<p>I have held a job at a restraunt in my area for about 1 and a half years, will be two when I go off to college. I was recently promoted to a leadership role. </p>
<p>My question is, do colleges look at jobs that are held for a long time and a student has a leadership role in as a sign of maturity and responsiblity? Does it look just as good (or even better) than being a president of a highschool club?</p>
<p>Thanks, I would like to hear everyone's opinions!</p>
<p>Everything I’ve heard from the various admissions people we’ve seen on visits and showcases says YES. My D has worked all of junior and currently during senior year and they have all encouraged her to (a) keep it up and (b) talk about it if she wants to. It almost sounds like they’d prefer to know you stayed with one job for a long time than that you changed around a lot.</p>
<p>That’s nice to know. My family and I are strapped for cash, so having a job is another way for me to get money for college, and I could also showcase it as an EC.</p>
<p>And when you say talk about it, do you mean talk about it in an essay?</p>
<p>Yes, this is an EC and an important one if you are contributing to your family’s well-being and/or saving for college. Admissions staff are always looking for the smart kids from low-income families who show initiative and responsibility beyond their years, which is what this represents. And yes, it’s much more interesting to hear about someone’s real work experiences then read about the usual club president tribulations and accomplishments. The job can really differentiate you so consider writing about what you have gotten out of this important experience besides the money and the satisfaction of helping your family. For example, what kind of leadership challenges are you facing as a result of your promotion? What have you learned from the people you work with? What lessons from the experience will you take with you into your future work life? How have you been changed as a result of your experience on this job? All of this makes for interesting reading for an ad com.</p>
<p>Most colleges recognize that some kids need to work and that work time can limit their ability to be involved in other ECs. They also understand that work can be be as character-building and as skill-building as any EC, especially if you’re promoted into a responsible leadership role. Your work experience is a merit badge; wear it with honor. And yes, if some experience at work inspires an essay, it’s an entirely essay-worth topic. Because most other applicants won’t have the same experience, your essay might stand out from the crowd.</p>
<p>Having a job is a thousand times more impressive than clubs and sports. Jobs show so much more and admission officers would like you to be accepted even more.</p>
<p>WOW, thanks for the comments guys! I never knew having a job was that significant!</p>
<p>This is good to hear! I’ve had, and still do, a job as a cashier at the supermarket Shoprite since the summer of 10th grade (currently am a senior). I work ~10-19 hours per week usually but sometimes more, sometimes less.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say having a job is “1000 times more impressive than sports.” Being a recruited athlete gives you a huge advantage, but having a job is certainly a good thing for college admissions.</p>