Summer Jobs for High School Juniors

Author:  Rhonda Manns, A2Z College Planning
As students wrap up their Junior year and prepare for their last year of high school, the long summer months may seem like an excellent reprieve from testing and studying. While I recommend that students take time to enjoy their summer vacation, it’s worth noting that these months provide an opportunity to not only earn money for upcoming college expenses, but also to round out your fall college applications. Here are some job ideas that can help you on both fronts:

Tutoring
Tutoring is an excellent way to keep your studying skills fresh and demonstrate that you are committed to education. With three years of high school under your belt, summer may be a good time to offer your help to younger students and make some extra cash. Consider which subjects you’re especially good at (B+ or better) and which you have a passion for (as it can be difficult to teach subjects that you don’t enjoy yourself), and then post your name in your high school guidance office or around the neighborhood to offering tutoring.

Sports Training
Are you a particularly good athlete, or have an interest in kinesiology? Consider offering sports training or joining a sports league that allows high-school aged coaches or officials. Being involved in sports demonstrates to college officials that you’re a team player and you have demonstrated leadership skills – both positive attributes in a college applicant.

Internships
If you’ve narrowed down your focus to a particular industry or job area, internships are a great way for you to get a true taste of what your future career may look like. Don’t be afraid to approach companies in your community which match your interests and ask about paid summer internships – often businesses are looking for summer students to help cover vacation time taken by full-time employees.

Service Jobs
It may not sound glamorous, but taking a service-oriented job such as retail customer service or waiting on tables can still round out your skills and demonstrate that you can be relied on to be a good worker. Larger corporations such as McDonald’s often have student give-back programs including grants or scholarships that you may be able to apply for as well. Additionally, service jobs are more likely to be able to be carried part-time through your final year of high school (and beyond!) which gives you an additional few months to make money for college.