4 Easy Ways Teens Can Network for College and Job Opportunities
By: Charlene Wu
24/7 Writing and Communications Superstar
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Navigating high school and college applications is scary. It seems like there is so much to do, with not much clear explanation. However, you don’t need to fear as there are many resources around you that can help you with this daunting process! Outside of the extensive resource that is the internet, here is a list of places and people you can go to for more information.
#1: Your high school’s guidance counselor and student services
Guidance counselors are at your school to help you not only graduate, but succeed afterwards. Many times, employers and businesses forward information about job or internship opportunities to school guidance counselors. Some schools’ student services even provide an online database or stack of brochures.
While using their online services can help to quickly scan through the options, talking to your guidance counselor regularly is extremely beneficial. For most colleges, your guidance counselor must write you a recommendation letter. Updating your counselor about what your current and future plans are helps them write a better letter with more details and substance. It allows them to see you more as a real person rather than just a student on paper. Additionally, if counselors know about your interests, they would likely think to pass interest-specific job and internship opportunities to you first.
#2: Teachers
Your teacher is a great resource to help you get involved within and outside your school! All teachers have experienced and seen other students go through the college application process before. Consider asking your English teacher to review your college essay, they are a great resource for that.
Teachers also are more involved with your school’s extracurriculars, as they are club advisors and interact with students more. If you need help navigating what clubs or programs to look into, asking your teacher would be an incredibly helpful way to get personalized recommendations.
Teachers are also a common source of recommendation letters, as they interact with you almost every day. Keeping in touch with your teachers, via participating in class, talking to them after, or joining their club, helps them see you grow as a student and person. This is a crucial component in recommendation letters that stand out to admissions officers. Even when a new academic year starts and you get new classes, you should still interact with a few teachers over the course of multiple years to ensure a good relationship
#3: Libraries
Libraries often go underappreciated, however they are bursting with information. Along the library shelves may be test prep books and self-help books that could be of great use. Additionally, sometimes libraries host workshops and informational events for college admissions and job applications. Go to your local library or its website to find out if there are any events coming soon.
You can also reach out to your local librarians about any opportunities they may know of, like writing competitions or volunteer events. They could also possibly read over your college and job application essays!
#4: Clubs
Participating in clubs is critical for your development in leadership skills and becoming a well-rounded applicant. It is also an excellent way to network and gain advice on college and job applications.
Clubs are usually interest and career-specific, which means its members hold similar interests to you, but also from different backgrounds and ages. This makes speaking to upperclassmen about their experiences much easier.
Asking them about what job opportunities they participated in or have heard of is a great way to get involved. When they graduate, keep in touch with them so they can tell you about their post-high school experiences. They may invite you to their own personalized college school tour, or give more insight into what college is really like and whether it’s beneficial for your mutual interests.
These four resources are great ways to start off your high school year strong. A key part in using your resources wisely is maintaining meaningful relationships with school faculty and people in your community.
Another great resource is 24/7 Teach’s college application and leadership programs. Make yourself stand out as an applicant anywhere with their expert consulting!
If you are ready to start thinking about the college application process, set up a free strategy call with one of our 24/7 College Admissions specialists and learn everything you need to create a successful college application plan for yourself or your teen.
