Work Ethic

Taking a little break from the College Spotlights to highlight an important aspect that comes through on college and scholarship applications:  work ethic.

I've had conversations with senior students in the past few months that show a wide range of work ethic and work experience.  Some students have been working odd jobs since their early teen years, and holding down a consistent part-time job since they were 16.  I thoroughly enjoy talking to these students:  they understand the value of work, the value of a dollar, and are reasonable when they talk about their college choices.  This is because when you work 15 hours a week, you have a good understanding of just how much "work" it takes to earn $100.  Also, these students shine on the part of college and scholarship applications that ask for work experience.  It's especially fun to see a senior that has held down a part-time job, maintained excellent grades, and been involved in student government.  She's had to balance her time, but she speaks through the application to admissions officers in ways that peers who haven't worked just can't.  Let me introduce you to that student.

That student spoke to me earlier this year.  He had okay grades, but he didn't have any service, didn't have a job, and made this statement, "I don't have a job because bagging groceries is simply beneath me."

Hmmm.... all I could think was, Breathe in, breathe out.

This happened months ago, and I still have to take a moment to gain my composure.  And here's why--my background taught me that NO job was beneath me.  I milked goats, cleaned out barns, and when my family was bankrupt, I helped by selling scones door-to-door.  I stuffed mailers by the hundreds, which paid one penny per envelope.  That was when I was 9 years old.  So when this student, a 17-year-old, said that bagging groceries was beneath him, I was floored.  I hope that if you're reading this, you're a little floored, too.

But why am I bringing this up?  What does this have to do with college applications?  Because as much as we talk about grades and tests and community service and student involvement--there is also this "work" section that usually gets overlooked.  And I'm inviting you to NOT overlook it.  You might not work during the school year, and that's a very understandable decision.  But working during the summer?  That's not just a good thing, that's a great thing.  In 3 months of working, you'd build up some depth in your work record, as well as navigate a workplace.  The skills you learn in a job are transferable to college, and that is why they are included on college and scholarship applications.  These skills include showing up on time, completing your work, working with peers, reporting to a boss, as well as others.  That's the work-ethic that is going to help not only on college and scholarship applications by showing a depth of maturity, but also will help you succeed once you get there!

One exception:  if a student is serving on a weekly basis, building up the same skills through their consistent service, then they can look at things a little differently.  But if a student isn't serving on a weekly basis (10 hours / week minimum), then they need to be putting that time to build up the same skills in a job.

And finally...the reason this "bagging groceries is simply beneath me" argument was so ridiculous is that EVERY student at our school can attend the ATC, FREE OF CHARGE, get a certificate in 3 weeks - 6 months for a "high paying job", ranging from being a CNA to a Pharmacy Tech, and including 20 other jobs.  So, no excuses!  Get out there and WORK!!!  (Or get yourself to the ATC, get a certificate, then get to work!)