How does a seemingly low-stakes job such as working in an ice cream shop or at a summer camp live up to the seemingly exceptional internships offered at Boston Children’s Hospital or the Massachusetts State House? While internships undoubtedly offer substantial learning opportunities, the benefits of summer jobs for high school students far surpass them.
Summer jobs provide a platform for students to cultivate essential life skills, foster financial independence and gain diverse work experiences that exceed those of a specialized internship. With a focus on practical skill-building, real-world responsibilities and broad exposure to various industries, summer jobs forge a stronger path for high schoolers seeking holistic growth and readiness for the challenges of adulthood.
Participating in a summer job as a high schooler offers a multitude of intangible benefits that extend far beyond financial compensation. Beyond the paycheck, a summer job is an opportunity for essential skill development and practical experience that prepares teenagers for the realities of both the workforce and adult life.
Through jobs like working at a restaurant, as a camp counselor or as a lifeguard, students learn soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for success in any future career path. Echo Kirke-Sofer (II), who works as a restaurant hostess, explains: “I have learned a ton about people skills and working in a high-stress environment that revolves around serving others. It has helped me come out of my comfort zone and I have gotten a lot better at communicating with people.”
Being able to adapt in this way prepares students for integrating into any future career, and allows them to develop crucial skills essential not only in the workforce, but in day-to-day life as well. Service jobs play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences and futures of teenagers. They serve as a stepping stone for career exploration, helping teenagers discover their strengths and weaknesses.
A major dilemma students face in deciding between internships and service-industry jobs is the potential impacts on their resume and college applications. for students who know exactly what career path they want to follow, service jobs allow room to develop as a well-rounded person, beyond academic and corporate personas.
Both Boston Public Schools and Boston Latin School offer many different internship opportunities through the Private Industry Council, Successlink, Deitch, Ward and Seevak fellowships. Because of these opportunities, many students at BLS expect to engage in at least one of them. Hannah Yu (II) adds, “This is an incredible opportunity available only to Boston Latin School students.”
From sophomore year, students are encouraged to take advantage of these by guidance counselors, administration and other students. However, service-industry work opportunities are less likely to be encouraged in the same way. Students are often drawn to internships at big name companies, neighboring hospitals and central government offices.
While internships at prestigious institutions undoubtedly offer valuable experiences, the significance of summer jobs for high schoolers should not be underestimated. They expose students to various industries, paving a broader path for comprehensive growth and development. Ultimately, the value of summer jobs lies in their capacity to prepare high school students for the multifaceted demands of adult jobs and life, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in any future endeavors.
BLS Deitch Leadership Institute Director Mr. Jim Levesque recommends, “My advice to students is to speak with their parents, explore their interests, determine their availability, assess their need for financial compensation, and most importantly, determine how they want to invest in their growth and development over the summer.”
So, if you are seeking something to do this summer, look no further than your local YMCA, boba store or bookshop, because the opportunities and learning experiences they provide will be like no other.
