Teenagers find part-time jobs for a number of reasons, and there are several benefits to working while in high school. Teens can learn a variety of beneficial skills that can help them as they enter the workforce, attend college, or choose another path after graduating from high school. Plus, earning money helps many teens pay for their cars, gas, college courses, food, and other fun adventures.
Here are five part-time job ideas your teen may consider looking into while they're in high school.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants are hired in all kinds of industries. Whether it be at a dental or doctor's office, a nail or hair salon, or a fitness club, administrative assistants help office and business managers stay organized. Payroll, training, and insurance are all administrative tasks that can cost a business up to 45% of your time. While a high schooler may not have these bigger responsibilities, checking customers or patients in and out, providing directions, filing paperwork, and keeping documents on a computer organized may be tasks that a part-time administrative assistant may attain.
This position would allow a teen to learn how an office or business operates. Exercising customer service skills, staying organized, maintaining a professional attitude, and dressing appropriately are all beneficial skills that a teen can utilize in their future, too.
Babysitter
Another popular job title that teens seek is that of a babysitter. Babysitting allows teens who enjoy working with children to provide professional care in a casual and flexible setting. Additionally, being a babysitter requires a teen to be very responsible, as they're in charge of maintaining the safety of one or more children for a designated amount of time.
Babysitting allows a teen to learn how to be responsible, make quick and safe decisions, and speak with children and adults appropriately. Teens who have an interest in a career involving children post-high school or college should consider babysitting to gain experience working with and providing care for children.
Home Renovation or Construction Assistant
Teens who enjoy working hands-on should consider seeking employment with a home renovation or construction company as an assistant. High schoolers who are interested in enrolling in trade school after graduation would especially benefit from a job in these fields, as they'd be able to learn how the business works as well as skills and tricks to the trade. For example, if your teen is interested in building houses, they can learn about the construction process. If your teen wants to paint houses, they could learn wood siding and how it should be painted every three to seven years; however, if it's stained, every four years should suffice.
Working as an assistant for a construction or home renovation company would give your teen a professional experience where they can learn responsibility and time management skills. Hands-on experience especially helps a teen determine whether the industry is something they're truly interested in pursuing down the road.
Lifeguard
Becoming a lifeguard is another great part-time gig that many teens apply for. After obtaining training and certification, lifeguards can work in a variety of places, such as school pools, community pools, campgrounds, and kids' summer camps. If your teen is a strong swimmer and would enjoy spending their summer days outside, this position may be a great fit.
Being a lifeguard requires a great deal of responsibility. They must be prepared to handle dangerous situations and even save a life. Kids and adults alike can need the help of a lifeguard, so the position requires an individual to keep their eyes and ears peeled at all times. The ability to stay calm within a chaotic situation is important in this particular job.
Retail Customer Service Representative
Between clothing, shoe, makeup, and sporting goods stores, grocery stores, and a variety of other businesses, there are several customer service representative positions in the retail industry. If your teen loves makeup, they may consider applying to work at a makeup store. They can learn about the industry and statistics of particular demographics. For example, natural beauty products are preferred over synthetic versions by 42% of women aged 18 and over. A teen working at a sporting goods store would learn about the different styles of sneakers and cleats in order to assist customers in finding the best products for them.
Working in retail as a teen is definitely an eye-opening experience. Teens can learn how a store operates, how to work with others, how to handle customers, and how to close a sale. All of these skills will be very beneficial in any career they choose down the road.
There are dozens of jobs your teen can choose to apply for while they're in high school. Among others, these five highlighted positions provide beneficial skills and experience that can be utilized in future jobs and careers. As your teen applies for positions, be sure they find options that offer a reasonable amount of hours and provide flexibility. Gaining work experience can be very beneficial for teens to learn responsibility, respect, teamwork, and time management skills. Consider discussing the idea of looking for a part-time job with your teen today.
