5 answers
Mabel
Student
Hillsborough, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Should I volunteer or should I get a job?
I am a junior in high school interested in psychology, criminal justice, art, and history. I am not sure which one in particular to be honest, but I'm not sure whether I should be seeking volunteer hours, a job, or an internship. I already am in some honors societies (NAHS & NHS) which I get volunteer hours for as well as I'm president of my D&D club. I have also been an intern for a summer camp this summer.
Also, if so...could you recommend some good job/volunteer/internships in the triangle area of NC! Thanks so much!
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5 answers
Michelle Brenier
Content Writer
5
Answers
Hanford, California
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
You don't need to choose between volunteering, a job, or an internship right now. In high school, it's a great time to explore your interests. Over the next year or two, try different things to see what you like before committing to one path.
You already have valuable experience from the NHS/NAHS, leading your D&D club, and your summer camp internship. These roles help you build skills like leadership and organization.
Here's how to approach each option:
Volunteering: This is great for exploring fields like psychology, criminal justice, and history. Look for opportunities where you interact with people or work on projects, not just for the hours.
Part-time Job: If you can manage it with school, a part-time job teaches customer service, teamwork, and responsibility. It doesn't have to be related to your future career.
Internship/Job Shadowing: This could be the most useful for you. Even a short experience in psychology, criminal justice, art, or history can help you decide if you like a field or not.
Look for opportunities that combine your interests. A museum might let you do research and community work, while a community organization might offer insights into psychology or criminal justice. An arts non-profit could involve design and admin tasks.
Don't stress about planning your long-term career now. Focus on learning about yourself. Notice what activities make you lose track of time. Do you like working one-on-one, doing research, creating, organizing, or leading groups?
Lastly, keep a journal of your experiences. Note your responsibilities, tasks, and achievements. This will help you when you start writing your first resume.
You already have valuable experience from the NHS/NAHS, leading your D&D club, and your summer camp internship. These roles help you build skills like leadership and organization.
Here's how to approach each option:
Volunteering: This is great for exploring fields like psychology, criminal justice, and history. Look for opportunities where you interact with people or work on projects, not just for the hours.
Part-time Job: If you can manage it with school, a part-time job teaches customer service, teamwork, and responsibility. It doesn't have to be related to your future career.
Internship/Job Shadowing: This could be the most useful for you. Even a short experience in psychology, criminal justice, art, or history can help you decide if you like a field or not.
Look for opportunities that combine your interests. A museum might let you do research and community work, while a community organization might offer insights into psychology or criminal justice. An arts non-profit could involve design and admin tasks.
Don't stress about planning your long-term career now. Focus on learning about yourself. Notice what activities make you lose track of time. Do you like working one-on-one, doing research, creating, organizing, or leading groups?
Lastly, keep a journal of your experiences. Note your responsibilities, tasks, and achievements. This will help you when you start writing your first resume.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
196
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Interesting question.
I would pay particular attention to Michelle’s Answer.
Beyond that, my own personal experience, at a high school of over 3000 students, was volunteering to do certain activities as part of life at the school, such as being a clerk at the school snack bar and taking tickets at the Friday night school dances. But it didn't mean very much, just part of the school life.
I also worked at a local drug store. I needed the money. Twenty hours per week. Stocked shelves, ran a cash register, wrapping up things and taking the cash for things, under local law, I was not allowed to purchase for my own use, drove a stick shift Ford making deliveries, and was a Soda Jerk (If you don't know what that is, look it up,).
And through working at the drugstore for three years, I met a lot of different people, with different backgrounds, different "styles", different tastes, personalities, and with different problems in their lives. And at times, they would talk to me about their lives and their problems. They were "regulars" and so was I. Never mind the age differences. And at times there was no age difference. I also just observed people and the way they conducted themselves and interacted with others. And what people came in to purchase.
And in three years? Just how much?
Then to university. And I had cleared out some cobwebs about my future professional possibilities..
My part time job gave me so much information, all over the social map as it were, and that no single volunteer experience could ever have given me, or two, or three?, and off I went.
Seven years at university, forty-eight years in my profession.
But I do not live in your world.
Yet I hope I have given you more to think about, and you have time.
I would pay particular attention to Michelle’s Answer.
Beyond that, my own personal experience, at a high school of over 3000 students, was volunteering to do certain activities as part of life at the school, such as being a clerk at the school snack bar and taking tickets at the Friday night school dances. But it didn't mean very much, just part of the school life.
I also worked at a local drug store. I needed the money. Twenty hours per week. Stocked shelves, ran a cash register, wrapping up things and taking the cash for things, under local law, I was not allowed to purchase for my own use, drove a stick shift Ford making deliveries, and was a Soda Jerk (If you don't know what that is, look it up,).
And through working at the drugstore for three years, I met a lot of different people, with different backgrounds, different "styles", different tastes, personalities, and with different problems in their lives. And at times, they would talk to me about their lives and their problems. They were "regulars" and so was I. Never mind the age differences. And at times there was no age difference. I also just observed people and the way they conducted themselves and interacted with others. And what people came in to purchase.
And in three years? Just how much?
Then to university. And I had cleared out some cobwebs about my future professional possibilities..
My part time job gave me so much information, all over the social map as it were, and that no single volunteer experience could ever have given me, or two, or three?, and off I went.
Seven years at university, forty-eight years in my profession.
But I do not live in your world.
Yet I hope I have given you more to think about, and you have time.
Steve L.
retired
5
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi, Mabel. It's impressive to see you so active as a high school student. Well done on your hard work! Your school is fortunate to have you.
When choosing between a job, volunteering, or an internship, make sure you pick something you truly enjoy. That's what matters most.
Since I'm not in North Carolina, I'll let someone else answer your NC question, but it's a great one to ask!
When choosing between a job, volunteering, or an internship, make sure you pick something you truly enjoy. That's what matters most.
Since I'm not in North Carolina, I'll let someone else answer your NC question, but it's a great one to ask!
Trevor Dawson
Consulting
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
You can’t go wrong either way! I’d say follow what you’re passionate about. The only thing to consider is which may give you more opportunity to demonstrate capabilities for a career you’re looking to get into.
Mike K
Retired Law Enforcement
26
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hello Mabel. At the stage you are in, I'd recommend volunteering opportunities as you have some time to really decide which career path to pursue. This is something that doesn't always have a definitive timeframe on it - many people realize later in life what it is they really want to do and so they make a career change. Volunteering also offers a great opportunity to meet people, make connections, and really find out what it is you want to pursue without the stress of an actual job. Many structured internships are offered to college students who are studying subjects relevant to that specific internship. Of the subjects you are interested in, criminal justice, art, and history seem to offer some volunteer opportunities in your geographical area. I'd suggest additional research on local police departments, museums, and art galleries in your area as they often have volunteer/internship opportunities available. Best of luck! Mike.
NC Museum of Art - https://ncartmuseum.org/get-involved/volunteers/
Raleigh Police Dept. Youth Cadets - https://raleighnc.gov/youth/services/police-youth-services/public-safety-cadets-unit
ActivateGood NC - https://activategood.org/take-action/youth-families-and-schools/yvc/
Mike recommends the following next steps: