What you learn outside of the classroom is important too.
Employers and colleges prefer people who have a wide range of skills. Job, volunteer, and training experiences help you develop those skills and show that you’re responsible, mature and trustworthy. And in most cases, more experience means better earning potential and opportunities. Just remember not to overdo it. School is your first priority.
Here are a few ways you can get leadership experience in high school.
- USA Freedom Corps, AmeriCorps, and Job Corps
USA Freedom Corps, AmeriCorps and Job Corps are national community service programs. Volunteers of all ages work together to clean up parks, paint buildings and assist people in need. Some volunteers can also earn college scholarships for participating.
- Community service volunteer work
Community volunteer work can help build your teamwork and leadership skills. You could learn carpentry by building homes for needy families or practice your communication skills by talking with residents at a retirement home. Check with your school counselor, GEAR UP staff or chamber of commerce to find organizations in your area that need volunteers. Many have volunteer coordinators trained to match your interests with their needs. Some volunteers can also earn college scholarships for participating.
- Internships
Internships, like paying jobs, give you hands-on experience with careers that interest you. Usually, you work with a mentor to establish your goals and job responsibilities. Internships are available through hospitals, senior citizen facilities, law enforcement agencies and many private businesses. Talk to your school counselor about this option.
- Job shadowing
Some professionals allow students to observe what they do on the job. This is called job shadowing. Often you can learn how people behave at work and what’s expected of employees on the job. Your school counselor or GEAR UP staff may be able to recommend someone you could shadow.
- Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a high school class that gives you a crash course in military culture. Cadets wear uniforms once a week and on special occasions. Some also go to summer camps to play team sports, train on obstacle courses, learn land navigation and water safety techniques and more. Talk to your school counselor or a military recruiter for more information.
- Occupational classes
Many high schools offer courses in debate or public speaking, computer keyboarding, hospitality, woodworking, welding and even computer network maintenance. Take advantage of these classes to develop your workplace skills.
- Pre-apprenticeship training
Pre-apprenticeship training programs help students improve their basic skills and get ready for apprenticeship programs. If you’re interested in an apprenticeship and you want to get a head start, find a training program near you at http://www.lni.wa.gov/scs/apprenticeship.
- Other community service volunteer work
Community volunteer work can help build your teamwork and leadership skills. You could learn carpentry by building homes for needy families or practice your communication skills by talking with residents at a retirement home. Check with your school counselor, GEAR UP staff or chamber of commerce to find organizations in your area that need volunteers. Many have volunteer coordinators trained to match your interests with their needs.