Using Summer for Career Exploration Through Employment
Summer is often seen as a time to relax, unwind, and take a break from the structure of the school year. But for high school students, it also presents a golden opportunity—one that can shape their future in meaningful ways. Exploring careers through summer jobs or internships isn’t just about earning extra cash; it’s about laying the foundation for long-term success.
Here’s why taking advantage of summer employment for career exploration is one of the smartest moves a high schooler can make:
1. Discover What You Like (and Don’t Like)
Not sure if you want to be a teacher, coder, or environmental scientist? A summer job or internship gives you a real-world glimpse into different fields without the long-term commitment. You’ll get a taste of what a career is actually like such as the daily tasks, work culture, challenges, and that insight is invaluable when it comes time to make decisions about college majors or future goals.
Bonus: Learning what doesn’t excite you is just as useful as finding what does.
2.Build Valuable Skills
Whether you’re filing paperwork, taking drive-thru orders,assisting customers, or shadowing a professional, every job teaches something. Communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving are all critical soft skills that employers (and colleges!) value. Even if the job isn’t directly related to your dream career, you’re still gaining experience that counts.
And if your role does relate to your interests? Even better, you’re sharpening industry-specific skills that give you a head start.
3. Connect with Mentors and Professionals
It’s never too early to start building a network. Through summer employment, you’ll meet adults who can offer guidance, write recommendations, and possibly help you find future opportunities. Having a mentor can boost your confidence and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Plus, showing up consistently, working hard, and asking questions shows you’re serious qualities that professionals notice and remember.
4. Boost Your College and Scholarship Applications
Admissions officers and scholarship committees love to see students who take initiative. A summer job or internship highlights your willingness to step outside the classroom and learn by doing. It shows drive, maturity, and curiosity which are qualities that help you stand out in a sea of applications.
You’ll also have great material to draw on when writing application essays or during interviews.
5. Earn While You Learn
Let’s be honest, earning a paycheck is one of the biggest motivators in having summer jobs. Managing your own money teaches financial literacy and responsibility. You might save for college, buy your own laptop, or just learn how to budget wisely.
Being able to say, “I worked for that,” gives a major confidence boost, too.
6. Gain Confidence and Independence
Stepping into the working world, even part-time, helps you grow. You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself, ask questions, and handle responsibilities. The independence and self-assurance you develop over just one summer can impact everything from how you tackle school projects to how you carry yourself in college interviews.
Start Now, Not Later
It’s important to remember that a job in retail or food services is just as valuable as an internship at a larger business. Retail and food service jobs on resumes show employers you have customer service skills and have employability soft skills such as coming to work on time, adaptability, work ethic, teamwork, and communication skills. Major employers recognize the value of working in retail!
The earlier you begin exploring careers, the more time you have to pivot, plan, and pursue what truly excites you. Summer employment isn’t just something to do, it’s a strategic move toward building a future that fits who you are and where you want to go.
Here are a few local options to explore for the future:
Career Connections Programs (AIU3)
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Career Connections initiative offers immersive, multi-day programs designed to introduce students to various careers. Some of the programs available include:
- Digital Graphic Novels
- Future Teachers Academy
- Visual Arts Career Orientation
- Writing for Publication
- Zoo Animal Care
Each program provides hands-on experiences and the chance to connect with professionals in the field. A $100 registration fee applies, which is refundable if not accepted into a program. Note that transportation is the student’s responsibility.
Learn & Earn Program
The Learn & Earn program is a six-week summer employment initiative for teens and young adults aged 14–21 in Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh region. Participants can earn money, gain work experience, and develop essential soft skills to prepare for college and professional life. This program is a collaboration between Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, and Partner4Work.
Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS)
Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, PGSS is a five-week residential program for high school juniors interested in science. Students engage in intensive studies in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics, culminating in a research project. It’s an excellent opportunity for those passionate about STEM fields.
Allegheny County Department of Human Services Internships
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services offers paid internships for high school students interested in public service. Interns can work in various departments, gaining experience in areas like data analytics, family services, and community outreach. Positions are available throughout the summer and are open to students residing in or attending school in Allegheny County.
Duquesne Light Company Internships
Duquesne Light Company provides summer internships in fields such as environmental health and safety, emergency management, and information technology. These full-time, paid internships offer hands-on experience in the energy sector and are ideal for students interested in STEM careers.
