The benefit of high school jobs with college admissions

High school jobs come in all shapes and sizes. Just ask Warren Buffett, founder of Berkshire Hathaway, who worked summers as a paperboy. Or Ma Huateng, creator of WeChat, who earned a humble $176 per month during his first job.

Even AcceptU Managing Director Sophie Gray is quick to confess that her first job was working at an ice cream stand.

The point is, everyone starts somewhere. But how can delivering papers, scooping ice cream or mowing lawns enhance your child’s application and prepare them for success in college?

Here are five tips high school students can use during their work to strengthen their college application and ensure fulfillment during their college years:

1. No job is too small.Leave your ego at the door for this one. It is important to be willing and eager to take on a variety of tasks, even those considered ‘mundane’ or ‘boring.’ Having a go-getter attitude toward work is a plus in the eyes of admissions officers who love to read applications from proactive and involved students.

This attitude will also promote success as students transition to busy and independent lives on a college campus.

2. Ask questions!Questions show involvement and genuine interest, no matter the task. All of us have encountered the internal debate of “Should I ask?” or “What if I sound stupid?” With that in mind, students should not be afraid to ask “why?”. It is a simple and important question – one every college professor (and class participation grade) will appreciate in years to come.

College admissions officers love to hear thought provoking questions – at your next college interview or information session, don’t be afraid to speak up.

3. Keep in touchWhen we hear the word “networking,” we often think of LinkedIn and white collar careers; however, it is important to understand that networking can start even before college.

Students should keep in touch with supervisors and co-workers who helped them along the way. Remember that people today are more interconnected than ever – building a list of contacts can help your child network as he or she prepares for internships and jobs down the road.

Even a letter of recommendation can be at stake. AcceptU COO Stephen Friedfeld admits that one of his favorites came from the supervisor of a local deli. A letter of this kind can provide an authentic, unique and impactful recommendation in the eyes of an admissions committee.

4. Take some time to reflect.Before your child heads back to school in the fall, have him or her take some time to reflect on the summer experience. Brainstorm a short list – what were things they enjoyed? Maybe it was a collaborative work environment? Or perhaps more individually-based tasks?

Next, uncover some negatives. What about the work did they find less enjoyable? A simple brainstorm can help kickstart a plan for college and spark a college essay topic.

5. Whatever you are, be the best at it.We saved the best (and most important) for last. Remember that all work is purposeful work. If your son washes dishes, encourage him to be the best dishwasher the restaurant has hired. If your daughter works at a summer camp, remind her of the impact her success at work can have each day on her campers.

Your child’s work is an exciting experience that can add to his or her college application and success. Encourage them to enjoy it, and learn something along the way.