Summer tips for teens

Hey kids, are you ready? Summer’s just around the corner. Here are four ideas for a more productive and interesting summer, even when money is tight.

» Work. Of course, this is the Big Idea for every teenager. You know all the steps already, but here’s the refresher:

Make a résumé that shows your skills, as well as volunteer or paid work you’ve done.

Take your résumé to places you’d like to work; dress neatly and be ready to fill out applications.

Try some online job search if you must, but remember that the direct approach is faster.

AMY LINDGREN

WORKING STRATEGIES

Tell everyone that you’re looking for work.

» Volunteer. Yup, teenagers today know all about volunteering. They’ve been pressed into community service since they were tots. A few ideas:

Think local. Who do you know on your block who needs help? You may not like cleaning the garage or doing laundry at home, but it’s actually kind of fun to do it somewhere else.

Think small business. Your family probably knows someone who runs a one- or two-person business. Can they use some help even one day a week? For this to work, you need to really contribute and not expect to be entertained. Volunteering this year can turn into an actual job next year.

Think hotline. Almost every community has some sort of hotline or database to help you find volunteer jobs that fit your interests and skills.

» Organize. Not every summer activity has to be work-based. Think of something you like doing and find ways to organize activities around that. Suppose you enjoy biking. What if you chose a different trail to ride every Friday and spent the rest of the week getting trail maps, enlisting other people to ride along and convincing a parent to haul the bikes for you?

» Learn. What about just learning something that interests you? Maybe you’d like to take apart engines or learn to use Photoshop or cook Thai food. Think of things that you’d like to learn, then think about who would be able to teach you those things. Check the listings for community education and online classes too, as they can be a good value.

Whatever you end up doing this summer, take a minute to write it down when September rolls around. Some of the things you do will look good on a résumé later and may help you explain your skills to an employer.

- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecaree rservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.