By Zach Beichner, Cranberry High School Student

For many high school students, getting a summer job is the first experience they have in the workforce. Babysitting, lifeguarding, waiting tables, and camp counseling are common starting points for many. While these jobs probably will not turn into careers, they do provide opportunities for teens to build confidence and develop important skills they will carry over into a future career. Other teens are lucky enough to experience the best of both worlds by transitioning from a summer job into a career. In both instances, students are given a glimpse into the workforce.

I conducted interviews with students in both situations. One high school senior said that she started her first job in the summer, but it progressed into a year-round job. As of now, she has been working there for three years. While summer jobs can lead to potential year-round jobs, they can also give a high school student a background in his or her future field. For instance, two seniors who go to Vo-Tech and participate in Co-Op were able to find a job in their future fields during the summer, and they both have continued to work there during the school year. All of these students felt that their experiences were positive and beneficial for themselves and the businesses.

Summer jobs not only benefit the students, but the students also benefit the businesses for which they work. During the busy summer months, some businesses have to hire extra help, and some of these positions are filled by students on summer break. Businesses can also benefit from hiring students by having them do mundane tasks, while more experienced workers can focus on more important aspects of the business.

Quinton, pictured above, is a senior at Rocky Grove High School and works at Hoss’s Steak and Seahouse. “Our business benefits from hiring local students because they bring a positive energy into our building,” said Jim Perry, manager at the restaurant. “The energy  the young people give to our guests make them want to come back and it even rubs off on our veteran employees.”

Students get summer jobs for multiple reasons – to pay for a car, get job experience, save for college, etc. While fulfilling the previous needs, they develop responsibility, money management skills, and very important people skills. Many people benefit from summer jobs—the business owners, students, and even the members of the community.