Growing up, did you have a part-time job? In the past, almost every high school student’s timetable included part-time employment. However, in recent years, teen employment and summer work have both decreased.
Between the period just before and during the recession, or roughly between the years 2000 and 2010, the employment rate for teenagers in the United States decreased by 19%. The BLS reports that teen labor force participation has been declining, and that trend is anticipated to last well past 2024. Due to the fall in participation, fewer teenagers are employed in the United States, but there are also fewer teenagers who are actively seeking employment.
The first job a kid has can provide him or her a sense of independence, not to mention extra money to spend on necessary teen purchases like fast food, stylish footwear, and Fortnite skins. These jobs range from bagging groceries to preparing smoothies. However, getting and keeping a job can also teach teenagers a tonne of useful skills and support the early development of wholesome work habits.
It may seem obvious to have a part-time job while in high school, but parents of teenagers must measure the advantages against the drawbacks to decide whether working is a wise move. Additionally, establish limits to keep the teen’s attention on their schoolwork.
Pros of working part-time
Working part-time can help students pay for personal expenses, supplement financial aid and gain valuable work experience. On top of that, recent research shows those who do work have higher earnings later in their careers. Other than that, other benefits of working part-time include:
Gain valuable job experience
Having work experience, especially in a field related to your studies, can help you become much more competitive once you’re ready to enter a full-time job after college.
Learn management skills
Part-time jobs can help you learn how to deal with people at work and will teach you to manage your time effectively, which can help you in your classes and work.
Gain employee benefits
Many companies offer benefits such as 401(k), health insurance, and tuition assistance to many part-time workers from college.
How to search for the right job for college students
Whether you are looking for a summer internship or trying to land a position post-graduation, searching for a job can be overwhelming and exhausting if you don’t know what you should do. The right way to find a job is to treat it as a class. You can ace your job hunt while you’re still trying to earn your diploma by using your studying, preparation, and time management skills.
Do thorough research and planning
When beginning your job search, first determine your passion points and then research the associated companies and brands that fit in with your interest. You can list these businesses and narrow them down according to your priorities, such as wage, opportunities, mentorship, and work-life balance. In this era, it is crucial to be open to diverse opportunities, including internships, freelancing, remote work and contracts.
Use your career services
As a college student, you should be well acquainted with the multitude of services offered by your school’s career center. But before that, you should cultivate relationships with professors throughout your degree and keep in touch with fellow students who might have found a job before you or connect with past graduates from your college. Once you establish these relationships, you can easily move towards typical college services such as running the college newsletter, internships, job leads, and teacher assistance. Your college network is the first step to heading inside the job market.
