9 answers
Marissa
Student
Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania
7
Questions
Asked
3546 views
How can I maximize my time before college (especially during the summer)?
As a current senior that has applied to colleges and is waiting for decisions, what should be my priority now (besides maintaining grades, etc.)? I would like to start my own business in the future and I'm not sure if I should begin to invest my time in starting a small business/hustle or find something to potentially do in the summer. I wouldn't mind having a job; however, I'm not even sure how to really start in that area. I do not want to spend my time doing jobs where I earn money but don't gain practical skills/value.
Overall, I want to start 2026 with clear goals for myself as I move to a life outside of my home. Any tips are appreciated. :)
Login to comment
9 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
818
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think it’s ok to take the summer to have some fun. College will be a new experience filled with many opportunities and challenges. While it may feel like you need to grind, you are still close the the starting line of what is more of a marathon and less of a sprint.
Getting a summer job to stack a little money (especially within the industry you want to start your job in) can be useful imo.
Getting a summer job to stack a little money (especially within the industry you want to start your job in) can be useful imo.
Thanks for the advice Jerome!
Marissa
I agree wholeheartedly Jerome! Thanks for saying this!
Kim Igleheart
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Marissa,
Congratulations on finishing up your senior year and taking such a thoughtful approach toward your future! Besides maintaining your grades, a great way to make the most of your time before college is to seek out part-time internships or volunteer projects that align with your interests in business and entrepreneurship. Even a short-term internship can expose you to real-world skills, introduce you to professionals, and help you start building a valuable network. Many companies and organizations offer summer internships or remote opportunities, so it’s worth checking out local businesses, nonprofit organizations, or online platforms like Handshake or Internships.com.
If you enjoy travel, consider combining that with purposeful experiences, such as volunteering on a community project or participating in leadership programs. These experiences not only enrich your personal growth but can also inspire ideas for your future business and develop skills like project management and teamwork.
Starting a small business or side hustle is also a fantastic way to learn practical skills firsthand. You don’t have to launch something big right away—begin with small projects that interest you, whether it’s selling handmade products, offering tutoring, or freelancing digital services. This can help you develop important skills like marketing, budgeting, and customer service while testing your entrepreneurial spirit in a manageable way.
Ultimately, balancing these experiences with some time for rest and reflection will set you up well for clear goals and confidence as you transition to college life. Setting goals for 2026 based on what you learn during this time will make your journey more focused and fulfilling.
Good luck!
Congratulations on finishing up your senior year and taking such a thoughtful approach toward your future! Besides maintaining your grades, a great way to make the most of your time before college is to seek out part-time internships or volunteer projects that align with your interests in business and entrepreneurship. Even a short-term internship can expose you to real-world skills, introduce you to professionals, and help you start building a valuable network. Many companies and organizations offer summer internships or remote opportunities, so it’s worth checking out local businesses, nonprofit organizations, or online platforms like Handshake or Internships.com.
If you enjoy travel, consider combining that with purposeful experiences, such as volunteering on a community project or participating in leadership programs. These experiences not only enrich your personal growth but can also inspire ideas for your future business and develop skills like project management and teamwork.
Starting a small business or side hustle is also a fantastic way to learn practical skills firsthand. You don’t have to launch something big right away—begin with small projects that interest you, whether it’s selling handmade products, offering tutoring, or freelancing digital services. This can help you develop important skills like marketing, budgeting, and customer service while testing your entrepreneurial spirit in a manageable way.
Ultimately, balancing these experiences with some time for rest and reflection will set you up well for clear goals and confidence as you transition to college life. Setting goals for 2026 based on what you learn during this time will make your journey more focused and fulfilling.
Good luck!
Thank you so so much for all your thorough advice Alexandra! I'll keep all of this in mind!
Marissa
MANAHIL Mujtaba
Student
19
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
MANAHIL’s Answer
Hey ,
I’m also a student, so I relate to this.
