Top Jobs for Teens and College Students

[fire516]

Here is a list of Top 10 jobs for teens and college students

1. Lifeguard

One thought comes to mind: young girlies in bikinis. Yes, I have to admit the greatest part of being a lifeguard is watching the girls. I can say this because I worked as a lifeguard not too long ago. If you are a female, it would probably be vice versa to you. And you have every excuse to do this too because this is your job.

While checking out attractive people is the best perk, there are other great rewarding features. You have the opportunity to build valuable leadership skills that can be carried on to future careers. After all, you are responsible for the patrons you supervise. This entails enforcing rules and regulations, knowing how to problem solve and interact with others, and responding to needs of patrons. You must be trained and certified in lifeguarding, first aid, and professional level CPR.

You must know when and how to react to emergencies and maintain crowd control. Otherwise, you get to sit in the sun and watch people.

There are a few different settings to apply your skills. This can be at a pool, a waterpark, or a waterfront such as a beach or lakefront.

Pros: the girlies, building character and leadership skills

Cons: long hours outside; most positions are seasonal or temporary; minimal action at small or slow facilities; can get hypnotizing watching the same zone for long periods of time

2. Camp Counselor

Getting away from home, lodging with people your age with similar interests, and working with youth is a great way to expand your opportunities. This may force you out of your comfort zone for a short time until you find this job to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Being the counselor is better than the camper because you get paid while having just as much fun (if not more fun). This job provides you with opportunities to share your talents and knowledge with younger kids.

Pros: get away from home, apply your skills and talents, have a feeling of freedom

Cons: vast majority of positions are only seasonal; the bugs; seeing the same place can get old, especially if you are living there

3. Movie Theater Crew

The movie theatre is a popular destination for teens and young adults alike. Plus, there are various roles you can serve: Usher, ticket booth, concessions, and a few others. Most others working at these places are around the same age as you and can offer opportunities to make new friends in the process.

Depending on where you work, you can get discounts and deals for yourself, friends, and close family.

Pros: open year-round; discounts on tickets and concessions depending on where you work

Cons: A lot of mess to clean up as people make messes all the time in theatres.

4. Work at the Mall

The mall is yet another great hang out spot for teens. There are all different kinds of individual shops and restaurants that sell different things. The traffic that comes through all depends on the day of the week and time of day. On weekends, the mall is teenager galore.

Depending on which store you work at, you may receive discounts on food, clothing, or accessories.

Pros: different people that come through, discounts, increased hours during holidays, open year-round

Cons: being stuck in a small store within a much larger mall; gets crazy busy during major holidays; a lot of lifting and moving

5. Hobby Store Clerk (Video Game Shops, Sports Shops, Craft Stores)

Have a hobby in particular? There is probably a store for that. Work at a store that sells hobbies you are good at. You can meet people with similar interests this way and also expose yourself to things you enjoy. In addition, you get to share your knowledge and expertise.

Pros: be surrounded by things you like

Cons: you want them all but cannot have them all :(

6. Youth Sports Official

Are you the athletic type? Many parks and recreation departments and sports complexes will hire teens to serve as game officials for kids sporting games.

Pros: get the chance to work with kids; use your knowledge on a sport you know

Cons: disputing heated arguments; pay is often on a per-game basis only; often seasonal only.

7. Server

The greatest benefit? Tips. The better the server you are, the more tips you will make. Depending on where you work, tip money may come pooling in. Problem? To serve alcohol, you must be of legal age, and therefore, this may disqualify many underage teens. But, for a college student of legal age, this job may be perfect.

Pros: Tip money of course; build people skills

Cons: Laws regulating sale of alcohol; customers may take their anger out on you even if not your fault; leave smelling like food

8. Religious Organization Intern

Do you follow a certain religion? Do you attend an organization that pertains to your religious beliefs on a regular basis? Are you serious about your faith? If so, you may consider working as an intern or other employee at your church or other place of worship.

