marketplace. Whether you're designing logos, creating infographics, or even illustrating, there are various projects that you can undertake to practice your craft and build up your portfolio.

3. Art Store Retail Assistant: Working at an art store not only connects you with a creative community, but it also allows you to become more familiar with different mediums and tools, which can inform your own creative work.

4. Photography Assistant: This role could offer opportunities to learn about composition, lighting, and editing while helping with set up, tear down, and even dealing with clients.

5. Printing Shop Assistant: Printing shops often deal with design and formatting for print, a key aspect of certain graphic design roles. Learning about the printing process can be invaluable for designers.

6. Museum or Gallery Assistant: If you're interested in art history or looking for industry connections, working at a museum or gallery can be an insightful experience. Plus, you'll be surrounded by great design inspiration.

Remember, while these jobs can complement your design studies, any job that enhances your soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork can also prove beneficial in your design career.