Job Search for Teens & Young Adults

Parent Q&A

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  • When to Start Job Search

    Sep 19, 2024

    Hello Wise Ones,

    My young adult is in their senior year of college. They're a liberal arts major planning to work for a year or two after college, preferably in a law or law adjacent job with a focus on human rights, domestic violence, criminal justice, etc. before attending law school (they have experience in these areas). Many of their friends are in the midst of applying for consulting jobs. They are not interested in a consulting job. They're beginning to become very concerned that they are not deep in the process of lining up a job to begin immediately after they graduate in May.

    Its been a long time since I graduated from college, but this seems far to early to look for the type of job my young adult is interested in. Has the market changed that much? When do young adults graduating with liberal arts degrees in May begin looking for jobs?

    The market has changed. Did they secure internships? For some perspective, and hints, do some searching on the Grown and Flown Facebook group.  Best of luck.

    This is not a one size fits all thing and this is a decision for the college aged senior only, who is an adult, without parental interference. I have been an attorney for more than 25 years, in the corporate world. I took a year off between college and law school. Law school is grueling and then practicing law can be draining. I say , graduate in May and then look for whatever job comes about even if it’s Starbucks or a bookstore or whatever.  A year or two after college to chill in a low stress job before entering the rigor of law school isn’t a bad thing. The student has the rest of their life to work. Incidentally, I also happen to have a college-aged senior attending a liberal arts college. I don’t know what school your student attends, but neither my child nor my child’s friends are looking for jobs yet, 9 months prior to graduation. Most (including mine) are working while attending college and are more focused on trying to graduate. 

    encourage them to visit their campus career center and make full use of those resources! (sign up for email list, go to resume workshops, practice interviews, etc)

    a staff member there can advise them on timing.

    you mentioned they have experience, which is great. If they haven't already done an internship, I highly recommend they get one for spring semester. Both my kids were offered jobs from the employer where they did college internship (one big company, one non-profit)

    Yes, things have changed. Most college seniors I know have already been doing internships either over the summer or during the school year since their 2nd or 3rd year. Granted, most of these are STEM or Econ/Business majors, but the job market is tough in lots of sectors. If it were me, I'd encourage her to start exploring school-year internships this year, and as far as a job search, I'd encourage her to start as soon as January 2025. Hopefully her college has a robust program to help students with job placement. FWIW, the kids I know who did not bother looking for internships or work have graduated and are still looking for work. The further out from graduation they get, the harder it gets, both mentally, and practically. In my experience, the kids who don't have a job lined up feel like they are being left behind by their peers, and companies may feel that students who have not secured post-graduate work are not motivated enough to hire. But of course this is dependent upon the sector, in criminal justice or law there may be more opportunities than the ones mentioned here. Good luck to her!

    If their school career center offers Handshake, it's a great resource. Mine found both an internship & summer job through the site. Not sure if the post grad job was also Handshake or LinkedIn.

    I agree about suggesting the College Career Center. If they have trouble getting an appointment you can coach your child through that process which will be a useful skill. That way also, the college counselor helps your child become aware of the timing, rather than you being part of the process, which can be a source of conflict.

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  • My 14 y.o. needs a part-time job to fill her days a couple times a week. Anyone in this network know of resources to find jobs or temp gigs available to Teens? I don't need suggestions, I'm looking for actual websites or community programs that offer assistance in placing Teens in a work/mentor or apprentice programs. 

    If anyone has a direct lead on a specific job opening. Someone who is willing to give a Teen an opportunity to learn. A Restaurants, Bakery, Retail, Sales, Events or any position where she can interact with a high flow of people (customers or fellow staff) would be ideal. She is NOT the type that can sit still at a desk or be alone doing office work (filing paperwork) or the like.

    She's very social and personable and has experience with crafting, workshops, and assisting a host with parties and events. Her friendly bubbly personality has her best suited as the "Greeter or Host". She's also creative as an artist and can sing pretty well too. She's interested in music, digital arts, or working with her hands. 