Before college, I think the main goal is to use your time in a useful way, not just stay busy.
If you do a part-time or summer job, it’s better if you actually learn something from it, like communication or time management.
Summer is also a good time to try different things and see what you like or don’t like.
Don’t stress too much about having everything figured out college is still for learning.
Best Regards
Manahil.
I’m also a student, so I relate to this.
Before college, I think the main goal is to use your time in a useful way, not just stay busy.
If you do a part-time or summer job, it’s better if you actually learn something from it, like communication or time management.
Summer is also a good time to try different things and see what you like or don’t like.
Don’t stress too much about having everything figured out college is still for learning.
Best Regards
Manahil.
That's a great point Manahil! Thanks for reminding me about that.
Marissa
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
75
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's such an exciting and transitional time in your life, and I admire that you are already thinking about how to build a foundation for your future business goals rather than just coasting through your final semester. Since your heart is set on entrepreneurship, the best way to maximize these next few months is to start a small project or side hustle right now, even if it is something simple like offering a service in your local community or selling a product online, because the lessons you learn from handling your own marketing, finances, and customer service are things no textbook can fully capture. If you decide to look for a summer job instead, I recommend targeting small local businesses or startups where you can work closely with the owner or manager, as this will give you a behind the scenes look at how a company actually breathes and operates on a daily basis. You could also spend some of your free time learning a specific high-value skill like digital marketing, basic accounting, or public speaking through free online resources, as these will be the building blocks for whatever business you eventually launch. Moving into 2026 with a mindset of experimentation and a willingness to get your hands dirty will put you miles ahead of your peers, and remember that even the failures you encounter now are just valuable data points for your future success. Your drive to seek out meaning and value in your work is a rare quality that will serve you incredibly well as you step into adulthood. You have exactly the right attitude to make a massive impact, and I am rooting for you as you start this next chapter. Good luck.
Thank you so much for the tips and words of encouragement Yoav!
Marissa
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2398
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you would like to become an entrepreneur.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Have you thought about what industry you would like to start your business? Think about something you have interest or you have interest.
2. Do some analysis on the industry, e.g. competition status, entry criteria, any alternative/substitute, etc.
3. Attend courses related to business and management coureses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Have you thought about what industry you would like to start your business? Think about something you have interest or you have interest.
2. Do some analysis on the industry, e.g. competition status, entry criteria, any alternative/substitute, etc.
3. Attend courses related to business and management coureses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you Rebecca! I'll definitely consider all these are great questions and ideas!
Marissa
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Marissa !
I have some ideas for you that may be suitable for what you may be seeking right now. It's great that you are open to different ways to expand your experience ! Let's begin with some Programs you can join.
The BOSS program at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business is a two week residential program for high school students interested in business. You will get hands on experience at this program. There is also the Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania which offers multiple summer programs for high school students, including the Leadership in the Business World program, which runs for four weeks. Another Wharton program, Essentials of Entrepreneurship, focuses on guiding students through the process of turning ideas into startups
If you decide to open your small start up business, there's LaunchX which offers a rigorous summer program both in person and online. You would build and launch a startup within a month, gaining mentorship from real entrepreneurs and learning through market validation and sales. Also, Young Founders Lab, an online accelerator founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, guides students through every stage of launching a startup.
The Garnet Valley School District has programs for workshops, mentorship, and pitch competitions where students develop business ideas, conduct market research, and create investor style pitches. Ask your Guidance Counselor about how to register for this program. If you can stay in or get to Philadelphia for a week, there is Camp Business at Drexel LeBow, a one-week summer program in Philadelphia. The Business Bootcamp also at Drexel LeBow is a two day on campus program for grades 10–12, offering college-style classes in product development, accounting, and data analytics. I wanted to mention all of the programs so you can choose which ones you'd like to do.
