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What types of part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, or entry level positions should I look into during college to build a strong foundation for working with the youth?
I am majoring in history and minoring in psychology.
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11 answers
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi Issane,
Thank you for your question. With your majors, there are multiple opportunities available for you.
Part-time jobs, Youth Behavioral Support Assistant and Museum Youth Program Educator are good options. The former provides you chance to work with youth who with diverse needs and you can implement positive behavior intervention plan under professional supervision, it's ideal for psychology minors, many New York agencies offer paid training for college students who even with no prior experience; The latter provides you chance to lead history-themed workshops, guided tours and educational activities for teen visitors, you might combine historical expertise with youth engagement skills and you will gain hands-on experience in informal youth education.
There are some Volunteer opportunities in New York for your pursue. Such as Youth Education Volunteer, NYC public library, Brooklyn/Queens Branches always provide related chance, you can obtain more information in website; Also Museum Education Volunteer, there might be volunteer opportunities in New York State Museum and New-York Historical Society; Adolescent Mental Health Volunteer is another good option for you, you can gain exposure to adolescent psychology in top-tier New York medical setting via these volunteer activities.
Entry-level position and Internships. Recommend you to try History/Psychology Program Assistant or Youth Program Coordinator Intern or High School History Teaching Assistant.
Actually most roles in New York accept college students with a history/psychology background and no prior youth work experience, you can try to apply via Idealist, NYC DOE portals or museum volunteer pages.
Good luck.
Thank you for your question. With your majors, there are multiple opportunities available for you.
Part-time jobs, Youth Behavioral Support Assistant and Museum Youth Program Educator are good options. The former provides you chance to work with youth who with diverse needs and you can implement positive behavior intervention plan under professional supervision, it's ideal for psychology minors, many New York agencies offer paid training for college students who even with no prior experience; The latter provides you chance to lead history-themed workshops, guided tours and educational activities for teen visitors, you might combine historical expertise with youth engagement skills and you will gain hands-on experience in informal youth education.
There are some Volunteer opportunities in New York for your pursue. Such as Youth Education Volunteer, NYC public library, Brooklyn/Queens Branches always provide related chance, you can obtain more information in website; Also Museum Education Volunteer, there might be volunteer opportunities in New York State Museum and New-York Historical Society; Adolescent Mental Health Volunteer is another good option for you, you can gain exposure to adolescent psychology in top-tier New York medical setting via these volunteer activities.
Entry-level position and Internships. Recommend you to try History/Psychology Program Assistant or Youth Program Coordinator Intern or High School History Teaching Assistant.
Actually most roles in New York accept college students with a history/psychology background and no prior youth work experience, you can try to apply via Idealist, NYC DOE portals or museum volunteer pages.
Good luck.
Updated
Marta’s Answer
Hi Issane,
Starting with an entry-level role in sales could be a fantastic opportunity for you. It's a great way to learn how to work with people, understand their needs, and meet goals. Plus, it ties in nicely with your psychology studies, helping you grow your empathy, communication, and influencing skills.
Additionally, volunteering in a sports organization, like coaching or helping with activities for kids or teens, can be very rewarding. This experience can boost your leadership skills, teach you patience, and further enhance your communication abilities.
Starting with an entry-level role in sales could be a fantastic opportunity for you. It's a great way to learn how to work with people, understand their needs, and meet goals. Plus, it ties in nicely with your psychology studies, helping you grow your empathy, communication, and influencing skills.
Additionally, volunteering in a sports organization, like coaching or helping with activities for kids or teens, can be very rewarding. This experience can boost your leadership skills, teach you patience, and further enhance your communication abilities.
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Amanda’s Answer
While enrolled in college and seeking to gain experience for future employment working with youth, it would be beneficial to volunteer at local organizations focused specifically on education & workforce development. Look up local chapters of Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, Junior Achievement, Big Brother/Big Sister orgs, Girl Scouts and then of course any organizations founded locally. Your college should have career boards or a career center that offer information on volunteer opportunities with organizations like these. In terms of part time jobs, you could look into internships at those organizations or seeking out part time employment at a daycare or early childhood education program. Entry level positions at these organizations could be available, but that may be too much effort if you are actively enrolled in college. There may also be work study options available, or positions that could offer college credit and i believe your career center would have knowledge on these opportunities and be able to point you in the right direction.
