What Are the Best Summer Job Options for High Schoolers?

I'm a high school student looking for summer work. What types of summer jobs are usually available for us, and do they significantly impact college applications or future resumes?

When thinking about summer jobs for high school students, there are many possibilities, and the best one depends on your interests, location, and future career aspirations. Some popular options among high school students include lifeguard roles, retail associate positions, restaurant staff roles (like host/hostess or dishwashing), tutoring, pet sitting, or even working at a local cinema or amusement park.

If you have a specific career interest in mind, tiered jobs in that field, even entry-level ones, may be beneficial. For example, if you're interested in becoming a doctor, you might consider working as a receptionist at a local clinic. If you're considering a career in education, you could look for jobs at summer camps or as a tutor.

On the other hand, even if your job doesn't align with your intended major or career, any job can help you develop and demonstrate valuable transferable skills such as time management, teamwork, leadership, customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Colleges appreciate students who show initiative, responsibility, and a strong work ethic, which are all traits that a summer job can help develop.

As far as impact on college applications or future resumes, this largely depends on how you leverage the experience. Sure, a summer spent lifeguarding or waiting tables might not seem relevant to a future career in chemical engineering or digital marketing, but it's all about how you spin it. If you can show in your essays and interviews how these roles helped you develop expertise in, say, working under pressure, dealing with difficult customers, or managing your time efficiently - those are skills that are valuable in any field.

Remember a summer job is not just about making money, but also about gaining valuable experiences and learning more about working life. So, go for something that interests you and where you can learn and grow, rather than solely focusing on the impact it might have on your college application or resume.