Categories: Careers & Job Searching

Summer Jobs for High School Students

Summer is a great time to be a high school student. You don’t have homework, you don’t have bills, and you have plenty of time on your hands. It is also an excellent time to go out and get a summer job. Whether you want some extra cash, are saving for a car, or are trying to save for college, a summer job can help you get job experience while earning money. Here are some job ideas for high school students.

Fast Food

McDonald’s, Jack In The Box, and Taco Bell are popular places for high school students to work during the summer. You don’t have to have any experience, and the hours are often flexible. Unfortunately, it also pays minimum wage. During a down economy, you might have to compete against more adults who are looking for second jobs, but fast food restaurants are often looking for new employees, because there is a high turnover.

Be an Entrepreneur

If you are a go-getter, you might want to start your own business for the summer. People are always going to need to have their lawns mowed. If you like pets, you could start a pet-sitting business. Try to think of a problem that someone might have that you can solve, and then go out and try to sell yourself and find clients. This sort of summer work is best for people that are outgoing, and are not afraid to ask others if they have work for them.

Child Care

Because school is out for everyone, many children that don’t normally go to a day care center may need child care. If you know a neighbor or church family that might need a babysitter, you could ask them if they are looking for someone. Day care centers might need extra help for the summer as well.

Theme Parks

Attendance at theme parks goes up during the summer, when parents take their children on vacation. Theme parks need extra help during the summer, when they often are open longer hours and have more visitors. Even if you don’t have a major theme park in your area like Disneyland or Six Flags, there are probably smaller theme parks in your area.

Temp Agencies

If you like flexibility and would like to work in a variety of different places during the summer, you might want to consider applying at a temp agency. Temporary employment agencies are also good places to apply at if you get a late start in the job hunt and are having a difficult time finding a job. Temp agencies call you when they have a work assignment for you, and you have the chance to work in many different places. You might end up answering phones one day, and washing dishes the next. If you are a hard worker, you are likely to find work at a temp agency, even if nothing else turns up.

Job Tips

If you are in high school and are planning on looking for a summer job, get started early. By the time school gets out for the year, most of the positions will be filled, and you’ll have to wait for someone to quit or get fired to get a job. When you go on your job search, dress nicely, speak clearly, and be friendly. Good luck on your job search!