Pros: Be surrounded by others with similar beliefs

Cons: Must abide by a strict moral, religious, and ethical code at all times

9. Fitness Club or Recreation Center Staff

Like the workout environment? The gym may be a great place to work. Gyms often seek front desk receptionists and temporary child care workers. One of the greatest benefits may include free access to the gym and its amenities.

Pros: Access to the gym

Cons: Stuck inside all day with sweaty people

10. Grocery Store Employee

Depending on your age and qualifications, there are many different positions you can hold. Cart pusher, bagger, cashier, and stocker are just to name a few. Grocery stores are a very common employer for teens.

Pros: Grocery stores are a common employer

Cons: Some positions require a lot of lifting and moving

[Izzex3]

One great place to work at is your school.
When I was working at my college I was "exempt" or something like that because I worked for the school so I got my full paycheck.
Also since you're working at the school they're very considerate and know that school comes first. Plus you're working on campus. If you're living on campus or near it then you don't have to worry about being late to work or to class.
I can't say anything for the others since I've only had a job at my school.. But my friend worked at the theatre and they were pretty good and understanding when it came to school work.

[front2back]

In my experience:
-"Low standards" restaurants. Things like bars, BBQ places, sports bars, etc. Where the environment is very informal and laid back. You're immaturity will help you get along with others there. I had so much fun with the waitresses I worked with, I, an 18 y/o dude, was less perverted than them! It was fun and idiot-proof work.
-Mover. The simple reason is that you will stay in shape and work at the same time. You kill two birds with one stone. This really only applies to big dudes, though.

[fire516]

You had to make this an insult?

[fire516]

Come to the fire hall and you will realize how perverse we are.

[kaminalove]

Lifeguarding is actually a fun job despite the cons! The staff is lively and the feeling you get when you save someone (have done it twice) is AWESOME! So I totally recommend it if you are a good swimmer :)

[fire516]

I have worked as a lifeguard and have had "pseudosaves" , meaning they were actually false alarms that I just acted upon. Better safe than sorry.

[kaminalove]

Its still cool though :)

[AnayaWilliams]

I want to work wherever I can get a job. Somewhere like a fast food place, or the mall or a movie theater. I just want my own money that's all, and I'm running out of time I only have 2 months until I'm out of school

[LadyBBaller]

Oh my gosh I know how you feel!!!

[AnayaWilliams]

Yes and I'm 18 and I am running out of time and i don't have much time. I get out of school May 29th. I just want my own money that's really all I want, I don't understand why that is so much to ask for you :/ I hate asking for money because it makes me feel guilty. All these other kids at my school are getting hired right on the spot, and I'm like how come I can't get a job? All I want is my own money and I want to work around people my own age, I mean is that really a lot to ask for? I don't think so @LadyBBaller

[MarkyyG123]

Mateee, what about surfing instructor :D Its like a little better on the life guard :D I was a life guard then part time surfing instructor, good times :")

[smalls1995]

Surprised barista isn't on here! I've worked at a movie theater and a restaurant :)

[YourFutureEx]

I liked it very much. Excellent.

#5 is really a torture lol

[Herrfatih]

I'm working, shoes shop only weekends, I'm earning 6 box per hour, I m working 8 hour per day, nice for me.

[smexiliciousss]

I want to work at a movie theater haha

[fire516]

I have tried. It is difficult to get hired on where I am at. Regal Cinemas is a good one.

[smalls1995]

I worked at one for almost two years. Super social and really fun. After a while, you get over it, but it was a great experience! I was an usher, worked in concessions, and I worked in box office.

[SnowHearth]

This might help my sister

[fire516]

Glad I could help

[Nicolás25]

all of these suck.

[dartmaul15]

then good luck finding jobs you like.

[Nicolás25]

@dartmaul15 i already have one

[dartmaul15]

well then. good for you.
I've tried some of those above, and they don't suck at all.