Picture this: Your teen is sprawled out on the couch with a bag of Doritos in hand watching MTV. What’s wrong with this picture? Do you envision yourself being frustrated by your teen’s laziness all summer long?
Relaxation after a stressful and frenzied school year is probably much needed; but, after a few days of rest, your teen should start thinking about taking advantage of her free time and expanding her horizons.
Jobs are scarce these days, and many internship opportunities are filled in late winter. However, it’s not too late for your teen to plan a constructive summer.
Do ‘something’
Teenagers who volunteer, work, or take classes, get noticed by college admissions officers — and future employers.
“An internship or volunteer experience is the first step to building a resume,” says Carole Jabbawy, Ed.D, founder and director of Internship Connection in Newton, MA. “Teens gain career exposure, which will be very helpful in sorting out a college major.”
Teens who plan to seek employment right after high school will also benefit from field experiences like:
• Resume building
• Exploration of interests
• Making “connections” in a specific industry
• Setting oneself apart from the crowd
Opportunity knocks
Small businesses, hospitals, churches, and nursing homes are always looking for extra help, and usually welcome teen applicants. For last-gminute opportunities, it’s best for teens to canvas their neighborhoods and ask about positions in person.
“While June may be too late for some internships, non-profits are still quite busy in June and July,” says Jabbawy. “Late spring is a busy time for fundraising events and extra hands are always welcome.”
Finding a paying job for the summer at this late date might be difficult; however, motivated teens can still find openings. Full-time employees often have vacation plans, so part-time positions become available.
“Business owners tell me that they don’t have enough time in the day to keep up with social networking,” Jabbawy explains. “They would love a teen to work on a project promoting their business through Facebook, blogging or Twitter.”
And summer colleges classes are always an option.
“Universities will allow prospective students to enroll in summer courses right up until the first day of class,” explains Jim Sirianni, PhD, assistant dean and director of summer college at Stanford University. “Students should check with multiple institutions in their area to see when summer classes begin.”
Many colleges offer competitive scholars programs, academic camps or traditional classes that high school students can take in the summer. It’s imperative that students check to see if there is an age minimum, a required placement test, or documents their high schools needs to submit before applying.
Volunteer!
Volunteers are rarely turned away — especially in a down economy. Plus, teens can feel good about making a difference.
“It’s wonderfully satisfying to volunteer for an organization that you care about,” agrees Jabbawy.
Teens should search for positions that will help guide them toward their long-term goals. For example, aspiring veterinarians should find a position at an animal shelter.
“An internship or volunteer experience begins the process of creating a professional network and can lead to a paid position,” says Jabbawy.
Entrepreneurship
It’s never too late to start your own business! Possible entrepreneurial ventures include lawn mowing, house painting, caring for pets while people are on vacation, fixing neighbors’ computers, or cooking for the elderly. Teens can distribute fliers around their neighborhoods to get the word out. Still stumped for ideas? Try these websites:
www.dosomething.org
www.volunteermatch.org
Tips and tales
“Senior citizen centers are always looking for teens to volunteer to help serve lunch meals and clean up.”
Tracy Critelli-MacQueen, Glen Oaks, NY
“Our church has a vacation bible school and we’re always looking for teen members to help, even if it’s last minute.”
Beth Ackerman, Staatsburg, NY
Share your ideas
Upcoming topic: Your teen didn’t make varsity – alternatives to keep him playing?
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Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer and columnist specializing in parenting issues and child and adolescent development. She is the mother of two teenagers.
