The school year is coming to an end, and a lot of students are going to be taking jobs over the summer. With that, students might have some questions about having a job, or they might not be sure what the work environment is like.
We asked a few students at our school who are currently working, or going to be working during summer. They shared all the helpful information needed for people planning on working.
Kayla Halpern (11, Wildlife Water School)
Q: What’s an average day at work like?
A: “The average day is full of surprises and it’s crucial to be able to adapt quickly. Some days the kids are super cooperative and ready to learn, and sometimes it’s full of tears and whining. Everyday is different and that’s what I love about the job.”
Q: What are the best and worst parts about your job?
A: “The best part of my job is getting to bond with kids and see their progress over the years. I’ve been doing this for 2 years now and it is so rewarding to see how the kids grow and come into their own both in and out of the pool. The worst part of the job is probably whenever kids are having off days and they are just throwing fits, crying, and scratching. Sometimes I’ll come home with scratches and bruises on my arms and legs, but it’s all worth it to be able to see them make progress.”
Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to get a job over the summer?
A: “I would say to be open to new ideas and jobs you would’ve never thought of before, I never thought I would be teaching swim lessons, but here I am! It’s a great way to make new friends and gain experience.”
Evan Stahl (9, Kennywood Park, food and beverage team member)
Q: What’s an average day at work like?
A: “An average day at Kennywood for me would start by clocking in and heading over to whatever food stand I’m assigned for that day. I could be taking orders for people and doing the register, or preparing the food for them. It gets really busy and very hot when the park is packed. I spend all my time on my feet helping people, restocking, and cleaning. At the end of my shift, we have to clean up the stand or the kitchen and clock out to leave. Then you can go home.”
Q: What are the best and worst parts about your job?
A: “The best part about my job, I would say, would be when it’s dead and I can just talk to my coworkers. I also like getting to come in for free on days off in the summer. The worst part is when it’s unbearably hot and super crowded. Your feet start to hurt a lot after standing all day and some people there are just rude because of the heat. Another thing I like is that I don’t really have to wake up early for Kennywood. They open to the public at 11, so I don’t have to be there until like 10 and that’s not very early so you don’t have to be up at the crack of dawn like other jobs.”
Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to get a job over the summer?
A: “I would say to apply early. Especially if it’s a summer exclusive job like Kennywood. Being nice to your coworkers and customers I think is the best thing you could do. It makes everyone happy and makes the day more bearable.”
Elana Gomez (12, Subway sandwhich artist)
Q: What’s an average day at work like?
A: “An average day at Subway involves food preparation, customer service, and cleaning duties. In the mornings, we prepare all food needed for the day, including baking bread and cutting vegetables. Throughout the day, we greet customers and take orders in person and online. At the end of each shift, we clean the store to ensure the next shift will begin smoothly.”
Q: What are the best and worst parts about your job?
A: “The best part of my job is getting to work with my friends, the flexible schedule, and the work routine. The worst part is cleaning and it can be repetitive at times.”
Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to get a job over the summer?
A: “Apply early and be open minded! This is the perfect time to learn new skills and build your resume.”
