Trying to find a summer job or internship can be a tedious process, but WCHS students should not be intimidated by it. There are plenty of opportunities available for high school students during the school year and over the summer, all for many different kinds of compensation.
If students are looking for more than just new experiences, jobs are a good way to gain Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or get paid. Volunteering opportunities, part-time jobs and internships are always available, but sometimes it takes a little digging to find the right fit.
Volunteering
Getting the opportunity to volunteer is an invaluable experience and can teach students many new skills and expose them to new environments. They are also a good way to get SSL hours, which are a special interest because all students are required to get 75 of them in order to graduate from a Maryland high school. If a student gets 240 SSL hours then they are eligible for a Certificate of Merit from MCPS and receive a purple tassel for their graduation cap.
Moreover, volunteering can look good on student resumes and having an established record from your school in the form of SSL hours is very important for verification purposes. Being a volunteer usually does not require any previous qualifications. Organizations and businesses usually accept volunteers of any age, unlike jobs with a wage, and these volunteer experiences can be used to bulk up your resume for the future.
Jobs
Finding a job can be very difficult for high school students, especially because the process can be a lot more involved and the requirements can be rigorous. Most jobs require a minimum age of 16 for their employees and commuting to a job regularly can also be a hassle for a full-time student.
However, it is perfectly possible to juggle school and a part-time job and keep a healthy balance in your lifestyle, as many students do. The real struggle is in finding a job that works with a student’s schedule.
A student can apply almost anywhere for a job: a cafe, restaurant, grocery store or even a library. There are many options available, though most students will have to settle for part-time jobs.
Employers will always ask for a resume for applicants during the hiring process. Students should make sure to create a resume that lists any academic achievements, awards or important hobbies. If students want to learn more about juggling a job or how to apply for one, the counselors at WCHS offer advice and resources to help.
Internships
Obtaining an internship is an essential part of many student’s college or job applications. Internships are not required for either of those but they definitely help. Internships are enriching experiences for students who participate, as they provide hands-on experiences related to jobs that students may pursue after high school. Students usually apply for internships they can participate in over the summer, like Summer RISE which is funded by MCPS, but many are available during the school year.
At WCHS, students can organize for a half-day schedule-usually during their senior year, that allows them to attend school for a few periods and spend the rest of their day at an internship. This is very convenient for those students immediately entering the job-market after high school or those who want a little more experience in whatever major they are pursuing at their college.
If students do not know where to apply for an internship, WCHS’s counselors have many resources available concerning internships. There are also school-wide emails regularly sent-out with internship opportunities. Usually, universities, colleges, laboratories, museums, libraries and other similar institutions have internships available for high schoolers. Some of these include the High School Internship program at University of Maryland, MIT Rise, or the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Internship.
Applying for a job, internship or volunteering opportunity is the easiest way for students to supplement the academic learning of schools. There are always resources available to help as well, in WCHS’s students and teachers. Getting hands-on experience helping people, participating in a work environment and potentially getting paid will help students prepare for success after high school, no matter their goals.
