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Teen Jobs
Hosted by Judy Hadden
Guest: Norman Nixon
Tuesday, April 24, 2001; 7 p.m. EDT
Are you a teenager looking to earn some money during summer? Are you searching for a job that will prepare you for your future? Ask Judy Hadden and Norman Nixon!
Norman Nixon is a 15-year employee of the D.C. Department of Employment Services Office of Youth Programs. He is
responsible for the daily operations for Passport
to Work, which provides training for 14- to 21-year-old city residents.
Judy Hadden has over 20 years of experience in developing community outreach and youth development programs. She is one of the two coordinators of the Arlington Teen Summer Expo, which connects hundreds of teens with summer jobs, internships, and volunteer positions.
The transcript of the discussion follows below.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Judy Hadden:
Hi everyone, welcome to a special WashingtonJobs.com Live! Tonight we're going to talk about jobs for teenagers. Let's get started.
Washington D.C.:
What's minimum wage nowadays? Is there any way we can make more than minimum wage?
Norman Nixon: The minimum wage is $5.15 an hour. Yes you can make more depending on who you work for and the type of job/occupation you have. Some employers have different scales such as age or experience to determine how much you make. As you make employment inquiries you will find that different employers have various pay rates. For example one hot area is for lifeguards. Because of the demands different areas are trying to pay more than the other to attract lifeguards for the summer.
Alexandria, Va.:
I would rather spend my summer AWAY from home. How is a teenager supposed to get a job in another state or COUNTRY for a summer? Camp counseling? English tutoring?
Norman Nixon: One of the most important elements of finding employment anywhere is researching the demand for different job opportunities in a specific geographical location. One good
thing you have done is selected an occupational area. I would utilize the internet to find companies in the region, state or city you are interested in. If you have relatives or a friend in that area they would be a good resource also. Please make sure if you are going to work away from home that you consider the cost of housing and food.
Washington D.C.:
Hi Norman
Can you tell me more about your program? How can I get involved? Where are you located?
Norman Nixon: I work the District Governments Department of Employment Services, Office of Youth Programs. We provide services to 14-21 year old district youth. We operate year round and seasonal programs under the banner of Passport to Work one of the most popular is the Summer Employment Opportunities Program.We also have a year round academic enrichment program, the Mayor's Youth leadership Institute, 21st century learning centers and the Youth Opportunities Program.We are currently seeking college students no older than 21 who are Wash. DC residents to fill private and federal sector jobs. You can call (202) 724- 7300 for information. But call quickly because summer is fastly approaching.
Arlington, Va.:
I want to work as a lifeguard over the summers while I'm in high school. (I start my freshman year in the fall). How do become a lifeguard?
Norman Nixon: You should call your local recreation department or a camp to find out who is offering classes and certification for lifeguards. You have to pass a test to become a lifeguard. I know that the Red Cross used to issue the certifications, but I'm not sure if that is the case today. Someone else who is a lifeguard should be able to tell you. Look over the web also. I would hurry because I don't know how lomg it takes to get certified. There may also be an age restriction.
Williamsburg, Va.:
Are there any really good online internship resources that are specific to the Washington area or northern Virginia? I'm a college student looking for an internship related to psychology or media, and one of the most frustrating things about searching for internships with the classic, big sites is that the selection in any given geographical area is so small- I waste so much time filling out the search forms only to find that only a few jobs are available in the area.
Norman Nixon: Judy and I talked briefly on this and she and I agreed that with Internships that you should start as early as possible with your search even now for next year. Remember this is a competitive arena. Media internships are very competitive. Most media entities utilize college juniors and seniors. Somr internships go by word of mouth, some companies go directly to colleges to recruit talk to your career counselor at school and make some cold calls to some places.
There are some net based resources, but your search could be long. The Post site is good too.
Washington D.C.:
Is it possible to get college internships even if you aren't in college yet? I start college in the fall but wanted to start working this summer in an office environment. Judy Hadden:
You don't have to be in college to get an internship, but there aren't as many around as there are volunteer positions or regular jobs. I suggest you think about they type of business you're interested in, put together a resume (go to www.washingtonjobs.com to get some ideas on putting together a teen resume) and go to a site such as the local Chamber or a business group to find potential employers. You probably won't get much response just sending your resume, so I suggest you make phone calls, give your pitch, explaining what you're interested in and ask if you can fax or mail them your resume. Don't forget to personalize it with a short cover letter. Some businesses are willing to have an intern if they are asked. By the way, some internships are paid and some are unpaid.