There aren't any business type volunteer opportunities in Garnet Valley, however, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross are two places for volunteer work. They are not businesses, rather they are non-profits. They're great places to volunteer at but you wouldn't be learning about business.
As for employment, some sort of retail job may be worthwhile. A job in which you can develop customer care skills and handling money and credit cards. In your town, try Macy's, Sheetz, Giant Eagle. Try applying at supermarkets and look on Indeed and other employment websites for retail jobs. Employers often hire applicants with no experience and provide on the job training. Once you are in college, you can obtain a Work Study job in your academic Business Program Department or whatever subject you'd be majoring in.
In order to obtain Work Study, a job on campus, you will need to complete the Federal Student Financial Aid Form and check the Work Study option. Once you get your financial aid package with Work Study included, go to your major department and tell them you're there for a work study job. Contact your college's financial aid office now to discuss this and obtain the details. Working in the Business Department at your college on Work Study will not only provide you with experience, you'll also be able to make strong connections with your professor and fellow students. Call or visit the Financial Aid office as soon as you can.
Take small steps towards learning more about various aspects of Business. You don't have to do everything right now - college is going to keep you busy enough and that is where you'll learn most of the foundational and important things about business.
I hope this helps. Try not to overload yourself with work, pace yourself and enjoy it every step of the way. Soon enough college will start and it will open up a whole new array of opportunities for you. Best wishes in all you do !
I have some ideas for you that may be suitable for what you may be seeking right now. It's great that you are open to different ways to expand your experience ! Let's begin with some Programs you can join.
The BOSS program at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business is a two week residential program for high school students interested in business. You will get hands on experience at this program. There is also the Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania which offers multiple summer programs for high school students, including the Leadership in the Business World program, which runs for four weeks. Another Wharton program, Essentials of Entrepreneurship, focuses on guiding students through the process of turning ideas into startups
If you decide to open your small start up business, there's LaunchX which offers a rigorous summer program both in person and online. You would build and launch a startup within a month, gaining mentorship from real entrepreneurs and learning through market validation and sales. Also, Young Founders Lab, an online accelerator founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, guides students through every stage of launching a startup.
The Garnet Valley School District has programs for workshops, mentorship, and pitch competitions where students develop business ideas, conduct market research, and create investor style pitches. Ask your Guidance Counselor about how to register for this program. If you can stay in or get to Philadelphia for a week, there is Camp Business at Drexel LeBow, a one-week summer program in Philadelphia. The Business Bootcamp also at Drexel LeBow is a two day on campus program for grades 10–12, offering college-style classes in product development, accounting, and data analytics. I wanted to mention all of the programs so you can choose which ones you'd like to do.
There aren't any business type volunteer opportunities in Garnet Valley, however, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross are two places for volunteer work. They are not businesses, rather they are non-profits. They're great places to volunteer at but you wouldn't be learning about business.
As for employment, some sort of retail job may be worthwhile. A job in which you can develop customer care skills and handling money and credit cards. In your town, try Macy's, Sheetz, Giant Eagle. Try applying at supermarkets and look on Indeed and other employment websites for retail jobs. Employers often hire applicants with no experience and provide on the job training. Once you are in college, you can obtain a Work Study job in your academic Business Program Department or whatever subject you'd be majoring in.
In order to obtain Work Study, a job on campus, you will need to complete the Federal Student Financial Aid Form and check the Work Study option. Once you get your financial aid package with Work Study included, go to your major department and tell them you're there for a work study job. Contact your college's financial aid office now to discuss this and obtain the details. Working in the Business Department at your college on Work Study will not only provide you with experience, you'll also be able to make strong connections with your professor and fellow students. Call or visit the Financial Aid office as soon as you can.
Take small steps towards learning more about various aspects of Business. You don't have to do everything right now - college is going to keep you busy enough and that is where you'll learn most of the foundational and important things about business.
