It used to be that many young people struggled to find summer employment. Today, young people have access to a wide variety of summer jobs, internships, mentorships, and career development programs that allow them to earn money, build their resumes, and gain valuable work experience.
Recently, students have had unprecedented access to these summer jobs. Beyond traditional summer jobs, students can take advantage of a growing network of internships, mentorships, career exploration programs, and specialized training opportunities. Despite this goldmine of resources, many students still report that they can’t seem to find work or internships. According to work-based learning coordinator Ms. Rosario, the problem does not lie with lack of opportunities.
“The problem is often not a lack of opportunities—it’s a lack of attention. The messages and deadlines are there, but students have to take the initiative to read them,” Ms. Rosario said.
Many youth employment programs offer participants the chance to explore a wide range of career fields, from education and healthcare to business and technology. One example is SYEP, which provides paid work experiences for young people. Yet, a surprising number of students remain unaware or fail to apply.
Ms. Rosario notes that information about the opportunities is shared constantly through Google Classroom, where notifications are even posted as assignments to ensure maximum visibility. However, many students ignore these messages or fail to follow instructions. Ultimately, the core issue comes down to personal responsibility.
“Students often expect teachers to guide them step-by-step through applications,” said Ms. Rosario. “But real-world success requires taking personal responsibility—reading directions, meeting deadlines, and actively seeking out information themselves.”
Beyond SYEP, there are several other elite programs looking for applicants. For example, the Bloomberg Arts Internship provides hands-on experience in cultural institutions while preparing students for college applications, while the Industry Scholars Program (ISP) offers paid work experience directly tied to students’ technical and vocational fields.The modern job market is filled with possibilities, but they require active pursuit.
As Ms. Rosario emphasizes, opportunities are often available, but students must actively seek them out. Whether it is a summer job, internship, mentorship, or career training program, success depends on taking initiative, staying informed, and meeting deadlines.