    She's ready to learn if there's training involved. Thank you kindly. 

    I don't think your expectations are realistic. Both state and federal laws provide significant constraints on work for 14 year olds. During the school year the number of hours allowed per day is limited to 2 or 3, and there are restrictions on which industries (and positions within industries) can hire minors, especially if they are under 16. In order to hire a 14 or 15 year old an employer must fill out an a form called "Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit," and it has to be approved by the child's school. Should the child's position at the hiring company change, or if they change employers, these documents must be done over again. The reality is that few employers are willing to go through these hoops when they can hire teens age 16+ with fewer oversight requirements. 

    The exceptions to these laws are the ones that you see younger teens engaged in: babysitting, lawn mowing, have a paper route, and the like. These are considered casual positions/self-employment. There are also exceptions for children in the performing arts, so if your kid is talented and you have the time, energy, and funds for the initial capital outlay for things like professional headshots, this could be an option. But if so, be prepared to take your child to numerous casting calls. Your time investment will be equal to or greater than that of your child.

    If your child does not need to earn money, there may be more options; see https://www.handsonbayarea.org. Some public and not-for-profit entities will offer volunteer and internship opportunities to younger teens. Camp "counselor in training" positions are one example; note that these are very seldom paid. Sometimes after school programs will extend offers to younger teens. Also, keep in mind that younger volunteers may be slotted into positions with the least potential for mistakes leading to large problems. These roles may not be especially outward facing, let alone feel as though they are much more than "make work." So they might be able to fill cups for an event, but are not likely to be able to serve those beverages -- even if nonalcoholic -- to avoid an accidental spill on a large donor's clothing.

    The one place, in my experience, in which younger teens are reliably welcomed is as volunteers on political campaigns. The tasks aren't always great (in my day we stuffed a lot of envelopes) but you do meet other volunteers. If you're there regularly and frequently you will meet people and, perhaps, be given more responsibility.

    I don't see anything in your post on what your child wants? If she isn't personally invested it will show and she won't last long.

    Finally, I respectfully suggest that you review your thinking about this. Statements like "needs a part-time job to fill her days" or "looking for actual websites or community programs that offer assistance in placing Teens in a work/mentor or apprentice programs" miss the incentive from the other side's perspective. Employers hire to fill needs they have, not to keep your teenager busy. Mentors forge relationships that are time- and labor-intensive because they want to support the growth of that individual mentee. Apprenticeships are rarely available to young teens, and because they are designed for employment-readiness are mostly full-time. You want your child to benefit, but that is not the hiring entity's primary concern.

    Best wishes,

    Lisa

  • When I was in college, during breaks I used to sign up with TEMP EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES that would vet my skills and then farm me out to different companies who needed short-term workers.  It was a fun and easy way to try out different jobs, the temp agency was technically my "employer," and with the temp agency as the middleman, it meant no "interviewing for jobs."  I also got my first REAL job after college through an employment agency -- I did have to interview, but the agency helped to match me with the right job.

    Is there anything like that for today's college students (or grownups, for that matter)?  I am the parent of an intelligent, responsible college student who would LIKE to work, but has no work history to put on a resume, and this seems like it could be a good workaround for that.  But these days is it all just find-your-own-job-on-a-jobs-board?  If anyone has pointers for how kids who don't have a college degree or much of a resume find employment these days, I'd be grateful!  My kid is considering taking a leave of absence this coming year, but only if it is somehow possible to find a job.

    Does your student's college use Handshake? It's like LinkedIn or Indeed but specifically for college student employment. My college student found a summer job, an internship, and a permanent job after graduation on Handshake. If not Handshake, maybe a different service through career services?

    Hello,

    Nelson Connect is a temp agency that serves most of the bay area from my understanding. They also work with a lot of government agencies which can be a very good way to get into public service if that's something you're kid is interested in. 

