Should I list my community college experience on a job application? I'm wondering if it's beneficial, especially if I'm applying for entry-level positions while still in high school. Would love to hear others' thoughts or experiences!
From the perspective of a high school counselor, it's generally beneficial to list any post-secondary education, including community college, on your job applications. This is particularly true if you've taken courses relevant to the position you're applying for. Your courses can demonstrate to employers that you have a certain level of knowledge in that field, even if you're still in high school.
From what I've seen with the students I advise, employers often appreciate seeing that candidates are taking the initiative to further their education and gain practical skills. This can set you apart from other high school students applying to the same jobs who do not have any post-secondary education.
That said, it's also important to keep in mind that the relevance of your community college courses to the job you're applying for can impact whether or not this information is helpful. For instance, if you've taken communication-related courses and are applying for jobs in retail or customer service where interpersonal skills are key—that's a strong match.
As with any job application, it's about presenting the most relevant information to make a compelling case for your candidacy. So, yes, generally include your community college experiences, but be sure to highlight the most relevant aspects of these experiences for the job you're applying for.
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