2008-10-01, 04:49 PM
I am a supervisor at a retail store (so this may or may not be relevant information to you, since you're looking for more of a career and less of a job) and we hire many students in high school and college.
Things that impress me when looking at an application/resume from a high school student with "no previous work experience":
* a good GPA
* extracurricular activites (band, science club, sports, etc.)
* babysitting experience
* volunteer work
* JROTC
* fundraising
These things demonstrate qualities about yourself: a good GPA shows that you are serious about school. Extracurricular activites show that you have interests outside of school that you are willing to pursue and put time into; they can also show that you are dedicated (if you've been playing soccer for 7 years, for example.) Babysitting shows that someone trusted you with their child, which is a big deal when you're a young person (or any age, really.) Volunteering shows that you are interested in giving back to the community. JROTC simultaneously teaches discipline and leadership. Being part of a fundraising committee or something similar usually involves talking to strangers and asking them for money, which shows that you are able to communicate with people.
I would also highly recommend including classes you may have taken that are relevant to the job you seek. If you're looking for an internship with a graphic design company for example, maybe include art classes or computer illustration classes you have taken.
Although people may argue that having a high GPA does not necessarily make you a good employee, my manager explained it to me like this: if you are a student and are not participating in any extracurricular activities whatsoever, are not working, and are not helping take care of siblings, family members, etc. then your job is to be a student. Yes, some people seem to be more successful in their studies than others, but those who are not "successful" in the classroom should be doing something else productive with their time, whether it be volunteering, participating in sports, being part of the GLBT club, or whatever.
Blah, that's a lot more than I wanted to write. Hope at least a tiny part of this helps.
Things that impress me when looking at an application/resume from a high school student with "no previous work experience":
* a good GPA
* extracurricular activites (band, science club, sports, etc.)
* babysitting experience
* volunteer work
* JROTC
* fundraising
These things demonstrate qualities about yourself: a good GPA shows that you are serious about school. Extracurricular activites show that you have interests outside of school that you are willing to pursue and put time into; they can also show that you are dedicated (if you've been playing soccer for 7 years, for example.) Babysitting shows that someone trusted you with their child, which is a big deal when you're a young person (or any age, really.) Volunteering shows that you are interested in giving back to the community. JROTC simultaneously teaches discipline and leadership. Being part of a fundraising committee or something similar usually involves talking to strangers and asking them for money, which shows that you are able to communicate with people.
I would also highly recommend including classes you may have taken that are relevant to the job you seek. If you're looking for an internship with a graphic design company for example, maybe include art classes or computer illustration classes you have taken.
Although people may argue that having a high GPA does not necessarily make you a good employee, my manager explained it to me like this: if you are a student and are not participating in any extracurricular activities whatsoever, are not working, and are not helping take care of siblings, family members, etc. then your job is to be a student. Yes, some people seem to be more successful in their studies than others, but those who are not "successful" in the classroom should be doing something else productive with their time, whether it be volunteering, participating in sports, being part of the GLBT club, or whatever.
Blah, that's a lot more than I wanted to write. Hope at least a tiny part of this helps.