How to Snag a Summer Job

With summer break on its way, teens are wondering what they can do with their time off. Fun in the sun is always a relaxing way to spend a break. However, there is a more productive way teens can spend their time and make money in the process: Getting a summer job.

“Summer employment gives teens self-confidence and self-awareness,” says James Avery, director of Education & Training at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “It is important for teens to gain a sense of potential and learn how to manage their own funds.”

Some of the ways students can find summer employment are:

• Attending local job fairs
• Getting involved in their community
• Searching the internet or going to a job listing website such as GST Michigan Works
• Asking peers who are employed if there are any openings at their workplace
• Following the TeenQuest Facebook and Twitter pages

Once a student finds an opening, the next step is getting the job. There are steps students can take to prepare themselves before applying and interviewing for a position. These include:

• Building a strong resume
• Performing mock interviews with family or friends
• Researching the employer beforehand

Students can prepare themselves for summer employment by participating in the summer session of TeenQuest which kicks off July 9 at Baker College of Flint, New Jerusalem Church and Asbury United Methodist Church.

The pre-employment training program will be open to students who are 14-19 years old and are going into grades 10-12.

For more information on TeenQuest, visit the TeenQuest page on our website.

TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

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