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What should be my first job as a unemployed 15 year old?
I am a sophomore in high school and I have no work experience, and I want to work in real estate or stockbroking when I get older. What should my first job be considering my long term goals?
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9 answers
Updated
Katie’s Answer
I love your focus on the real estate or stockbroker field, however your first job should be anything. No specific field needed. Your first job establishes you as a responsible, dependable employee with any company. You are able to establish a professional reference who can speak to your employablility. Don't overthink it, just find any job that works for you.
Later in your career journey, you can steer your employment to specific fields of interest.
Later in your career journey, you can steer your employment to specific fields of interest.
Updated
Andre’s Answer
Hey Rory,
It's great that you're already thinking about your long-term goals. The best part is that your first job, regardless of what it is, is about building foundational skills in sales, communication, and customer service that are crucial for any career, especially those in real estate or finance. A mentor can also offer guidance and real-world insight to help shape your path and connect you to the right people.
For your first job, aim for a position in retail or food service. These roles are invaluable because they will teach you how to interact with different types of people, handle money, and solve customer problems on the spot. This kind of experience in persuasion and negotiation is essential for real estate agents and stockbrokers. Consider a small, independent business where you'll often have more responsibility and direct interaction with the owner, which gives you early exposure to how a business is run. For an office-based start, you could look for an administrative assistant position at a small accounting firm or financial advisor's office, handling filing and phone calls to learn how a professional office operates.
Beyond a traditional job, you can gain experience in other ways. Begin reading news from reputable sources. Consider working in an office environment which will expose you to how the office functions and how professionals communicate. You could also start your own small business, like a lawn care or dog walking service, to learn money management and client handling, all of which will impress future employers.
Finding a mentor is about being proactive and networking. Start by talking to teachers and counselors who can often connect you with parents or alumni in their network. Ask family and friends if they know any professionals who might be willing to chat. When you find a potential mentor, ask for a brief informational interview rather than immediately asking for a long-term commitment. In the chat, ask about their day, challenges they faced, and advice they'd give their younger selves. Your enthusiasm and initiative will impress them. You can also explore formal mentoring programs through organizations or online platforms. Your first job and a good mentor are your first steps toward a rewarding career.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Andre De La Pena
It's great that you're already thinking about your long-term goals. The best part is that your first job, regardless of what it is, is about building foundational skills in sales, communication, and customer service that are crucial for any career, especially those in real estate or finance. A mentor can also offer guidance and real-world insight to help shape your path and connect you to the right people.
For your first job, aim for a position in retail or food service. These roles are invaluable because they will teach you how to interact with different types of people, handle money, and solve customer problems on the spot. This kind of experience in persuasion and negotiation is essential for real estate agents and stockbrokers. Consider a small, independent business where you'll often have more responsibility and direct interaction with the owner, which gives you early exposure to how a business is run. For an office-based start, you could look for an administrative assistant position at a small accounting firm or financial advisor's office, handling filing and phone calls to learn how a professional office operates.
Beyond a traditional job, you can gain experience in other ways. Begin reading news from reputable sources. Consider working in an office environment which will expose you to how the office functions and how professionals communicate. You could also start your own small business, like a lawn care or dog walking service, to learn money management and client handling, all of which will impress future employers.
Finding a mentor is about being proactive and networking. Start by talking to teachers and counselors who can often connect you with parents or alumni in their network. Ask family and friends if they know any professionals who might be willing to chat. When you find a potential mentor, ask for a brief informational interview rather than immediately asking for a long-term commitment. In the chat, ask about their day, challenges they faced, and advice they'd give their younger selves. Your enthusiasm and initiative will impress them. You can also explore formal mentoring programs through organizations or online platforms. Your first job and a good mentor are your first steps toward a rewarding career.
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Andre De La Pena
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
At this age, focus on learning and building skills. For experience and exposure, consider these simple options:
1) Spend a few hours tutoring
2) Teach dance or music for a few hours
3) Try freelance coding
4) Help organize events
5) Look for market gaps and try a small-scale reselling setup as an experiment
1) Spend a few hours tutoring
2) Teach dance or music for a few hours
3) Try freelance coding
4) Help organize events
5) Look for market gaps and try a small-scale reselling setup as an experiment
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to attend the relevant course or training before you can enter the industry.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to real estate or stock broking, eg real estate agent, architect, civil engineer, stock trader, financial analyst, etc. You can find out more relevant careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to real estate or stock broking, eg real estate agent, architect, civil engineer, stock trader, financial analyst, etc. You can find out more relevant careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Your first job as a teenager does not need to be field specific. What you will want on your resume from that job is that you took initiative as well as the normal job tasks.
Also, consider volunteering. Something like volunteering at a library or animal shelter shows you are willing to work, that looks good on a resume when you start looking for more specific jobs.
Also, consider volunteering. Something like volunteering at a library or animal shelter shows you are willing to work, that looks good on a resume when you start looking for more specific jobs.
Updated
Wong’s Answer
A good first job could be something that helps you work with people, handle money, or learn about sales. For example, working as a cashier, barista, or retail associate teaches you how to talk to customers, solve problems, and manage time. These are also important skills for real estate and stockbroking. These jobs might seem simple, but they build your confidence and help you understand how businesses run.
You could also look for opportunities that relate more closely to your future goals. Some real estate offices offer assistant or intern positions, even for high school students. You might help with filing, answering calls, or organizing open houses. That kind of experience gives you a real look at how the industry works.
