While in school, you can potentially benefit from many activities and look forward to learning new things, making new friends and socialising with people your own age.
However, when it comes to life outside of school, there are some things that school might not totally prepare you for…
By the time high school rolls around, you can find it a pretty different ball game. There may be a lot more drama, there may be a lot more stress in keeping up with your studies and, while the prospect of a career appears to draw even closer to reality, work is still a concept that many students just can’t fully grasp. If all this sounds like you, maybe it’s time that you start gathering work experience while you’re still stuck in high school. Here are a few reasons why you should consider such a bold move.
The work experience paradox
Ever heard the joke of employers wanting workers that are 20 plus but with work experience of about 10 years? By that standard, you could assume that your future employer is going to expect you to start working at around 10!
It’s a ridiculous dilemma that’s impossible for young people to achieve. However, it’s also just an exaggeration of the truth (most of the time!).
In reality, employers are probably keen on work experience only because they’re keen on what it gives you; the confidence and practical skills necessary to survive and excel in the workplace. Whatever your plans are for university/higher education, gaining good work experience while you’re still in school can help you stand out when it comes time to get hired and open you up to more job opportunities.
Going through real situations
Picture this; you’ve never been in a pool before but you’ve spent the past 10 years learning about the various techniques, theories and strategies involved in swimming. The moment you actually do take a plunge into the deep side, how ready do you think you’ll be for the real deal?
Similarly, theoretical education is good but don’t think of it as a substitute for practical application. The way to truly master something is to experience it again and again. The nervousness of your first day at work and gruelling hours dealing with tight deadlines have to be experienced first-hand.
Developing exceptional time management
There are plenty of skills that you’ll learn if you choose to work during high school. Probably most important of all, however, is time management. When you have to balance a hectic work schedule on top of other commitments like school work or extracurricular activities, you’ll be forced to optimise your time management skills in order to fit everything in. It sounds tough and it probably is but expects it to just make you an even stronger candidate once you’re ready to pursue your dream career.
Some may say that life’s a game and competition is a key part of this long, arduous journey. If so, it’s probably time for you to start thinking of ways to go further than the next guy (or girl). By opting for early work experience, you’re really preparing your future career path in advance so that you don’t have to struggle and compete with other candidates without having a single unique trait to offer.