Norman Nixon: I agree with Judy's response
Washington D.C.:
Hi
Do you have to be 16 to get a job or can I get a job at 13? I'm tired of babysitting and delivering newspapers. I want to do something more interesting. Judy Hadden:
Next year, when you are 14 you will be able to get a work permit, but for now I suggest you think about looking for a job that your neighbors or others in the area might need help with. If babysitting isn't what you're looking for (there's lots of jobs available and the pay is often very good), think about other things you could do like tutoring or taking care of someone's yard, or running errands. Think of all the things you might be able to do and put together a flyer. If you make some copies and give them to people around the area where you live, you might get quite a few jobs. I know a 17 year old who did this last summer, made lots of money and had time to enjoy his summer too.
Norman Nixon: Judy's advice is good.
Washington, D.C.:
Hello Mr. Nixon,
I have observed summer after summer young people obtain employment and rush off to local check cashing establishments to cash there checks. Are there any local banks that offer saving accounts for youth? What other recommendations would you offer?
Kim Bookard
Norman Nixon: Hi Kim, some of the local banks and even credit unions offer bank accounts for youth. This is a great tool to teach consumer education and many youth should be introduced to that as sson as possible. I can't state which banks offer these accounts with all of the banking mergers, but youth and parents can call the banks or ask during a visit about youth accounts. I opened up accounts for both of my kids at my credit union. We have to do a better jobof educating youth and parents we have in programs about the importance of saving money.
Fairfax Station, Va:
Re the person who wants to be a lifeguard. Fairfax County Rec Dept does classes and other areas may do the same Judy Hadden:
You're right---counties and/or schools often have lifeguard training programs and so does the Red Cross. Any pool company that hires you probably offers a training program too.
Norman Nixon: Good advice and thank you for confirming our imput
Maryland:
What about the kids in Maryland? I don't see them getting represented. There's only Va. and D.C. here. Judy Hadden:
If you live in Montgomery County, check with Montgomery YouthWorks. You can also make some phone calls or search online for youth employment programs within your city, county, or the state government. Check at school too. Schools often have career/employment counselors.
Norman Nixon: Because maryland is divded into counties, each county runs it's own program. Call Your counties exectivesoffice to find out more about what is available in your county. One thing that Judy and I discussed was some type of regional summit for all of the local entities that provide employment for youth. We would come together to share information on what each other is doing and some best practices for serving youth seeking employment.
Washington, D.C.:
I was wondering if my 17 yr. old daughter could be placed in a govt. office during the summer and perhaps be able to keep it during the school season next year. Her name is Chrystian Frazier and she attends Dunbar Pre-Engineering High School.
Norman Nixon: If your daughter is a graduating 12th grader this year we could consider placing her in our private/federal sector initative. I hope she applied for summer employment with us this year and has a resume. Give me a call on (202) 724-7300 to discuss this further.
Alexandria, Va:
What's the Arlington Teen Summer Expo exactly? Are there going to be recruiters there or something? How long has then been going on? Is it annual? Judy Hadden:
The Teen Summer Expo is an event (next Sat.) that helps kids connect with summer jobs and volunteer positions. This is the 5th year. There will be employers and reps from lots of community organizations there. You can find out more on the web site, www.arlingtonteensummerexpo.com. You live in Alexandria and although almost all the jobs at the Expo are for Arlington, looking at the site will give you some ideas of the types of businesses who are looking for teen employees and the service organizations who need some volunteer help. We also have lots of links if you check job, internship, or volunteer tips.
Norman Nixon: Check out Judy's expo it is a great resource. I really commend her for what she is doing in Arlington.
Judy Hadden:
Hi everyone! Since there are so many questions, we're going to stick around till 8:15. Stay with us!
Washington D.C.:
My company has hired high school kids before but we don't do it anymore. The ones we hired were so unreliable. Talking on the phone, missing work, poor customer service. How do you keep a teenager's interest in a job?
Norman Nixon: By going through an agency that provides good orientation for the youth they send out, not saying that in all cases that this is the solution. Some youth don't have the fortune of having caring adults around or involvement in programs that teach pre employment work maturity skills. When we send youth out to companies that pat their saleries we do conduct some pre screening because we want you to come back again.
Washington D.C.:
What are the most popular teen jobs?
Norman Nixon: Retail Jobs, Fast Food, Movie Theaters, Day Camps.
Fairfax Station, Va:
How do you suggest getting a job at a high tech company with a year of so of high school programming & then being able to work yourself up as more courses are taken next year? Thanks Judy Hadden:
You need to put together a resume and spend some time checking for companies that interest you. You can go online and find groups like the Northern Virginia Technology Council or other tech-oriented groups or associations. Look through their web sites to get ideas for contacts. Look at the teen jobs part of the washingtonjobs.com web site and you will find an interview with a student, Mateja, that will give you some ideas. Have you checked with technology teachers at school or neighbors or relatives who might know of a company looking for someone with your skills and interests?
