Summer Jobs for Recent High School Graduates

If you are a recent high school graduate looking to make some extra money, here are some ideas to help you utilize the time you have left before you have to start worrying about rent and/or tuition. You will want to take the opportunity to secure a place for yourself in the college world, or in the real world if you've decided to bypass post-secondary education.

Considering Your Options
When college is right around the corner, it's a good idea to look for a job that you can maintain throughout your college career, if necessary. There are benefits to trying different types of work and learning a variety of skills, but there is also stability and the opportunity for promotion in prolonged employment with the same organization or company, so be sure to consider each path carefully. If you've already started applying to colleges and universities, chances are you have a login ID on the school Web site, which means you probably have access to their employment database; utilize this tool, and start early with an on-campus job (maybe as a cashier or custodian). This will help you get familiar with the surroundings in which you will likely be living for the next four or more years. Also look into being a TA (though sometimes you have to already have taken the class, but check anyway) or a research assistance, which will probably pay better and be more flexible. But if you'd rather not work on campus, look into jobs at clothing shops or grocery stores, where you can take advantage of employee discounts on the essentials.

Career Preparation
However, if college isn't in your near future, or in your plans at all, then you'll want to take a more serious approach to your job search. It might be a good idea to start out with temporary work, like with a temp agency that will test your various skills and help connect you with local employers looking for people just like you. This way, you can often skip the interview (depending on the agency and employer) and get straight to work. Most of these types of jobs will only need you for a few months-or even weeks-at a time, while others will be looking to eventually hire you on permanently. Either way, none are a solid contract, which gives you the chance to "shop around" and figure out what you like best. A desk job? Something more hands-on? After all, you want something you can do for the rest of your life. Also, be sure to ask about health benefits (medical, dental, and life insurance) and retirement plans (401k, Roth IRA). And, if you're business oriented, look into small, growing businesses where you can rise along with the company. Being a veteran to the efforts of a specific entrepreneur will almost automatically put you at or near the top-before you're even old enough to go into a bar!

Challenge Yourself
Don't forget to aim high. Have a goal in mind. Whenever possible, target jobs that relate to your interests (obviously), and don't be afraid to ask questions.