Working A Summer Job In IT, While In High School, Has Many Career Benefits
Summer jobs provide a lot of benefits for high school students. Successfully working an entire summer season can boost a teen’s confidence and give them the opportunity to feel successful in applying for, training at, and working a job. Summer jobs can also teach high school students more adept time management skills, stronger working habits, earnings responsibility, budgeting, and even greater personal independence.
With many high school students currently planning for a career in information technology (IT), after graduation, choosing a summer job in that field can provide a robust start.
Our research partner, Emsi Burning Glass, has compiled data to pinpoint the top five summer jobs for high school students in the information technology field, for those seeking a strong career start that is also critically-current and future-ready. Let’s take a look at what the data reveals...
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With targeted career prep learning during high school, and the benefits of working a summer job in IT, career options are typically available for those looking to start their careers right away. So, let’s take an even closer look at each of the summer jobs on this list.
Computer Support Specialist: If you like helping others, troubleshooting problems, and providing continued support, then this IT role may be an excellent summer job choice, while in highs school. Computer support specialists assist both computer users and entire organizations. These specialists either maintain computer networks or provide technical help directly to computer users. It’s a great role to get a broad-base of knowledge in computer functions and information technology, in general.
Software Developer/Tester: This summer job role can be separated in two distinct roles or paired into one job. A software developer needs to have (and continually learn and develop) programming skills and proficiency at writing code. Development is usually about creating prototypes and testing these prototypes until they are able to function. A tester, on the other hand, is responsible for testing the application and pushing it to its limits. Consider each possibility carefully. Perhaps one summer job role may resonate more with you than another. Or, perhaps, you’d like to try a role that is a combination of both.
Data Entry Clerk: For those seeking a career in IT who also want to focus on data, this would be a terrific summer job choice. The duties of a data entry clerk often include maintaining databases by entering new and updated customer and account information, preparing source data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information, establishing entry priorities, coding information, troubleshooting processing errors, and achieving an organization's goals by completing the necessary tasks. They are also responsible for complying with data integrity and security policies, printing and scanning files, and generating reports.
Computer Operator: If you are someone who prefers to work with IT equipment more than delving into the coding, then this summer job role could be a great fit. Computer operators monitor and control computer and electronic data processing equipment, according to standardized operating instructions. They are tasked with managing and improving a company's network performance by troubleshooting hardware and software problems.
Computer Systems Engineer/Architect: If you are a complex problem solver who also greatly enjoys IT design, then choosing a summer job role in this area of information technology can help get your career off to a strong start. Architects are primarily responsible for network designs. Computer systems engineers implement the network architects' designs, and solve the complex problems involved in the day-to-day operations of networks. Engineers also frequently test system operations, identify security risks, and research new products or processes that will improve system function.
It’s through hands-on, project-based learning, and online classes and programs, that Stride Career Prep students can develop key skills in information technology, while also continuing their high school experience. Working on career prep now, and striving for progressive (and future-focused) IT skill sets while moving forward, can help students graduate and be prepared to immediately launch into rewarding careers in information technology.
No matter what future you choose to have, as information technology options come into focus, career prep courses with Stride help you begin your own journey towards success! Stride Insights also has more information about Technical Skills And Career Readiness For High School Students, too!
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