I'm really into speech and debate at my high school, and I'm hoping to find a summer job that will help me improve my skills. Any tips on where to look or what types of jobs to consider?
Given your strong interest in speech and debate, there are a number of avenues you could consider for a summer job:
1. Local debate camps: Many cities and regions have speech and debate camps that hire high school students as assistant coaches or counselors. You won't be leading sessions, but you can still gain valuable insights by shadowing coaches and working with younger students.
2. Schools and educational centers: Elementary and middle schools run enrichment programs, and you could offer your services as a debate coach or assistant. This could even be expanded by seeking opportunities at local community centers or non-profit organizations that focus on youth education.
3. Tutoring: Another option is to offer your skills as a speech and debate tutor on a one-on-one basis. This would involve crafting lesson plans, analyzing speeches, and giving feedback, which can greatly improve your own skills.
4. Virtual opportunities: With the rise in online learning, consider searching for opportunities to assist debate coaches or even work as a debate evaluator on platforms that hold virtual debates.
Remember, whatever you choose, make sure it's something that you are passionate about and that will give you valuable experience. Think about what would not only develop your speech and debate skills, but also provide broader skills and insights that you can take into college and beyond. Have a direct conversation with potential employers about your goals and see how a role with them might support those.
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