I'm a junior looking into summer jobs for my senior year, and I'm trying to get a head start. What kinds of jobs should I look for, and how early should I start applying? Is it better to go for something related to my future major?
Sure, I'd be happy to provide some advice on seeking a summer job. The best jobs for high school seniors often depend on what you're looking to get out of the experience. If you simply want to gain some work experience and earn money, consider common summer jobs for high schoolers such as working at a grocery store, restaurant, or local retail shop. These types of jobs often have flexible hours, which can be a plus if you want to also enjoy your summer break.
If you're looking to gain experience related to your future major, opportunities might be different. For example, if you're interested in teaching, you could look into tutoring or working at a summer camp. If you're interested in a health-related field, you might look for opportunities to work as a caregiver or in a pharmacy. Having experience in your future field can be beneficial, but it's not a necessity—college admission offices like to see all types of work experience on applications.
Regarding when to start applying, it varies but generally, it's a good idea to start looking and applying in late winter or early spring. Many employers start hiring in the spring for summer positions.
Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job and follow up after applying. Networking can also be effective—let adults in your life know you're looking for a job, as they may know of opportunities. Be proactive and persistent in your search, and remember it's okay if your first job isn't your dream job. Every work experience teaches you valuable skills. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.