Your first job doesn't need to be in real estate or finance. You can focus on jobs that help you build communication, organization, and responsibility. Those skills will prepare you for your dream career later on.
You could also look for opportunities that relate more closely to your future goals. Some real estate offices offer assistant or intern positions, even for high school students. You might help with filing, answering calls, or organizing open houses. That kind of experience gives you a real look at how the industry works.
Your first job doesn't need to be in real estate or finance. You can focus on jobs that help you build communication, organization, and responsibility. Those skills will prepare you for your dream career later on.
Updated
El’s Answer
I recommend a role that is focused on customer service. I was fortunate to have my first job at McDonald's, which taught me some valuable lessons that have shaped my professional life. Some of the key skills I learned are relevant to all industries, including real estate.
Communication: Working in a fast-paced environment meant interacting with customers from all walks of life and collaborating with team members under pressure. I learnt how to listen actively, convey information clearly, and resolve issues calmly—skills that are essential in any career.
Teamwork: Success at McDonald’s depends on everyone pulling together. From coordinating during busy lunch rushes to supporting colleagues when things got tough, I discovered the power of collaboration and trust.
Patience and Resilience: Not every day was easy. Handling complaints, managing queues, and staying positive taught me patience and the ability to keep calm under stress—qualities that help in leadership and problem-solving later on.
Beyond these, I gained time management, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Customer service isn’t just about serving food or answering questions; it’s about creating positive experiences and learning how to work with people. Those early lessons have stayed with me and continue to influence how I approach challenges today. Best of luck with landing your first job!
Communication: Working in a fast-paced environment meant interacting with customers from all walks of life and collaborating with team members under pressure. I learnt how to listen actively, convey information clearly, and resolve issues calmly—skills that are essential in any career.
Teamwork: Success at McDonald’s depends on everyone pulling together. From coordinating during busy lunch rushes to supporting colleagues when things got tough, I discovered the power of collaboration and trust.
Patience and Resilience: Not every day was easy. Handling complaints, managing queues, and staying positive taught me patience and the ability to keep calm under stress—qualities that help in leadership and problem-solving later on.
Beyond these, I gained time management, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Customer service isn’t just about serving food or answering questions; it’s about creating positive experiences and learning how to work with people. Those early lessons have stayed with me and continue to influence how I approach challenges today. Best of luck with landing your first job!
Updated
Magan’s Answer
Hey! It’s awesome that you’re already thinking ahead about your career goals—real estate and stockbroking are both exciting fields with lots of potential.
Since you're 15 and just starting out, your first job doesn’t need to be directly in those industries, but it can help build skills that will be super valuable later. Here are a few ideas:
1. Customer Service or Sales Assistant
Jobs in retail or food service teach communication, persuasion, and people skills—all crucial in real estate and stockbroking.
2. Internship or Volunteer Work
Look for opportunities at local real estate offices or financial firms. Even unpaid work can give you exposure and help you build connections.
3. Tutoring or Babysitting
These jobs build responsibility, time management, and trustworthiness—qualities clients look for in professionals.
4. Start a Small Business
Try something like reselling items online, lawn care, or digital services. It teaches entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management.
5. School Clubs or Competitions
Join business, finance, or investment clubs. Participate in stock market simulations or DECA if your school offers it.
The key is to build soft skills, work ethic, and confidence. You’re laying the foundation now, and every experience counts.
What kind of work environment do you think you’d enjoy most—fast-paced, people-focused, or more analytical? That could help narrow down your options even more.
Since you're 15 and just starting out, your first job doesn’t need to be directly in those industries, but it can help build skills that will be super valuable later. Here are a few ideas:
1. Customer Service or Sales Assistant
Jobs in retail or food service teach communication, persuasion, and people skills—all crucial in real estate and stockbroking.
2. Internship or Volunteer Work
Look for opportunities at local real estate offices or financial firms. Even unpaid work can give you exposure and help you build connections.
3. Tutoring or Babysitting
These jobs build responsibility, time management, and trustworthiness—qualities clients look for in professionals.
4. Start a Small Business
Try something like reselling items online, lawn care, or digital services. It teaches entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management.
5. School Clubs or Competitions
Join business, finance, or investment clubs. Participate in stock market simulations or DECA if your school offers it.
The key is to build soft skills, work ethic, and confidence. You’re laying the foundation now, and every experience counts.
What kind of work environment do you think you’d enjoy most—fast-paced, people-focused, or more analytical? That could help narrow down your options even more.
Updated
David “DJ”’s Answer
Thinking about a career in real estate or stock broking can be exciting! Both fields need strong customer skills, so starting with a job that builds these skills is a great first step. Consider roles like a cashier, wait staff, or sales assistant. From there, you can move into jobs that involve solving customer problems, such as working in a store that sells carpets, bathrooms, or car maintenance. These roles help you learn how to understand customer needs and match them with the right products.
It’s also helpful to learn about the professional training needed for these careers. For instance, real estate brokers must complete certification courses. Knowing what training is required can give you a clearer picture of these jobs and help you decide if they’re the right path for you. Keep exploring and learning, and you'll find the right career path!
It’s also helpful to learn about the professional training needed for these careers. For instance, real estate brokers must complete certification courses. Knowing what training is required can give you a clearer picture of these jobs and help you decide if they’re the right path for you. Keep exploring and learning, and you'll find the right career path!