Samantha
What is a good job to work for at 17?
I really don't like fast foods i rather work in retail because i have bad experience with fast food places. #retail
18 answers
Doc Frick
Doc’s Answer
Good Luck Samantha
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Kendrick Walls
Kendrick’s Answer
I have 13 years of retail experience. Retail can be an exciting and a great place to start. Though it comes with challenges, it has been rewarding. As some have stated previously, try looking into those places you may have an interest in. Around late August or September, most retailers start recruiting for a seasonal position. This could be a great start for you because if you are planning or headed to college; your job may be transferable. I know the extra cash can help you while in school. I have many colleagues I have worked with while in retail who made a careers of it. Eventually, some went on into regional and corporate jobs. Some retailers offer tuition reimbursement to employees that enter college as well.
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Katya Lev
Katya’s Answer
when I was your age- I worked in many different field- starting from coffee shop, thrift stores, 9 west-shoe store and finally I’m in retail banking field and I absolutely love the experience and what I get to do every single day. but you do need to have an open mind, people skills personality and being able to tackle multiple tasks as at time-which is often when you work in retail.
what field were you looking at- banking retail, store retail, customer service?
I think at 17- especially if you get an opportunity during the summer- you should Absolutely explore your options- as it will give you what it’s like on the inside of the field and also you will see if your skills match what you are looking for. sometimes we think we want to work in certain field and not unless we try0 we won’t know the true experience.
Alexandra DeRocco
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Samantha! Being 17 and looking for a job can be overwhelming. When I was 17 the jobs that I was interested in were customer service based. I looked into retail jobs, restaurant jobs and some office jobs as well. In my experience, I found that a lot of retail stores were very willing to hire young, motivated people to work in their stores. My first few jobs in high school were in retail. These jobs helped build my communication skills as well as customer service skills. I also knew many people who worked in the restaurant industry at that age. Coffee shops and pizzerias will typically hire younger employees as well. All of these jobs will start to teach you some very important skills that will carry over into your professional in the years to come! Checking sites like Indeed will give you job options in your area and will also list the requirements you must meet. Good luck!
Jimmy Mullins
Jimmy’s Answer
That's a great question Samantha and one that I had to figure out as well. I would definitely suggesting trying to find something that you are interested in doing, as you don't want to be stuck doing something you hate. Before deciding on anything I would suggest looking into what schedule you would be working, the overal pay, if there are any benefits / perks, as well as the location and environment. If you like to be outdoors in the sun then a lifeguard is a good option or a camp councilor. If you enjoy being around people and enjoy clothing then I would suggest checking around your local mall, as most stores are always looking for summer help. Indeed.com is also a great place to check for opening for specific interests. Hope this help you and good luck.
Cassidy Switzer
Cassidy’s Answer
Retail is great option. Often times, starting out in retail will give you a majority of the fundamental skills and knowledge for a successful career in business, customer service, marketing, management, and more. There are so many avenues retail can take you. To start, I suggest thinking about the places you like to shop now or maybe want to shop in. I have found the key to being successful in retail and sales is being genuinely passionate and excited about the product.
Once you've narrowed down a few places that sell products you already love or are interested in, go in purely as a customer and see if you can observe the behaviors of the staff and how they make you feel as a customer. This will give you insight to the culture of the store. If you feel welcome, are greeted by an energetic staff member, have great conversation with the sales associates, and your overall experience was great, chances are you would also be a great fit for the team. You also can always ask an associate how long they've worked there and how they like it. Always follow your gut.
After you've made a few decisions of where you could see yourself working, go in, speak to a manager about employment opportunities. Peak season for retail hiring starts in September as most retailers are gearing up for the holiday season. If you live in a tourist hot spot, you may also find a lot of retailers will have a boost in hiring in late May to prepare for the Summer crowd. Don't worry if the store is only hiring for temporary work. In my experience, both working in retail, managing retail, and managing a retail field, temporary employees are still employees and the really great ones that are passionate, energetic, and have a great work ethic usually get to stay or are offered a transfer if the current location has a full staff of amazing people.
I hope this helps! Good luck!!
Leigh Barrett
Leigh’s Answer
I work in retail operations and my job skills needed are a large variety of different ones to oversee business needs but customer service is one skill that is needed with nearly any job. You will almost always have to interact with peers (coworkers), managers, leadership, customers and being able to successfully do that will help you in any field you choose.
