Why Your Teen Should Grab a Summer Job—and How to Make It Happen

Summer work can help teens earn extra money as they develop critical life skills. Here's how to get your teen started.

In the 1950s and late 1970s, teen employment reached record highs . This was for a mix of economic, social, and cultural reasons. Back then, teens worked because jobs were widely available and there was a strong cultural push for independence through work. Today, many teens are returning to summer jobs for similar reasons, especially earning money and gaining experience.

However, today’s teens also face more competition for college and a heavier focus on academic and extracurricular achievements, hence the lower rates of employment among 16 and 19-year-olds. With rising costs and a renewed appreciation for real-world experience , teens are balancing both worlds, bringing back a trend from decades ago that was once a rite of passage.

The Benefits of Summer Work

Lissett Bohannon , M.Ed, suggests a summer job as a game changer for modern teens, especially because they start to understand various life skills like the importance of showing up on time. “I had a student who was tardy all the time at school, and I noticed a huge change one year. When I asked them why, that student told me they had gotten a job over the summer and realized quickly how important it was to show up on time,” Bohannon recalls.

She says it also helps teens take responsibility and work with people they might not normally interact with. “I’ve seen students really come out of their shells just from having a summer job. It can also help with confidence; they learn how to talk to adults, and they start to see the value of their time. Even earning a small paycheck gives them a sense of pride and independence.”

For her, it’s less about the money and more about the growth that comes with it. On top of that, a summer job could be used for possible scholarship applications or as a part of their future college applications.

Miriam Groom, CEO of Mindful Career , agrees, stating that summer jobs provide invaluable learning experiences beyond the typical classroom. “Teens gain soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are vital for their future careers," says Groom. "Furthermore, early work experience helps teens build a professional network and gives them insight into potential career interests. Whether paid or volunteer, summer work offers essential exposure to the working world and boosts their confidence.”

Jillian Amodio , LMSW, explains that summer work provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and mental well-being. A summer job can help build a bridge between adolescence and adulthood, provide a sense of structure, routine, self-esteem, confidence, and responsibility.

“As a social worker and youth advocate, I’ve seen firsthand just how beneficial it can be for teens to engage in structured, purposeful activities during the summer months, helping build a sense of autonomy and provide valuable life lessons that can't be taught in a classroom,” she says.

Amodio explains that work and volunteer experience also foster a sense of purpose and community connection, which can be beneficial for mental health. especially during the often unstructured summer break. “These experiences reinforce values like empathy, resilience, and perseverance, all while helping teens explore their unique interests and passions.”

What kinds of jobs should teens be looking for?

For Bohannon, the best thing she recommends is to have students look for opportunities that align with what they’re already curious about or possibly interested in doing in the future. For example, she has had students interested in sports volunteer to help with soccer camps over the summer with the younger kids. She has also had students who were curious about a career in culinary work jobs in the food-care industry as bussers or waiters, just so they could get a glimpse behind the scenes of a restaurant.

“If you’re not sure what you want to do yet, that’s okay too,” she empathises. “I still recommend trying something because then at least you will learn more about yourself and what you like or dislike. Even babysitting or helping a neighbor with yard work can build skills in a way you may not expect. I think the goal to remember here is that the summer job should help you learn about yourself while growing your confidence and exploring new experiences.”

Groom advises that the best time to apply for a summer job is typically between March and April. “Many employers start their hiring process in spring, so applying early gives teens a better chance to secure a job. They should focus on jobs that will help them develop transferable skills and align with their interests. Retail positions, babysitting, lifeguarding, and tutoring are classic options, but don’t overlook internships, especially unpaid ones, which can provide excellent learning opportunities in various fields.”

She also suggests considering community-based roles such as volunteering at local food banks, libraries, or senior centers. These experiences are just as valuable for career exploration. “Platforms like VolunteerMatch or Idealist list volunteer opportunities across a variety of sectors,” Groom suggests. “Volunteering is a great way to gain experience while making a positive impact in the community.”

What resources are available to help The News Pulseand teens search for summer jobs?

Groom further advises that many high schools and community centers offer job boards and career workshops specifically for teens. These are great resources to help teens get started.

"In addition to these resources, it’s important for The News Pulseto help teens stay organized throughout their job search ,” she adds. “Setting a schedule for applying to jobs, following up with employers, and tracking applications will help them stay on track.”

Amodio suggests using online platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn for Students, which offer teen-friendly listings. She also highlights that local community centers and libraries often have job boards and volunteer postings, and that summer camps also often look for youth counselors to help with the busy summer schedule, so teens can start there.

Bohannon advises The News Pulseto start local—library boards, community centers, nonprofits, and even their own workplace. “Like I mentioned, my student who helped run soccer camps, he found that through the soccer club he was already playing with throughout the year. A lot of teens get opportunities through someone they already know.”

“Many of my students found opportunities by checking out websites like volunteermatch.org or idealist.org. They may help find local volunteering options based on interests,” she says.

Furthermore, Bohannon says that The News Pulseshould encourage their teens to put together a simple resume early—even if it’s just school activities or volunteer experience. “I know many students get worried about creating a resume before having work experience, but please remind them that school is their work experience, so have them build a resume based on their school accomplishments and soft skills. With a resume in hand, they will feel more confident applying, and sometimes they just need that little nugget of confidence to take the first scary step.”

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