    Good luck! 

    hi,

    my small food business, cult crackers, is hiring an account manager. we're in west berkeley at the berkeley kitchens. (you can see the job post on craigslist under account manager.) we will train. 

    dianna @ cult crackers

  • This is cross-posted in the "Parents of Teens" and the "Products and Services". Have you have trouble getting paid by RefPay?  (the online payment system for teens to get paid for referee'ing at a soccer game).  I lost the piece of paper where I wrote down the account login and password then, I tried to retrieve my password to access my son's account.  First, the online account does not recognize the responses to the security question so I cannot reset my password. (I have tried many possibilities for the security question response.)  Calling the staff they told me they need me to send in a copy of my son's passport to confirm his and my identify (not just the photo but ID number). Instead, I offered to send in my drivers license, since I am the one that set up the account and it's my social security number on the account, but I used my son's email address when I set up the account, thinking he is going to take over the process once it gets ironed out. They would not accept that. Then they wanted me to tell them my ss# over the phone. I didn't do that. Then I offered to drive to the nearest police station with my passsport, my son's passport and birth certificate, and the police could verify my identify. No response except to reset a password with "ArbiterSports".  Apparently, a Refpay account is ultimately an account with the organization called "ArbiterSports"  which is apparently in charge of "ArbiterPay."   I have received password resets from ArbiterSports but not ArbiterPay....  and resetting with ArbiterSports and logging into ArbiterSports does not gain access to my son's ArbiterPay account. I am baffled about how to access my son's account. If you have any tips to share I would be very grateful! Needless to say I carefully track any login/passwords now! 

    My son has not had any problems getting paid as a ref. ArbiterPay is the banking/payroll arm of ArbiterSports, so it makes sense that it would have tighter security restrictions. You must have already given them your SS# when setting up the account, so I don't quite understand why you won't give them your SS# by phone to confirm your identity. You called them, so you know you're speaking with the legitimate organization. And the request for a SS# when talking with any financial institution by phone to confirm identity is pretty standard -- esp. given that you've forgotten both your password and security answer.

  • My son is entering into his Senior year at BHS.  He doesn't enjoy school and has decided to work before he considers if he wants to go to college.  Does anyone have recommendations for how to research vocational training programs in the East Bay?  Even a counselor who can meet with him and identify opportunities and programs that he may be interested in?  Thanks for any input.

    Alice

    Laney College has an extensive and well-regarded vocational program. http://www.laney.edu/wp/cte/

    The College Career Center at Berkeley High really is a career center.  Last year they had presentations from programs that are career oriented.  There were representatives from programs such as Rising Sun (6 months to learn to install solar panels) and the Bread Project (3 week commercial baking) both free as well as at least 20 others (some free, some not.)

    Hi Alice,

    For many of us, high school can kill any interest in academics, but community college has a lot of options even if academic goals are not of interest. 

    I was just such a teen - and I was helped because a school counselor let me know I could take community college classes during high school to earn school credit. What helped me was to learn that community college had a very different atmosphere than high school - plus I met people from all walks of life in my classes and I found them inspiring. Vocational options are also abundant. After graduation I attended community college and met high school students who were taking community college courses to get college credit early. This was such a huge boost for me and got me far more interested in academic options than I would have considered otherwise. Community College had a big impact on my life!  

    As a new teen librarian at Berkeley Public Library, I believe so strongly in the benefits of Community College that I am having Rebecca LaCocque from the Peralta Colleges coming to talk at Berkeley Public Library North Branch about What Community College Can Do For You. The event is Saturday, August 27th, 3pm. 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. Free and open to adults and teens. She will talk about how middle school and high school students can attend Community College courses for free, how Community College can help you with your first two years of college, and also vocational options through community college. 

