It’s that time of year again. The school year is wrapping up, and the question is popping up in households everywhere: Should your teenager or college student get a summer job?

The answer? Yes. And maybe no—but mostly, yes.

Let’s be honest: Summer is short, and no one wants to waste it. But a summer job isn’t just about earning extra cash. It’s about building skills, making connections, and, for college students, creating opportunities that might lead to their dream jobs down the road.

The key is to start the search now before summer officially begins and all the good opportunities are gone.

For High Schoolers: Should They Work?

Absolutely. A summer job is one of the best ways for teenagers to learn responsibility, time management, and how to work with different personalities—life skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. Whether it’s a part-time gig at a retail store, lifeguarding at the neighborhood pool, or babysitting, a job teaches them what it takes to earn money, not just spend it.

But it’s not just about earning—it’s about learning. Learning what it feels like to receive a paycheck and watch taxes being taken out. Learning that if they blow their earnings on Starbucks and late-night drive-throughs, there’s nothing left at the end of the week. Learning how to save for bigger goals, whether it’s a car, a trip, or even their first Roth IRA (yes, teenagers can—and should—start one!).

And here’s the kicker: If your high schooler earns less than $14,600 in 2024, they likely won’t owe a dime in federal income tax. That means every dollar they earn is theirs, minus Social Security and Medicare taxes. This is the perfect time to teach them how to manage money while the stakes are low.

For College Students: Job, Internship, or Both?

For college students, the decision to take on a summer job becomes a little more strategic. Yes, bartending, serving, or working in retail can bring in fast cash— and let’s be honest, tips are nice. However, this is also a prime time to secure an internship—one that could potentially lead to a full-time job offer after graduation.

The mistake many students make? Waiting too long to apply. By June, most of the top internships have been filled. Employers start hiring for summer positions in January, February, and March—so if your college student hasn’t applied yet, it’s time to hustle.

Where should they look?

• Handshake (colleges offer access to this platform with tons of internships)
• LinkedIn & Indeed (search “summer internship” + their major)
• Networking (professors, family friends, or even just emailing a company they admire)

And if they can’t land an internship? A regular job still builds experience. Offices often hire temporary help for admin work, and customer service jobs develop skills employers love—communication, patience, and problem-solving.

Click here for an email template your child can use to send to employers.

How Parents Can Help

Encourage them to start looking NOW. Waiting until summer to apply for jobs is like showing up to a Black Friday sale at noon—everything good is already taken.

Talk to them about money. A summer job is the perfect opportunity to introduce budgeting, saving, and even investing (hello, Roth IRA!). The earlier they start, the more that money grows.

Help them network. A quick introduction to someone in your circle could be the connection they need to land a better job or internship. Encourage them to reach out, ask questions, and follow up as needed.

Final Thoughts

A summer job isn’t just about making money—it’s about building a future. Whether it’s their first paycheck or the internship that leads to their dream career, working over the summer is a smart move. And the best part? They’ll still have plenty of time for fun.

So, should your student get a summer job? If they want to get ahead, the answer is yes.

And if they start looking now? They’ll have the best options available.