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Besides the
obvious one of giving them some spending money or “keeping them busy and out of
trouble,” there are many advantages to summer employment for youth. Here are a
few other reasons young people should be encouraged to hold a job this summer:
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It often
helps them make the connections between school and the world of work—helping
them understand WHY they’re studying math, science, English, etc.
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It
provides a great opportunity to explore career fields of interest. It can be
as valuable for youth to learn they do not like to do something as it
can be to discover something they do like.
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It can
help students learn firsthand the level and type of education or training
needed for certain careers as they learn about co-workers.
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Young
people often begin discovering work-related values through summer
jobs—whether they prefer working indoors or outdoors, what kind of hours fit
their natural schedule best, whether or not they enjoy working with the
public, how they handle decision-making, what pace of work fits them, what
motivates them most, etc. Those discoveries, too, can be help in the career
decision-making process.
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The
adults who hold admission approval to post-secondary schools and scholarship
awards in the palm of their hand look at the whole person who is applying.
Very often, those adults report most young people look pretty much the same
on paper. Skills and qualities gained from employment opportunities can help
set a few above the crowd. Also, some who award scholarships are
increasingly looking not only at academic achievement—but at how the student
handles balancing school, work and extra-curricular activities.
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It helps
them begin to build or expand the personal networks that are invaluable as
adults in the career climbing process.
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It can
help provide the skills, attitudes and habits required to be successful on
the job as an adult. These include: time management and meeting deadlines,
following directions, problem-solving, interpersonal communication,
leadership and working on a team.
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