MVHS Job Fair: Discover Student Employment Opportunities with Oracle

Unlock Your Potential: high School Jobs and Career Readiness

For high school students,the prospect of entering the workforce can be both exciting and daunting. As of 2023, approximately “one-third of teenagers aged 16 to 19 were in the workforce” according to USAFacts, and this number has been steadily increasing.

Why Work in High School? More Than Just a Paycheck

Taking on a job during high school offers benefits that extend far beyond a simple paycheck.It’s an chance to develop valuable skills, explore career interests, and build a foundation for future success.

The Benefits of Early Employment

• Skill Advancement: According to Will Hanel from the City of Mountain View’s Parks and Recreation division, “[Working] is a good starting place for high school students to go ahead and gain experience…You learn about working in a team, you learn about interaction, collaboration…and you end up gaining even more skills down the line, such as networking.”
• Career Exploration: Gaining exposure to different work environments helps students gain clarity on their interests. Laasya Kompella, a sophomore, shared that she now enjoys her job teaching at Codelhi, a local STEM organization, as she gets to “[get to] work with kids, and I really like teaching.” This hands-on experience allows students to discover their passions and shape their future career paths.
• Financial Independence: Paid opportunities enable students to achieve financial independence, teaching them self-sufficiency.
• Time Management: Balancing work with academics and extracurriculars refines time management skills. As kompella mentioned, “Working has made me feel like I’m more productive…But now I am doing something vital, and it makes me more motivated to work hard.”

Overcoming Obstacles: Finding the Right Fit

While the demand for high school student workers is meaningful, securing that first job can be challenging.

Addressing Common Concerns

• Lack of Experience: Many students feel that their limited work experience puts them at a disadvantage. However, employers often value attitude and character over prior experience. Laura Bryan, recreation coordinator for the City of Sunnyvale, says, “the key thing that I look for is someone who has a fun personality…But I also take a look at their work ethic. Are they going to be reliable? everything else I can train and teach [them] on the job.”
• Identifying Opportunities: Students may struggle to identify opportunities that align with their interests. A local job fair held on March 4 showcased various positions, from animal shelters to recreation camps, highlighting the diverse range of available jobs. Megan Berger, a sophomore who attended the fair, noted, “A lot of the programs at the job fair are ones in the area, so they’re easy to access…Being able to see who is already in the programme and then getting the pamphlet so I can actually look at it is really helpful too.”

Making a Strong Impression: Tips for Success

To stand out from other applicants, focus on showcasing your personality and potential.

Actionable advice for Job Seekers

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Don’t underestimate the value of your experiences. Bryan advises, “Don’t sell yourself short. Being a student in itself [qualifies as] experience…Don’t be afraid to pull from clubs or sports or any type of extracurricular activities that you do in high school and don’t doubt yourself just as you’ve never had a job.”
• Show Enthusiasm: Passion for the job is crucial. Hanel notes, “I get a lot of applicants where you can tell that their parents applied for them…And that’s never good becuase they go to the interview and they’re just not as energetic.”
• Build Connections: Networking can be invaluable. Berger mentioned, “We already put our emails into [interest forms] so we can get more information about [the job] easily…And if you’ve talked to someone, you already know someone in the organization.”

Long-Term Impact: Preparing for the Future

Early employment experiences shape future careers and personal growth.

Developing Essential Life Skills

• Adaptability and Resilience: Facing real-world challenges early on fosters resilience. Kompella says, “[Working] has made me more prepared for real world scenarios, because you have to rely on yourself…Even if you’re scared or if you’re anxious about something, you still have to show up. and I think that has really boosted my confidence.”
• Work Ethic: Forming good work habits early is a significant advantage. Bryan emphasizes, “Starting young is going to teach you the fundamentals for all of that, which might be work ethic, flexibility and reliability.”

Conclusion: Take the First Step Today

Starting a job in high school is a transformative experience that offers invaluable opportunities for skill development, career exploration, and personal growth. By addressing common concerns, highlighting transferable skills, and demonstrating passion, students can unlock their potential and set themselves up for a bright future. Ready to take the first step? Explore local job fairs, reach out to community organizations, and start your journey towards career readiness today. Consider exploring opportunities on platforms like OLAS Jobs, which connects candidates to K-12 education system jobs, for relevant experience.

How do high school jobs help student prepare for future careers and personal growth according to jason Leary?

High School Jobs and Career Readiness: An Interview with Expert, Jason Leary

We sat down with Jason Leary, Director of Youth Services at Community Futures, to discuss the importance of high school jobs and career readiness for students.

The Value of Early Employment

Archyde: Jason, thank you for joining us. Let’s dive right in. Why is it so beneficial for high school students to consider working part-time jobs?

Jason Leary: Thanks for having me! Working during high school provides crucial experience that goes beyond earning money. It’s about developing essential life skills and exploring potential career paths. Just like the research shows, these experiences contribute significantly to career readiness.

Key Skills Developed On the Job

Archyde: What key skills do students typically develop when working during high school?

Jason Leary: Time management, teamwork, and communication are huge. Successfully juggling school, extracurriculars, and a job requires strong time management. Working with others, whether customers or colleagues, enhances communication and collaboration abilities—skills highly valued by employers. And of course, understanding financial responsibility is an invaluable lesson.

Addressing the “No Experience” Concern

Archyde: A common concern for students is the lack of prior work experience. How can they overcome this hurdle when applying for jobs?

Jason leary: That’s a valid point, but students frequently enough underestimate the skills they already possess! Transferable skills from school clubs, sports, volunteer work – leadership, problem-solving, teamwork – these are all valuable assets. The key is to highlight these in their applications and interviews. Attitude and a willingness to learn frequently enough outweigh a lack of formal experience.

Tips for landing That First job

Archyde: What actionable advice can you give to high school students actively seeking employment?

Jason Leary: First,don’t underestimate your existing skills. Highlight everything! Second, demonstrate genuine enthusiasm during the request process and interview. Employers want to see passionate, motivated individuals. And lastly, network! Attend job fairs, talk to people in fields you’re interested in, and leverage your connections. Building connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.

The Long-term Impact of High School Jobs

Archyde: How can early employment experiences shape a student’s future career path and personal growth?

Jason Leary: Building a strong work ethic and professional skills early on creates a solid foundation for future success. This experience fosters adaptability and resilience. The ability to handle responsibilities, overcome challenges, and learn from mistakes is invaluable. Employers highly value individuals who demonstrate these qualities. These skills will increase their career readiness and planning for college.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Archyde: Any final words of encouragement for students considering entering the workforce?

Jason Leary: Absolutely! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Explore opportunities, learn from your experiences, and remember that every job, no matter how small, can teach you valuable lessons. Taking that first step towards career readiness can open doors you never thought possible. So seize the opportunity to gain experience, develop skills, and set yourself up for a bright future.

Archyde: Thank you so much for your insights, jason!

Jason Leary: My pleasure!

What are your thoughts? Do you think that high school students participating in the workforce are more viable candidates for hire after graduation? Leave a comment below!