Many high school students get a job because they want some extra spending money. Others may want to get a head start on a career or begin saving money for college. All of these are excellent reasons for students to start working; some of the best jobs for high schoolers offer much more than just a bit of extra money.
Even though working, in general, can help students learn employable skills, not all jobs are equal. The type of job you have can even impact your chances of getting into certain colleges — some jobs catch the eyes of college admissions team members more than others.
Most colleges are interested in what students do with their time when they are not attending classes. They look for students who are well-rounded and responsible, students who are quick to accept challenges.
Having a job and balancing responsibilities with family life and school is impressive, but there are some jobs that colleges really look for and take note of.
Do You Really Need to Get One of the Best Jobs for High Schoolers?
Regardless of what your plans are for after you graduate, there are many advantages to getting a job as a high school student. While earning money is one benefit, getting a job will also let you explore your career interests in the real world.
You’ll gain exposure to various aspects of the career field you may pursue during college, and this can also help you rule out others. Gaining work experience early on in high school can help you hone skills you have and learn new ones as you practice time management, prioritize duties, and take on new responsibilities.
Features of the Best High School Jobs for College Admissions
College admissions counselors seek students with a variety of talents and skills. They look for students who show initiative, a sense of duty, self-discipline, and leadership skills. There are certain types of jobs with specific characteristics that colleges want to see:
Jobs That Demonstrate Leadership Skills
These days, it’s no longer enough just to have a job to impress college admissions staff members. The best jobs for high school students are those that allow them to hone leadership skills. Colleges want students who are leaders, so it’s best if you get a job that lets you take on leadership duties.
Colleges want to see evidence that you are motivated to impact your community positively and are working on building your leadership skills. Roles like swim teachers, tour guides, managers, and assistant managers are some jobs that fit into this category of the best jobs for college admissions resumes.
Jobs That Relate to Your Interests
If you already know what you are passionate about and what you might choose as a course of study in college, try to land a job that is related to that. Colleges look for long-term continuity with interests and passions; they want to see evidence of something more than just a fleeting spark of interest that fades quickly.
Getting a job that is related to your intended major shows colleges you are serious about what you plan to do as a career. It can also show them that you are taking steps to gain major-related experience.
If you plan to major in mechanical engineering but spent your high school time working at a floral shop, an accounting firm, and a grocery store, your true passions may not be evident to college admissions officers.
However, if your major will be education and you spent your high school days as a teaching assistant in an after-school program, your seriousness, intentions, and passions are more clear.
Jobs That Show Creativity and Your Mentoring Potential
Colleges love to see students with creative minds! Creativity is the foundation of new ideas, and innovation is a key characteristic that catches the attention of college admissions team members. Creativity can be expressed in the form of visual arts, performing arts, or even construction.
Many creative people are also wonderful mentors because they enjoy sharing their passion for creation. Consider opportunities for jobs that allow you to build your creativity and mentor others, too. These jobs include tutoring, assistant teaching, assistant coaching, lifeguarding, babysitting, and being a camp counselor.
Jobs That Show Self-Discipline and a Great Work Ethic
It takes a lot of self-discipline to succeed as a college student, so naturally, college admissions teams look for self-disciplined students who will see their education through to the end. An excellent indicator of self-discipline is the type of job a student held during high school.
If you have the work ethic required to hold a job in high school, colleges will see that you have the potential for academic success as well. Jobs that show self-discipline and an excellent work ethic include restaurant server, delivery driver, cashier, valet parking attendant, landscaper, and amusement park attendant.
The Best Jobs for High School Students
The best jobs for college admissions resumes are those that make you stand out among the other students who will be vying for a spot in the same college class. Jobs in which you take on responsibilities, learn new skills, hold leadership positions, and gain field-specific experience are ideal.
So what are the best jobs for college admissions resumes?
Retail
Everyone knows that jobs in the retail industry are not always easy, and those who hold these jobs develop a strong skill set that includes communication and customer service skills. They also learn flexibility and develop a high sense of responsibility.
Retail is often a fast-paced, customer-facing industry, and students who work in it learn to adapt quickly and maintain high performance standards in an ever-changing environment. You’ll also learn transferable skills, including dealing with the public, conflict resolution, teamwork, and patience.
Freelance Web Developing
If you know how to code, you can work as a web developer. There are many websites in need of coders for all kinds of projects. You could even start up your own business and advertise your services on social media and LinkedIn.
Web development and coding are jobs that show colleges you are detail-oriented and driven and that you have what it takes to succeed in computer science. As the internet grows, people who know coding are very much in demand, making it one of the best high school jobs for college admissions.
Lifeguarding
Lifeguarding is one of the best jobs for high schoolers because it puts a tremendous amount of responsibility in a person’s hands. If you’re an excellent swimmer and want a job during high school where you can use your strong swimming skills, engage in quick thinking, and put to work your strong attention to detail, consider lifeguarding.
Hospitality or Food Service Industry
One of the most valuable skills students can learn from a job in the food or hospitality industry is multitasking. Balancing several tasks simultaneously shows perseverance, focus, and responsibility, which are all important qualities colleges seek in students.
Both of these industries are fast-paced and require customer service skills and self-discipline. All of these tasks are beneficial to students both in and out of the classroom.
Tutoring Students
If you’re exceptional in a particular school subject, you might be a great tutor for students who struggle. Many students need help in a wide variety of subjects, especially math. Becoming a tutor can help others and earn you some money while highlighting your ability to teach others complicated topics.
Along with drawing attention to your academic achievements, a tutoring job will show college admissions personnel that you are also personable and able to communicate well.
Office Work
Office jobs allow students to gain valuable skills and explore opportunities as a professional. In fact, any job that shows initiative and professionalism is an excellent high school job.
Jobs that fit this category include jobs in radio or TV, office settings, hospitals, medical centers, and libraries.
Jobs That Spark Curiosity
The ultimate way to make your college application stand out is to fill it with interesting information — an unusual job can be just the thing! Admissions officers are trying to learn who you are as a person beyond what your GPA and test scores show. Unusual jobs that are presented well can draw attention to you.
Some jobs that fit this category include jobs on a farm, in a circus, as a handyperson, as a seamstress, or in a woodshop.
The Best Jobs for High School Students
When all is said and done, if you want to get the attention of college admissions officers, the best job for you during high school is whatever job highlights your interests and shows that you have what it takes to succeed in college.
The best way to describe your job on your application is to reflect on the experience and identify the value you gained. Relay information about lessons and skills you learned, and connect with the reader on a personal level. When you can tie your job to your future success, you’ll make an impression on admissions officers in a meaningful way.
