Would having work experience be beneficial for college and any major?

Hi Alexis,

It's great that you are thinking ahead and preparing yourself as a junior! I truly believe having work some experience under your belt before college would be beneficial not only for expanding your network but also for your own personal development whether it be in your desired field or not. At minimum, having work experience would teach you discipline and responsibility, learn how to adapt to different environments and personalities, enhance your technical and soft skills, and also expand your wallet!

Personally for me, having a job also enabled me to obtain more recommendation letters for when I was applying to colleges, other jobs, and scholarships. Ultimately, I believe it can only help you in the long run. Best of luck!

Hi!

While you are still in high school there might be coop and internship programs that are available. Talk to your school counselor.

It is very important that you gain experience and exposure to the field in which you may want to major in college to make sure it is right for you.

The head of alumni relations can also help by putting you in contact with graduates of your school working in the area in which you might want to major in college.

Best of luck!

Alexis,

Good question. I personally started working prior to entering college and continued to work full time as I completed my degree. Work experience my not help you as much in college; however, work experience could potentially give you some insight as to what to expect once you complete your degree program and enter the workforce. Good luck!

Hi Alexis,

Another thing to consider is that Jobs usually ask for work experience. Having a job/internship before & during college will be to your benefit later on. Your first job will be the hardest to get. Once you have one, your next job will be easier to obtain since you will have proven you can hold a job, provide a value-add to a business, and be professional. In addition, having a job on your college application will show your dedication to becoming a professional.

YES! Any work experience at all will be beneficial to you. It will teach you about the real world as well as responsibility. There are times in my 20 year career where I reflect back on the work experiences that I had in high school and college and realize that I learned so much from my early retail and restaurant jobs - how to balance multiple priorities, stamina, and cultural awareness. Like others have said, it's a good opportunity to get recommendations and you never know what kind of mentors you will find along the way.

I hope that this is helpful and wish you the best of luck!

~j