Top Ten Summer Jobs for Teens
Great Employment Ideas for High School and College Students
Jun 6, 2008
For teenagers and college students looking to work this summer, the outlook is somewhat bleaker than in past years. That doesn’t mean work is not available, it just means that according to recent studies by organizations such as Hewlitt Associates the competition is a bit tougher. And not just with other teens and young adults.
Because of the declining economy, older Americans – retirees, mothers with school-age children and adults looking for second jobs – are beginning to fill positions that would otherwise go to high schoolers and college students.
But fear not. There are still opportunities out there for teens and young adults if they take the time to look. In fact, here are ten possibilities to consider.
Babysitting
This is probably not the type of job that most teenagers would consider as a summer opportunity, since many do it year-round -- on weekends anyway. However, during the summer, with no school nights to worry about and flexible days, teens may find more child care opportunities available.
Camp Counselor
For teens and young adults who enjoy the great outdoors and want to spend their summer away from home, being a camp counselor can offer the chance to explore the wild while supervising and inspiring a group of youngsters.
Casual Dining
With all the fast food joints, pizza places, and juice bars, casual dining is a great place to find a summer job. Plus many of these places are in shopping malls where friends work or hang out, so there will still be chances to socialize.
Elder Care
For a very responsible young adult who is considering a career in healthcare or social services, working with older adults at a senior center or as a home health aide can be a great opportunity to get practical experience.
Government Summer Youth Programs
Whether in high school, college or even graduate school, teens and young adults looking for opportunities with the government should check out Studentjobs.gov for more information.
Movie Theater
Know how they always talk about the summer blockbusters? Here’s an opportunity to be in the mix. Check out the local movie theater for work behind the concession counter, taking tickets or sweeping up popcorn.
Parks and Recreation
With no experience needed, many parks and recreation departments are willing to train able body individuals for a variety of positions from working as life guards for the local pool or as tour guides to provide community outreach and walking tours of local sites.
Pet and House Sitting
Why not? Any teen who can baby sit, surely can pet sit. Walking the neighbor’s dog, feeding the cat or fish during a family vacation, or watering the plants and picking up the mail even for a weekend, can earn hard working teens hard cash.
Retail
For those teens who like to hang out at the mall, here’s a way to do it and earn some money, too. Retail probably offers the largest range of jobs and opportunities, from cashier at a local clothing or accessory store to stock clerk at the food mart.
Seasonal and Tourist Attractions
Since theme parks, water parks and similar venues have to beef up their staff for the usual summer glut of vacationers, now is the perfect opportunity to find out about the opportunities they have available.
Yard Maintenance
What better way to spend the summer than out in the sunshine working on a tan. Pool cleaning, lawn care and landscaping can provide teens interested in spending their days outdoors with a chance to learn a trade and earn an income.
For a whole list of current openings in areas around the U.S. as well as abroad, check out coolworks.com, snagajob.com, coolsummerjobs.com and summerjobs.com.
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