    If you have any questions about my experience or this event, feel free to email me at kmandalay [at] cityofberkeley.info

My son was not so into college and likes outdoor physical work. He went to the outdoor recreation leadership program at Feather River College a community college in Quincy, CA, for a year but after various adventures and then working for a couple different contractors for a few months (these were "no experience necessary" jobs he found on Craigslist), he completed a free 15 week San Francisco city program that prepares SF residents for paid, UNION building trades apprenticeships. He got a job immediately and has great benefits, and with overtime he's relatively well paid even as a first year apprentice. Of course he's laid off at the moment, but he'll have work again when construction is back on assuming the economy doesn't completely collapse. I'm not sure if Berkeley or Alameda County have similar programs - check with local community colleges.

He may be interested in becoming a backflow assembly tester. Backflow assemblies are devices used to protect the drinking water from being contaminated when there is a connection to something like a boiler or irrigation system that uses chemicals. These devices are everywhere and they are required to be tested annually by certified testers. Here's a video of what a tester does. And here's a pretty simple explanation of what backflow is and why it's important.

To get certified he would need to take a 40 hour class and then a written and hands on test. Once certified he can work for a company or agency (and there are usually plenty of vacant positions) where they go around and test the devices to make sure they are working. Most of the companies provide some mentorship so that new people aren't suddenly out on their own. Usually the person does need a driver's license.

The most local company that offers the certification class is in Sunnyvale: https://www.backflowschool.com/. There is also one that offers classes in Santa Rosa and Morgan Hill: http://www.mitchscertifiedclasses.com/index.asp?TopicID=4; and the American Water Works Association offers the class in Sacramento.

If you think he may be interested in this feel free to message me and I would be happy to talk to him more.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Questions


Recent college grad wants to work for the State Department

April 2014

My daughter will be graduating in June from UC Davis with a double major and double minor. She is majoring in History and International Relations and minoring in Human Rights and Professional Writing. She had applied for a Masters in Public Policy and may not be able to go forward due to finances.

What should she do now? She is kind of at a loss because the job market out there is so bleak. Her goal was to ultimately work for the State Department. Any advice helpful, as I want to support her in any way possible. Proud Mama


Maybe you could suggest to her to work in a congressional office, either local office or work her way up into DC office, as a way to bridge her interests and be employed if she can't afford grad school yet? anon


Who says your daughter needs a Master's to take the Foreign Sevice exam anyway? She should sign up and take it ASAP. The FS takes people with all sorts of skills, and may even pay for a year of grad school if it's job related. Right now the FS baby boomers are retiring, and new hires are getting on the fast track.

It may take a year or two for her to be interviewed and hired. But if she can get any job with the federal government-- say, EPA or Soc Sec-- even a nonprofessional job-- her years waiting will count as years of service, which is good for pay, promotion, and pension.

Alternatively, she could try to work for an NGO or sign up for the Peace Corps, or get a job that uses her languages. All would be good relevant experience. Just my two cents. Good luck!


Daughter offered a job with Teach for America

April 2012

My daughter who will graduate from UC Berkeley next month has been offered a position with Teach for America in New Mexico. Has anyone had any experience with this organization? Thank you


Congratulations on your daughter being selected for TFA. My daughter did TFA directly out of college, and the first year was the toughest experience she has ever had. It can be overwhelming and a trial by fire, BUT once she made it through the first year and made a conscious effort to get some balance back into her life, the second year was great and she opted to stay on working at the school for a third year as a curriculum consultant. This is her last year and she's now going on to graduate school. TFA opens so many doors for future jobs and educational opportunities. There is am amazing network of TFA alums, and many graduate schools seek them out. Monika


First Job for HS Senior

Jan 2012

Can you recommend a good first job that my daughter could get a good experience in? Times are really tough, jobs scarce, but as she looks to college next year working this spring and especially this summer would be really helpful. She has no experiece but would especially love an entry level job in an electronics store, supermarket, self serve cafe, etc. Also want her to experience how hard this work is, for little money, to impress on her the value of her education. Thanks much. Looking for a Job