I hope this helps. Try not to overload yourself with work, pace yourself and enjoy it every step of the way. Soon enough college will start and it will open up a whole new array of opportunities for you. Best wishes in all you do !
Thank you so much Michelle! I'll be sure to look into all these programs and opportunities.
Marissa
You are very welcome, Marissa. I am happy it could help !
Michelle M.
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Consider looking for a job nearby that can help you learn useful skills or pays well for your time. Having a job experience on your resume is great, and earning some extra money is always a plus!
That's a great point! Thanks Roel!
Marissa
Tyler White
Account Executive - Tech Sales, Real Estate Investor, Coach
48
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Love to hear you are thinking this through before getting to college. You are only going to have less time as you go forward so now is a perfect time to experiment and get as much experience as possible.
My recommendation is to start a business - that may seem like a lot but if you do something that doesn't require a lot of upfront costs this would be great.
The best way to learn about business is to start one. Here are a few recommendations:
-Window Washing
-Mowing Lawns
-Renting something (kayaks, medical equipment, etc).
Not only will you be able to make more money than you would at a regular job, you will learn so much about yourself, working with others, and what running a business is all about.
Best of luck!
My recommendation is to start a business - that may seem like a lot but if you do something that doesn't require a lot of upfront costs this would be great.
The best way to learn about business is to start one. Here are a few recommendations:
-Window Washing
-Mowing Lawns
-Renting something (kayaks, medical equipment, etc).
Not only will you be able to make more money than you would at a regular job, you will learn so much about yourself, working with others, and what running a business is all about.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much for the advice Tyler! I definitely will consider doing something small.
Marissa
John Graham
Music Producer
80
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Marissa!
This is a great question. I think it really depends quite a bit on your financial situation - whether you need to pay for college yourself or if you will have help from your parents, a sponsor, a scholarship, or student loans.
If you have help, then I would say try to have fun next summer because once you're in college and then in the general workforce you won't have time for yourself again for many years. You might want to travel somewhere new either in the US or abroad to get some exposure to new places or cultures - that experience is invaluable to you as a person. Also, if you wind up going to college away from your current hometown, then it might be the last time you really have to spend with your current friends or even your family until you're out of school.
If you will be paying for college on your own, then you'll probably need to work and save as much as you can. I would say try to find a job that challenges you. No work experience is ever really wasted - and will add to either your resume or your autobiography / blog. It might be helpful to find something in an area that you're considering in the future so you can start gathering data and experience to help you decide whether it's really something you want to pursue or not.
I don't really recommend starting a business just yet - because college can be very demanding on your time and attention, so you'll need focus your energy there to be as successful as possible.
Whatever you decide - I wish you the very best of luck on your journey. You're going to do great!
This is a great question. I think it really depends quite a bit on your financial situation - whether you need to pay for college yourself or if you will have help from your parents, a sponsor, a scholarship, or student loans.
If you have help, then I would say try to have fun next summer because once you're in college and then in the general workforce you won't have time for yourself again for many years. You might want to travel somewhere new either in the US or abroad to get some exposure to new places or cultures - that experience is invaluable to you as a person. Also, if you wind up going to college away from your current hometown, then it might be the last time you really have to spend with your current friends or even your family until you're out of school.
If you will be paying for college on your own, then you'll probably need to work and save as much as you can. I would say try to find a job that challenges you. No work experience is ever really wasted - and will add to either your resume or your autobiography / blog. It might be helpful to find something in an area that you're considering in the future so you can start gathering data and experience to help you decide whether it's really something you want to pursue or not.
I don't really recommend starting a business just yet - because college can be very demanding on your time and attention, so you'll need focus your energy there to be as successful as possible.
Whatever you decide - I wish you the very best of luck on your journey. You're going to do great!
Thank you so much for your advice John, it makes a lot of sense! I'm fortunate that my parents are able to help me with finances, so I'll definitely consider making the most of my time by trying new things and connecting with family/friends. Thank you again!
Marissa