My very first job was a restaurant hostess and backup server and I had to deal with many different types of people and personalities and my role was simply to "delight" them or ensure they had a great experience. After working there a year or so I could look at someone's face and pretty much tell what they needed right off. I learned how to properly respond to people to turn a negative experience around. I won't sit here and tell you that anyone can learn these skills but I did. I do a great job of building relationships to this day which has helped me gain many career opportunities and I credit part of that to my first job. It wasn't my "ideal" first job in my mind at the time, but it turned out to be just the challenge I needed. Good luck!
Wallace Tan
Wallace’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
I have worked in various retail stores, Ross Dress for Less, Emporio Armani, Rite Aid and many others. Try to apply to different ones. Some cool benefits are store discounts. The pay isn’t bad and you learn how to multi-task, handle the pressures of customer service, improve communication, learn to work with other team members, and you can have different experiences that will help you mature into a professional. Other things you could consider is getting a job in a bank and other business offices. Summer is coming up and getting a job at fun place like the beach could be fun too. Start with what you are interested in and check out what kind of part times could be available. If you are saving up for something, try to see what pays more. Apply to a lot of places to get interview practice and dress to impress. First impressions could set you apart. Take care and good luck!
Jordan Maramag
Jordan’s Answer
I have to agree with Mike on this. Retail and food service are great jobs for a 17 year old. Customer service goes a very long way when it comes to future careers and it always looks good on a resume.
Working retail allows you to get used to having a set schedule, and may include discounts to where you're working.
Working in food service is also great, because you may have the opportunity have an hourly pay + tips.
Find a place that interests you and fill out an application. It's always easier to work at a place that you enjoy or sells a product that you personally use.
Hope this helps!
Jordan
Vicky Brookshire
Vicky’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
I think a good idea for looking for a job would be to consider the people around you that are already working, so that you can ask questions about their experiences in different jobs. It might reveal an aspect of a job that you may like or dislike, and help you to make a decision on where to try to get a job. You can get valuable knowledge by talking with people in different circles that you may know. Asking others about their work could potentially lead to a job and will help you to learn the skill of networking, which is important in today's occupational culture. I hope this helps to give you another avenue to help make a decision on where to work. Good Luck!
Frank Boows
Frank’s Answer
But that age wouldn't be acceptable in many places due to inexperience and inability to function and also the non chalancy of all teenager.
But many people fail to understand that it is better to train/ raise a young student to a standard of business excellency.
I would be very interested in buying you through the business axis of this world.
FRANK BOOWS
CEO. FSC
ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST. ENTITY CONFIGURATOR. GENERAL BUSINESS CONSULT.
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Hi Frank, this doesn't really answer the question at hand. What are some jobs that would be good for a student of this age?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Lauren Jones
Lauren’s Answer
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Kong Lam
Kong’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
Retail is a great option for someone starting out. From retail, you will learn tangible skills such how to interact with customers as well the dynamics of the workplace. In addition, retail will also give you the flexibility to go to school and you will ultimately decide what career path you want to take.
Michael Bracey
Michael’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
Great question. I would check on Indeed.com to see what entry-level positions are available in your area. If you like retail, go for that. It allows you exposure for set hours, somewhat of a sales capacity and customer service. All of these aspects will be beneficial and help you in college. I'm sure you could walk into any nearby mall and ask if your favorite stores are hiring. Many of my friends got summer jobs as waiters/waitresses and it afforded them great experience coupled with a nice financial return.
Good luck!
Mike
thank you so much
Samantha
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Derek Kraus
Derek’s Answer
At 17, I would be researching organizations that you would like to work for long term (for example Nike, Google, etc). Once you've narrowed that down you can look at job descriptions on their career pages to see what type of experience is needed to those careers, by doing this you can determine if retail, fast food, or front desk assistant would be beneficial for you. Jobs will often look for critical experience and if you can speak to those past jobs that meet those needs then you'll have a step up. At least, it will give you an in with a company. I started in Nike retail while going through college then moved into a corporate position based on this strategy.
Derek
Mazdak Merrikh
Mazdak’s Answer
Jonathon Roe
Jonathon’s Answer
Retail is a great way to gain experience, learn skills important to both following and leading. Wages are usually generous, and hours are flexible to allow you to concentrate on schooling. Just like any job, learn what you can, dedicate yourself to doing your best, and don't get sidetracked in your main career goal.