Kids get jobs just like we do, by networking. My daughter went to at least 10-15 local businesses such as yogurt shops, pet shops, clothing stores before school let out for summer last year . All of them took her application and never called back. Halfway through the summer, two friends asked if she was still looking for a job. She interviewed and was offered both. In fact, she is still working at both: tutoring one day a week and working at a golf course, cleaning golf carts and picking up balls from the range. Both job openings were because a Senior was going away to college. So my suggestion is to have your daughter ask her working friends or have you ask your friends if they know of any local businesses that need someone. Also ask local businesses if they employ any Seniors who might be leaving in the fall. Her persistence really paid off, she just bought her first car (with our help, we match whatever she could save up. She saved $2K in 5 months). It has been great, she has really matured and now we don't have to drive her everywhere! Candace


Daughter interested in medical technology careers

Oct 2011

How can I help my daughter get information about careers in medical technology, good colleges and training for these jobs. She wants to attend a 4-year college but most seem just to have either nursing or general science degrees. She's interested in medical jobs related to technology, radiology, scanning, etc. Thanks... info on technology jobs


Kaiser has a wonderful school in Richmond for many different careers in this field. They are accredited and highly respected. Make sure that any program you pick is properly accredited or your daughter will never get a job. Merritt College in Oakland has a radiology tech program and DVC/Ohlone have a respiratory tech program. Beware that all of these tend to be difficult to get into due to high demand. They usually have prereqs that can be taken at a community college.

I'm a career counselor so I'm going to get on my little soap box now. Before investing time and money in any career, see if she can job shadow someone in an area that interests her. If not, at least set up a couple informational interviews with people that work in the field and ask what they do all day long, pros and cons, etc. She might also volunteer in a hospital to see if she likes the environment. Here's a link to some useful information: http://www.johnmuirhealth.com/get-involved/careers/career-education/career-education-medical-imaging.html Lis


Daughter, 19, looking for first job

Aug 2011

My daughter, who is 19, has been trying to find a job. She is presently a student at Berkeley City College and living at home. She tells me she has been looking online for jobs but they always want someone with some sort of experience. Being as this will be her first job, she has none. I have suggested to her to do ''cold calls'' to local businesses, but she is on the shy side and has a difficult time doing that. Any suggestions on how to navigate this issue will be appreciated. Also, any leads on any websites for her to search will be welcomed. job searching tactics welcomed


Has she looked at Craigslist? Has she registered with any temp agencies? Most people get jobs through someone they know.

Meantime, she should start volunteering somewhere RIGHT AWAY. If she wants to do retail, try the Goodwill or Salvation Army. She will work with the public, learn inventory, learn to use a cash register, learn if she likes it, and possibly get a recommendation in hand.

If she wants to work with animals, try a vet's or the animal shelter.

If she wants to work at an office, see if she can follow someone you know around at work. Maybe she can volunteer at the local library or at a local school.

There are restaurants and stores with Help Wanted signs in the window in Berkeley and Albany.

What about the babysitting jobs etc. in this newsletter? Some work is better than nothing. Working has a way of making you organize your time better, too. Good luck!


Going rate for recent college grad

Nov 2008

Any suggestions of the going rate for a new college grad to tutor high school students in their home? How about babysitting? anon. mom


I think what you pay for tutoring depends a lot on the subject matter being tutored and the applicability of the degree to that subject matter. To give you an idea of the payscale, my daughter who is a math major at CAL in her last year of study charges $30 per hour to tutor math or sciences. She is definitely on the less expensive end of the math tutoring payscale but this allows her to find tutoring that she wants to do. She has tutored high school and college students in many levels of math, but mostly calculus and pre-calculus. Mary


I can't help you on the tutoring rates, but as for babysitting, I pay college students $16 per hour, plus $10 per day for gas (taking care of my son involves picking him up after school and doing some errands). So for working 4:30-6:30 the sitter earns $42. If it is an nighttime job, no driving, just $16 per hour. I would pay a recent grad the same. Hope that helps! Fran