College Bound High School Students and Part Time Jobs

Some parents think it is best if their student does not attempt to work a part time job in high school, but instead concentrate on their academic studies and possibly some extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.

There are other parents who think a part time job is a great idea for their high school student because it teaches a work ethic and builds character. It is also a great opportunity to introduce the student to earning and managing their own money.

Here are a few things to consider as far as a part time job during the high school years:

1. When evaluating high school students for college acceptance, schools look at many different aspects of a student's achievements. While academics are an important part of these achievements, they do not solely comprise everything being considered for college acceptance.

Colleges seek well rounded individuals for entrance to their program, which is why participating in sports and clubs is important throughout the high school years. A part time job is no different. Schools view a student's ability to achieve academically while taking on additional responsibility via a part time job as a very positive attribute.

2. A part time job is an excellent way to begin molding a high school student's work ethic. Careful scheduling and planning, choosing the right part time job, and staying focused on academic studies are essential for this plan to work. It does, however, indicate many positive elements regarding a high school student's personality to possess the ability to hold down a part time job and still maintain their studies.

3. A part time job can serve as an opportunity for obtaining college funds. Many businesses offer scholarships and financial assistance to high school students who work within their companies.

4. When students apply for jobs after college graduation, potential employers are less hesitant to hire candidates with some work experience as opposed to those with none. It reflects a student's commitment to responsibility in their early years and the ability of the student to multi-task.

5. Many high schools offer co-op programs for students, allowing them to utilize part of the class day for employment, which also applies toward their high school graduation credits and GPA.

A co-op instructor checks in with the employer throughout the semester to evaluate the student's performance. Positive reports result in good grades in the "co-op" course, which reflects favorably on the student's transcript.

A part time job is not recommended for every high school student. If, for instance, a student is already struggling in their academic studies, the time might be better spent on extra study time and possibly even tutoring. The decision regarding whether a part time job is a good fit for your particular student is dependent on many things and each case must be evaluated individually.