In high school, it’s not always easy to find work experience. With classes starting and things getting busy, there’s little time for part-time jobs. The summer between junior year and senior year is a good time to start looking for a job. What type of experience do employers look for in the high school years? Companies are looking for teens who are responsible, reliable, mature and have excellent communication and organization skills.
Getting paid experience while in school is a great way to make connections and prove yourself, and these connections can be invaluable at the time of graduation. In some cases, high school can be too early to graduate, which is why there are work programs for high school students. As part of this program, students (and their parents) are able to qualify for federal and state financial aid to pay for college and high school while also working full time. If you are looking for paid employment while attending high school, consider these seven school-to-work programs.
WHAT ARE THE WAYS ON HOW TO GET WORK EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOL?
There are many opportunities to get work experience at school. Here is what you need to know.
- You can volunteer at events and student organizations or start your club at your school or college.
- Talk to teachers and professors of your school or outside organizations. Many of them are interested in helping you gain work experience but may not know how.
- Write a letter to a business or industry that describes what you want to do and how you can help them.
- Talk to your guidance counsellor. They may be able to help you steer you toward your ideal work experience.
- Each student must get both academic and extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities may be sports, clubs, or academic activities. These activities do not cost money, and kids don’t need to find paid work to participate in them, but the pitches must still demonstrate the student’s abilities and interests.
- While you are in school, working part-time is an excellent way to gain work experience and make yourself more marketable. Sure, professional experience is vital, but so is knowledge about yourself.
- Be a volunteer. Volunteering can be a great way to build your resume and help you find your true passion. There is no need to wait till you graduate to get work experience. Any high schooler can volunteer, even in just a couple of hours. Make sure to find a local organization or nonprofit that aligns with your interests, such as working with animals, children, the environment, or the arts.
- Create personal projects. The opportunity to work on a project gives you the chance to explore areas of interest and passion while gaining valuable experience. It is particularly relevant if you have specific career ambitions or are unsure about what to study or what type of job you would like to pursue after graduation. With a personal project, you can work on something that interests you and take your learning a step further.
- Be the initiative to boost your work experience. Work experience is becoming significant for many individuals. It helps them become more confident in their own abilities and secure their first jobs. However, it is also becoming easier to obtain work experience for students — with schools offering a wide variety of work experience opportunities for students.
A great way to introduce students to different fields is through work, and there are many ways for high school students to get this kind of experience. The Summer Youth Employment Program offered through the Youth Service Bureau is a six-week job-readiness program where teens receive training and paid work experience during summer break.
Importance of getting a work experience in schools
The importance of getting a work experience in schools cannot be overemphasized. The sort of experience a student earns in school will define him as a better professional in the future. If a student is able to involve himself in the field that interests him and exposes him to real-life situations, it will go a long way in helping him make better career choices.
