By Zoe Crain
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Over the past month, I’ve sent out twelve resumes. I’ve emailed thirty people, and I’ve searched Craigslist more times than I can count.
Why? All for the perfect summer job. The job that will allow me to beef up my resume, do world changing work, and of course, make some serious cash to bring to college next year.
But, this perfect summer job has been impossible to find. According to all of the companies I’ve contacted, I’m too young, too inexperienced, or too set against working unpaid.
According to recent studies, I’m not alone. An August 2010 LiveScience article titled “Soaring Teen Unemployment Could Have Lifetime Effects” cited only 28.6 percent of the nation’s teenagers as holding summer or afterschool jobs, a clear decrease from the 51 percent working in 2000.
The article pegged the economic recession as the most likely culprit for the decline in teen unemployment. As adults are forced to take lower level and lower paying jobs, teenagers are shut out of the job market. Teenagers living in college towns such as Princeton have an especially difficult time finding work, as we must compete against highly qualified university students.
But finding and holding a job is extremely important for one’s future, according to Princeton High School senior Abby Stern, who works at Bon Appetit in the Princeton Shopping Center.
“[My job] has helped me become more organized, [has given] me a sense of responsibility, and has forced me to mature because I work mostly with adults who are part of the work force.”
As college tuition prices rise, college bound seniors are also often expected to raise a portion of their personal spending money. This limits the work opportunities, as it eliminates unpaid internships.
“Earning money gives me a sense of independence,” continued Stern.
Danielle Santoro, a 2010 graduate of PHS and current Bryant University freshman described the money she made during summers as a camp counselor as being “crucial for college. My parents pay for the big things, but if I want to go buy a dress or go out with my friends, I don’t have to feel bad about using all the money on my debit card. It’s nice to know that you have this money and can do whatever you want with it.”
This money from part time or summer employment can also begin an important future in saving money. Teens who begin saving in high school will accumulate more funds than adults who begin setting aside money post-college. A managing director at Bank of America estimated that teens should set aside at least 5% of their paycheck. Then, as interest rates compound, and the account increases, bank statements will encourage the teen to continue saving, into adulthood. Later in life, this early investment can then be used to start a retirement savings account, such as a 401(k).
Kristina Scheckel, another Princeton High School senior in the job force, says that earning one’s own money is an important step in growing up.
“When I have my parents’ money, I spend it differently than I spend my own money. Knowing firsthand how much work goes into making a salary gives high school students more appreciation for the money our parents give us, and teaches us about how to budget and spend smart.”
Having a job also helps prepare teenagers for the realities of the adult world.
PHS senior Nick Meyer says he is searching for a job “to start building a resume. I want to be prepared for employment, so I think it’s extremely important for teens to work, even part time.”
Katharine Scott, who has held a variety of jobs since middle school, said that working forces teens to mature.
“Having… a job provides high schoolers with a glimpse into the real working world while providing them productive ways to spend their time,” she said.
Brian Tesser, a junior at South Brunswick, has worked for the past few summers at a day camp. He agreed with Scott, adding that working “instills a strong work ethic which helps prepare teens for future jobs. It’s also a great sense of accomplishment to finally get that pay check.”
Starting young only helps to build up a resume and experience. James Itkoff, a sophomore, began working in food services last summer. Unlike many of his peers, Itkoff was offered a job from his first application.
“I’m planning on applying for work this summer too,” commented Itkoff. “I definitely think that working last year will make it easier to find a job for this summer.”
For those having similar frustrations as the ones I am currently facing, there are a number of resources to help with locating summer, or afterschool employment positions.
Princeton High School’s guidance department features a bulletin board with postings from area employers looking to hire high school students. Websites such as Monster.com and Craigslist can be useful, but tend to be more tailored to internship seeking college students, or adults searching for full time work. Wandering around town can also be productive. Many area businesses post “Hiring” signs, and are willing to consider high school students. Mercer County also offers its own job preparation program which includes a job fair specifically for teens, held each June.
The most important things to remember are to start looking early, and be patient. Summer internships and jobs tend to fill up before April, so it’s important to begin the search now. Allow at least a weekAnd don’t forget to remember that what you get out of a job is what you put in to it. Even if it isn’t your dream position, the positives of holding a job are endless.