Norman Nixon: Judy's advice was good.
Arlington, Va.:
My school counselor said I'm best suited for mathematical type of jobs. I hate math. Do I have to go into that area? I like the performing arts. Judy Hadden:
Summer would be a good time to try something in performing arts to see if that is an area where you might want to spend more of your time. There are local camps and performing arts programs that could use your help. Think about a volunteer position or internship if you can't find a paid position. If you go to Arlington's www.getrealnow.net site and do a search for performing arts programs, you will get a list of good local contacts. Put together a brief resume on your interests experiences and see what you can find.
Norman Nixon: This is a time period while your young that you should explore different career opprtunities so that you can see what the world of work is realy like and see what really intrests you. Talk to some adults and see if they are in the same job field they wanted to be in.
Timonium, Md.:
I want to work in the city but I live far away. Do I have to be a D.C. resident to go to your office to get a job? Is there a way to commute from this far?
Norman Nixon: For the District of Columbia Summer Opportunities Program you have to be a District resident. sorry
Suitland, Maryland:
I would like to know if there are any programs available for teens that live in Prince Georges County?
Norman Nixon: I don't have any specific information about any programs in Prince Georges County offered by the government. Call the county executives office in PG County and ask them about what services they offer for youth looking for employment. You should be able to find the number in the phone book or even a PG County Government Web page.
Washington D.C.:
My brother is a "troubled" teen to say the least. I need to find him a summer job to keep him out of trouble. What shold I do? He's got a terrible work record and a problem with the law so it's hard to find a place that will hire him I think. Plus, he never dresses up for an interview so nobody wants to hire him. And his attitude is terrible.
Norman Nixon: I would be willing to talk to him to let him know the seriousness of taking any opportunity he is given seriously. Call me on (202) 724-7300. Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:00PM
Arlington Va.:
I've been told that word of mouth is the best way to find a job. If that doesn't work, what are some other suggestions for someone who has no experience? Judy Hadden:
You can come to the Teen Summer Expo in Arlington this Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School and find hundreds of jobs and volunteer positions posted and while you're there you can talk with employer community service organization reps who have openings for summer postions. We'll also have people from the Arlington Employment Center, Virginia Dept. of Labor, the Employment Commission, schools, and others there to give you information and tips on finding a job. For those who don't live in Arlington or the area, check with teachers and others at school, your local employment center, local newspapers and job fairs, your parents, your parents' friends, coaches and rec center staff, and check online resources too.
Norman Nixon: Judy's advice is good.
Arlington Va.:
Hi
Do you have to be in college to be an intern?
Norman Nixon: No you don't, you just have to be assertive and call around and find some organization that will take you on as an Intern. many places want college studentsbecause of their maturity level and they have selected a field of study that is in line to what that company does.
Fairfax Station, Virginia:
Any ideas for a 14 year old boy who wants a job but is too young to be hired by businesses? Any ideas other than lawn mowing/ plant sitting? Anything high or no tech? Thanks Judy Hadden:
What do you like to do? Figure out what you're looking for and some of the things that you're good at or interest you. After you figure out what you want to do you need to check with people you know in school, in your family, the neighborhood, the rec center, etc. to see if they know a business who might hire you. Look in the paper, at the employment center, and online to help with your search. Washingtonjobs.com has several links to sites that might help you. When you go to a business to apply, take all the information that you will need to fill out an application (including 2 pieces of picture ID), a couple references, your social security number, and the other basics like phone number, address, etc. When you go to apply, make sure you're dressed neat and clean and appropriately for the job you're applying for. Be prepared to have an interview. During your interview make sure you briefly explain why you're interested in the job and what your skills and interests are. Remember to ask questions so you understand the job and what would be expected of you. Smile, be polite, and thank the interviewer when it's over. Good luck!
Norman Nixon: Judy's offer is a good starting point.
Washington D.C.:
Is there any where I can go to career counseling to find out what I want to do when I grow up? I don't know what to do with my life. Judy Hadden:
School counseling departments have staff who can give you some help. Local employment centers also have counselors and lots more resources to assist you. You can also find a lot of career info online and at the library. Check some of the web sites on this web site and links that are included within them. You will be surprised about how much you will find. There are lots of interest inventories that are available too, so ask about them when you talk with people at school or at the employment center.
Norman Nixon: I agree with Judy's response. However, some people change their mind several times before they settle into a career so don't feel like a failure. As you work jobs in your teens that will expose you to different careers. You may even want to open your own business and work for yourself. so look into entreprenuership training opportunities also.
Judy Hadden:
Sorry everyone we're out of time. If you want to more about getting a job, please visit the Arlington Teen Summer Expo, the District's Office of Youth Programs, or if you live in Maryland, then contact your local county exec office.
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