Now that you know how to apply for a part-time job, what are some of teens’ favorite jobs?

My students usually tell me they want jobs that pay well, offer flexible hours, and are fun. You know a part-time job will enhance your college application, but of course you want to enjoy your time there too. Here are some examples of popular part-time jobs for high-school students:

1. Tutor Because it enables you to put your knowledge to use helping others, tutoring is a fantastic part-time job for teenagers. Also, it offers the chance to develop your leadership, specifically as a teacher. If you can get your own clients in the community, you’ll even practice entrepreneurship, branding, and marketing. My students usually start out thinking tutoring is easy, but the business aspect ends up challenging and exciting them.

2. Paid social media intern There are tons of businesses out there, especially small businesses, that dream of having a social media presence but are baffled by where to start. And for lots of teens, social media comes second nature. You’re welcome to search job boards for businesses ready to hire, but a great way to cut through the competition is to approach the owners of businesses near your neighborhood and chat with them about their social media presence, or lack of one. If you know what you’re talking about, they’ll see your value pretty quickly!

3. Pool lifeguard This job involves a bit of training and a lot of sitting or standing (depending on the pool) in one place. You will practice your focus (not so easy, right?) as you constantly scan the pool for dangers. It’s an easy job to zone out at, so try not to do that! You may even get to socialize and get to know the regulars at the pool.

4. Camp Counselor Camp counselors are in charge of fostering an awesome environment for kids. You’ll develop management skills and practice dealing with surprises and challenges. It demonstrates your dedication to helping others, and is usually a nice time being out in nature.

5. Freelance Writer Working as a freelance writer gives you the opportunity to use your creativity and writing talents to produce material for companies and newspapers. Also, it can assist you in developing a portfolio of work. There is so much flexibility with this job that you can even do it late at night. However, as with all freelancers, you’ll have to hunt for your gigs. Try these websites to start: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com (16 and older), Medium (for posts that catch views), and Reddit for Hire.

Hi, it's me, Robert!

These jobs are fun, but read my next post in the series to learn which jobs impress colleges the most.

While you're making money to save for college, have you thought about college costs and which colleges are most likely to award financial aid? Download my completely free Financial Aid Options Tree to see all the sources of aid so that you know which one to focus on.

Robert Powers (M.A. Johns Hopkins) is the college consultant at College Torch. He is an expert in colleges and the college admissions process. Parents, join his private Facebook group for Parents of College-Bound Students.