Fresh Advice: Part Time Jobs for Teens and Students

Published on 2008-03-26

"What's my motivation?"

That question is usually asked of directors and acting teachers by actors who want to better understand the characters they are playing. But it's also a good question for teens or students to ask themselves before they begin looking for part time or seasonal jobs. Do you want a job that will help you to make a more informed career choice? Do you want your work experience to be fun, interesting and meaningful or just a way to make money? Are employee perks more important to you than a higher hourly wage? Answering these questions before you start your job search can save you a lot of time and misery. So what's your motivation?

Career

Part time jobs for teens and students can be great opportunities to explore different industries and career paths. If you're already out of high school and working on a university major, you might be able to find internships and work-study opportunities with local companies that will provide you with experience in your chosen field. If you haven't yet made a career choice, try using your job search as a way to explore possible occupations. If you're interested in animal jobs, for example, volunteering at your local Humane Society might be more useful to you in the long run than working for minimum wage at a retail store.

Experience

Unique life experiences can be invaluable. With that in mind, it might be preferable for you to find student jobs in interesting locations or career fields rather than positions that provide a little more spending money. If you enjoy being outdoors, then youth camps, parks departments, resorts or golf courses might be good places to apply for summer jobs. If you're interested in the arts, try applying for part time jobs at places like used bookstores or museums. Volunteering is another way to gain experience, learn more about important social issues and meet interesting people. Look for volunteer opportunities at charities, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, environmental organizations, hospitals or libraries.

Perks

In addition to an hourly wage, many jobs for teens and students come with appealing benefits. Clothing stores, electronics stores and even airlines may offer discounts or free services as part of your employment. Love movies? Apply for a job at a movie theater or video store and see movies for free. Some retail stores offer discounts as high as 50% off regular price, which makes it easier to keep up with the latest fashions. In other words, if a career choice seems kind of overwhelming, use your hobbies as a guide to finding a good job.

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