Between juggling schoolwork, social life and sports, some Upper School (US) students also have to manage work shifts and collect paychecks. From retail workers to soccer refs, these students get an early glimpse into the working world.

 US College Counselor Hermance Septembre said students are constantly searching for résumé-building extracurriculars, including jobs.

 “These jobs do not have to be linked to the major that the student is interested in on a college campus, nor does one type of job stand out over others. Getting a job is more about skill building and connecting with the world around you.”

 Students should consider their schedules when applying for jobs.

 “In the eyes of the colleges, community service opportunities can also substitute for a student’s ability to maintain a job,” Ms. Septembre said.

 Mirabel Ge ’27 has worked at a grocery store since this summer. She works for six hours a week through one weekday and one weekend shift.

 “When you go to a grocery store, people don’t usually think about what the workers do there, so you truly learn what goes on behind the scenes,” she said. “Seeing that definitely taught me how hard jobs are and to have empathy with workers because you never know when someone is having a bad day.”

 Being a cashier can be monotonous, Mirabel said.

 “It’s hard to talk to people and have the same conversations over and over again. When I’m cashiering, I say the same thing to every customer for hours, so it gets tiring and repetitive, which makes it hard to keep being enthusiastic.”

 Mirabel connects with her coworkers at the grocery store.

 “I meet a lot of new people, and I love my coworkers because we’re close in age, and they’re super fun to be around.”

 Sari Goldberg ’27’s time at Abbott’s Frozen Custard has given her a sense of independence. 

 “Instead of being treated as a student or kid, you’re treated as an employee and as an adult,” she said. “It’s refreshing to be treated as your own person, rather than being an extension of your family and friends because regular customers know me without knowing the other parts of my life, which is definitely rare in other places.”

 Sari’s perspective on earning money has also changed.

 “I gained a lot of respect for money when I started making my own because, after hours of working, the money I made still wasn’t a lot,” she said. “I started comparing prices of things I wanted to buy to the amount of shifts I would have to work, and this perspective gave money a much higher value in my eyes.”

 Zaria Wellesley ’28 is a soccer referee for two to three games per week.

 “It feels so rewarding to buy something with the money I make, and it’s helping me build my money management skills,” she said. “Since my brother was also a soccer referee, I knew what the job was like.”

 Zaria completed courses prior to her referee certification.

 “It also taught me how to plan ahead of time and say no,” she said. “I’m not allowed to cancel games, so I have to be careful with scheduling and sometimes ask for less games so I can prioritize school and sleep over my job.”

 Also a soccer referee, Noah Ditzion ’28 has developed leadership skills at his job.

 “My boss is pretty flexible, but it’s important for me to stay professional and manage how I talk to people who have authority over me,” he said. “I think this job will stand out in college applications, but it will also be helpful if I apply to be a counselor since it shows that I have experience with kids.”