If you’re 17 and looking for a place to start your career, there are many options available to you. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job to supplement your income or a full-time career, there are plenty of companies and organizations that are looking for young, talented individuals like yourself. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best places to work at 17.
Top Places to Work at 17
Here are some of the best places to work for 17-year-olds:
- Retail Stores
- Food Service Industry
- Childcare
- Grocery Store Chains
- Camp Counselor
- Movie Theater
- Amusement Park
- Internships
- Babysitter
- Freelance Work
Retail Stores
Perhaps the most obvious place to work as a 17-year-old is at a retail store. Many clothing, shoe, and makeup stores offer part-time positions to high school students. It’s a great way to gain experience in customer service, sales, and operations management.
Food Service Industry
The food service industry is another great option for 17-year-olds. Positions at fast-food restaurants, cafes, and bakeries are often available to high school students. You can learn important skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management.
Childcare
If you love working with children, then a job in childcare may be perfect for you. Positions as a nanny, babysitter, or daycare assistant can allow you to gain a lot of experience with children. These jobs also help improve your patience and communication skills.
Grocery Store Chains
Grocery stores are one of the most well-known industries that hire 17-year-olds. You can be a cashier, a bagger, or work in the produce department. These jobs offer flexible hours and are great for high school students who want to work part-time while in school.
Camp Counselor
Working as a camp counselor is great for 17-year-olds who enjoy being outdoors and working with kids. It can give you an opportunity to improve your leadership skills, communication skills, and time management skills. The experience and skills you gain from working as a camp counselor can also help in future job opportunities.
Movie Theater
Working at a movie theater can be a fun job for 17-year-olds who love movies. You can work as a ticket usher, concession stand worker, or even as a projectionist. This job offers flexible hours and can allow you to hone your customer service skills and improve your multitasking ability.
Amusement Park
If you live near an amusement park, it can be a great place to work as a 17-year-old. You can work as a ride operator, a games attendant, or in the food service industry. These jobs offer a fun work environment and the chance to work with people from all over the world.
Internships
If you’re looking to build skills and experience in a specific field, internships are a great option. Many organizations offer internships to high school and college students. These jobs can provide valuable experience that can help you land a job after graduation. Internships also give you a chance to network with professionals in your field.
Babysitter
If you enjoy working with children but don’t want to work in a daycare or nanny, being a babysitter can be a great option. You can work on your own schedule and make as much money as you want. Babysitting also allows you to build relationships with families that could lead to future job opportunities.
Freelance Work
If you have a particular skill, such as graphic design or writing, freelance work can be a great option. Websites such as Upwork and Fiverr allow you to find clients and work on projects independently. This can be a great option for 17-year-olds who want to work from home and set their own working hours.
How to Find a Job as a 17-Year-Old
Here are some tips for finding a job as a 17-year-old:
- Check online job boards such as Indeed and Monster
- Stop by companies and organizations that interest you and inquire about open positions
- Ask friends and family members for job referrals
- Attend job fairs in your area
- Create a resume highlighting your skills and experience
Preparing for Your Job Interview
Once you’ve landed a job interview, it’s important to prepare for it properly. Here are some tips:
- Research the company or organization beforehand
- Dress appropriately for the interview
- Practice answering common interview questions
- Arrive early for the interview
- Bring a copy of your resume and any other supporting documents
Conclusion
There are many great places to work for 17-year-olds. Whether you’re looking to gain experience in a particular field, make some extra money, or just have some fun, there’s a job out there for you. With the right attitude and a little bit of persistence, you can find the perfect place to kickstart your career.
FAQs
- Can a 17-year-old work full-time?
- What is the minimum age to work in the United States?
- How many hours can a 17-year-old work per week?
- What skills do employers look for in 17-year-olds?
- Can a 17-year-old intern at a company?
Yes, a 17-year-old can work full-time as long as they have graduated from high school or obtained a GED. However, they will still be subject to state and federal labor laws that limit the number of hours they can work per week.
The minimum age to work in the United States is 14 for certain types of jobs, such as newspaper delivery or working in a family business. For most other jobs, the minimum age is 16.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 17-year-olds can work up to 48 hours per week during non-school weeks and up to 28 hours during school weeks.
Employers look for 17-year-olds who have good communication skills, are responsible, can work well in a team, and who are open to learning new things. Having some experience in customer service, sales, or other similar industries can also be helpful.
Yes, many companies offer internships to high school and college students. Internships can provide valuable experience that can help with future job opportunities.
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