In the United States, nearly 30% of teenagers work. In Missouri, about 45% of teens hold jobs. 

“Getting a job can help you grow your professional skills, and it also allows you to get experience,” college and career counselor Stacey Nielsen said. 

According to YouthFirstInc, for every year a person works as a teenager, their income rises 14 to 20% in their 20s. Part of Nielsen’s job is to help students find information about careers and currently available jobs. 

“My favorite part of my job is helping students figure out what they want to do after high school and working through the process with them,” Nielsen said. 

According to ChildTrends.org, the teenage employment rate has gone up approximately 20% in the last ten years. 

“Job experience is incredible, and it is something that a student should have,” business teacher Warren Honore said. 

According to Chron.com, having a resume helps you appear as a professional candidate for a job. 

“A good resume is important for getting a job because a resume helps highlight your experiences as well as your achievements. A cover letter is a one-page document that tells the company how you are interested in a job but also how you qualify for that position,” Honore said. 

Honore, as well as other business teachers, can offer assistance with writing cover letters and resumes. 

“High school has prepared me for a job by helping me with my people skills,” senior Tristen Gregory said. 

According to MyMoneyCoach, having a job as a teenager can help someone improve their budgeting skills and teach people the value of money. 

“Having a job has also taught me about being an adult and all of the adult responsibilities like taxes and money management,” Gregory said. 

For further information contact a business teacher or Nielsen in the guidance office.