The question of whether a high school student should have a job is frequently raised, especially regarding its influence on college applications and its potential to stand out in the competitive realm of college admissions.
Many experts believe that the advantages of having a job during high school surpass the disadvantages. This is largely because linking a college application to a distinct passion or theme is vital, and employment is one of the various methods a student can achieve this.
For high school students considering employment in addition to their studies, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Working While in High School
Makes Free Time Purposeful
In my conversations with college admissions representatives, they emphasize that colleges are less concerned with a student’s job and more with how they utilize their free time. It’s advised that students should integrate a consistent theme across their application to demonstrate a sincere interest in a specific pursuit.
For instance, a student employed at a local donut shop collaborated with the business to create a special donut, with the proceeds going to a chosen charity. This initiative then formed a central theme in the student’s college application.
Using a specific job as a platform to stand out in the college application process is one of many effective strategies.
Can Lead to Career Inspiration and Enhance College Learning
Jobs can often provide students with a clearer understanding of what they might want to study in college. Landing a job in a field of interest can be particularly beneficial. However, not all student jobs lead directly to a chosen career path. Yet, every job offers learning opportunities. For instance, those interested in engineering might analyze and suggest workflow improvements. Similarly, students considering entrepreneurship can gain valuable insights into leadership, soft skills, and business operations by working on the front lines.
Cultivating a career interest in high school can enhance a college application. A key element of a successful application is crafting a narrative that connects work experiences to future college endeavors. Many applicants struggle to articulate how their experiences will benefit their college journey.
Students who engage in relevant work or high school pathway programs often gain a more concrete understanding of their college aspirations.
Take the medical field as an example; many students initially think only of becoming doctors, nurses, or physician assistants. However, through job shadowing, internships, or employment within the field, they soon realize the vastness and complexity of the industry, which offers a multitude of career options across various specialties.
Demonstrates Valuable Life Skills
Whether a job is a central element of a college application or just a brief mention, experts agree that working imparts essential life skills that deserve emphasis.
Working alongside adults, rather than only with peers, provides a valuable experience for high school students.
No matter the job’s nature or other significant responsibilities, high school students can showcase qualities like critical thinking, effective oral communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and adaptability to change.
Additionally, maintaining a job sharpens abilities such as concentration, time management, financial management, and offers practical experience.
Helps Earn Money to Pay for College
While some students may need to work and others may choose to, those with jobs can contribute to their expenses or save for college.
Earning hundreds of dollars nightly is noteworthy. This experience can be highlighted throughout your college application, as it demonstrates the acquisition of skills, maturity, and the narrative of striving to maximize earnings during that period.
Cons of Working in High School
Time-Consuming and Can Hurt Academic Performance
Balancing a hectic schedule with work can be difficult for high school students. A summer job may be the ideal solution, considering they face numerous responsibilities throughout the academic year.
May Not Be Relevant to Academics
The most accessible or highest-paying jobs for high school students tend to be in the retail or service industries. That’s not necessarily what students may want to center their college application around or where they may hope to have a career. Focus on grades is Job 1, distractions from that could have more ramifications.
There is no right or wrong answer, if you choose to have a job while attending high school – there are more benefits. How you communicate your “story” is the key!