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Vianne’s Answer
Gain experience in roles where you can connect with young people, even if they seem minor at first. Jobs like after-school programs, summer camps, tutoring, mentoring, recreation centers, library youth programs, or classroom support teach valuable skills like communication, patience, and emotional awareness. Your history major and psychology minor are a great mix. History helps you understand people and cultures, while psychology helps you understand behavior. These skills are perfect for working with youth. Consider volunteering in mental health, crisis support, foster youth programs, or organizations for underserved communities. Activities like homework help, peer mentoring, or youth outreach can boost your confidence in handling different personalities and needs. Starting with part-time or volunteer work lets you discover which age groups and settings you enjoy most, guiding your future career.
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Zakari’s Answer
Hi Issane,
I think what you are going through is completely normal and honestly more common than people realize. Having a communications degree with interests in sports entertainment and music is actually a really good position to be in because communications is one of those degrees that translates into so many different directions. I think you should look into YMCA, resource centers, summer camps, and counseling centers.
I think what you are going through is completely normal and honestly more common than people realize. Having a communications degree with interests in sports entertainment and music is actually a really good position to be in because communications is one of those degrees that translates into so many different directions. I think you should look into YMCA, resource centers, summer camps, and counseling centers.
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LaJuana’s Answer
I love that you want to build a foundation while you are in school! Working at summer camps, after school programs, tutoring, child care centers, and volunteering at schools are some of the ways you can get started with that goal.
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Kristen’s Answer
Boys and Girls Club, United Way-Bog Brother/Big Sister Programs, Camp Counseling, you can volunteer at specific camps with your psychology interest, like grief camps, at-risk adventure camps, or work for a local park and recreation program with youth programs. Lots of great opportunities out there. Those will give you experience working with a variety of age groups, too.
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Amy’s Answer
Any job working with children or adolescents is a great start! Working at a summer camp, tutoring, volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc. are all great opportunities for you to work with and meet a diverse group of young people.
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Sarah’s Answer
Hey there! If you have a background in history and psychology, consider looking for part-time jobs or work-study positions like tutoring, being a library assistant, or helping out in after-school programs. These roles are great for building skills in mentoring and teaching young people. Volunteering with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, or other youth mentoring nonprofits can also give you valuable experience in building relationships. On campus, roles like being a resident advisor or an orientation leader are fantastic for developing leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills, which are important for working with youth. Your psychology minor makes you a strong candidate for entry-level jobs or internships at counseling centers, community mental health programs, or even juvenile outreach organizations, even if it's just in an administrative capacity. With your mix of history and psychology, you’re also well-suited for roles in youth education, curriculum development, or social advocacy. Make sure to keep track of all your experiences to create a portfolio that tells a clear story to future employers.
Celina Zamora
I build & grow community programs (in technology spaces), currently leading the global Education Creators program.
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Celina’s Answer
So many have offered so many amazing answers already, and just to add a few other areas, I'd say camp counselors, coaching, working even at arcades/locations that offer youth event coordinators (you learn A LOT about working with kids there). Connect with local organizations to see how to support and how to volunteer. So many non-profits can't offer paid work, but really need volunteers!
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Issane. If you want to work with youth in the future, it is important to gain experience during college. As a history major with a psychology minor, you already have useful knowledge about people and society. You can try looking for part-time jobs that involve working directly with children or teenagers. For example, you can work as a tutor, teaching assistant, or childcare helper. These roles help you build communication skills and patience while understanding how young people learn and behave.
You can also explore volunteer opportunities in schools or community programs. Many organizations need volunteers to support youth activities, such as mentoring, after-school programs, or youth camps. Volunteering allows you to interact with different age groups and backgrounds. It also shows your passion for helping others, which is important for future employers. You may also learn how to handle challenges, such as managing behavior or supporting students with different needs.
Another good option is to look for entry-level positions in youth centers, non-profit organizations, or educational programs. Jobs like program assistant or youth support worker can give you real-world experience. These roles often involve planning activities, guiding young people, and working in a team. They also help you understand how organizations support youth development.
All the best.
You can also explore volunteer opportunities in schools or community programs. Many organizations need volunteers to support youth activities, such as mentoring, after-school programs, or youth camps. Volunteering allows you to interact with different age groups and backgrounds. It also shows your passion for helping others, which is important for future employers. You may also learn how to handle challenges, such as managing behavior or supporting students with different needs.
Another good option is to look for entry-level positions in youth centers, non-profit organizations, or educational programs. Jobs like program assistant or youth support worker can give you real-world experience. These roles often involve planning activities, guiding young people, and working in a team. They also help you understand how organizations support youth development.
All the best.