Kourtney Bailey ‘26
Summer jobs are a great way to learn valuable life skills, become more financially independent, and bolster your resume for college. As sophomore Katie Smith put it, it’s also good just “to have something to do during the summer.”
But which jobs should you pursue? How can you get started? Here are some of the most popular jobs and internships worked by St. Andrew’s students, and how you can get involved.
For students looking to work on their own terms, babysitting is a great choice. There are many benefits to babysitting as opposed to working a traditional job. By babysitting, you can choose the hours and days you want to work, and even choose how much you want to charge your clients. This is also a way that students can make money while still being able to manage school responsibilities.
“I usually babysit at least once or twice a month,” said sophomore Eliza Virgin, and after the kid is put to bed she says, “I usually do homework or watch tv.”
A great way to get familiar with babysitting is by joining the Babysitting Club here at St. Andrew’s. Another way is to ask around.
“Start with families you know and are comfortable with,” said sophomore Elle Toomey, and then, “ask them to tell their friends.”
Another common job amongst students is lifeguarding. Lifeguarding is the perfect summer job for students who are looking to enjoy the summer weather and make money while they’re at it. But there are some requirements that students must meet.
“It was a challenging job to start because I had to go through Red Cross lifeguard training, which was four hours a day for a week,” said senior Henry Freytag.
According to American Aquatics and Safety Training, in the state of Maryland, a student must be fifteen or older, and must take a First Aid and CPR/AED course to start lifeguarding. Freytag said that lifeguarding can be very stressful, but in the end it is rewarding.
An internship has just as many benefits and opportunities as a job. As well as looking good on college applications, internships also provide a substantial amount of experience and show the responsibility and leadership qualities of an individual.
One option for students may be an internship with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. This internship happens via zoom and takes up only four days out of the summer. This internship consists of listening to teachers’ ideas and opinions, and giving them feedback from the perspective of a student.
“It helped me learn more about how teachers work,” said sophomore Samantha Colvin.
Although this internship does not pay, it is a unique experience and is open to all highschool students here at St. Andrew’s.
Some students start off with simple jobs, and eventually get promoted.
“When I was like 14 or 15, I started scooping ice cream and a couple months later I made popcorn and donuts,” said senior Carmen Facciobene, who worked as a manager for the rental of aquatic motorized vehicles. He was eventually promoted after a lot of hardwork and dedication.
These are only some of the many jobs and internships students work. There are many other ways you can become familiar with the workforce. The best way to get involved is to find out what is available for you, and to start small. Call and ask around in your local area to see if anyone is hiring, and go from there. No matter how big or small the job may be, it provides great opportunity and personal growth, and will only benefit you in the long run.