As a rising Senior, I decided I should get a nice summer job to help pay for applications and other things, as well as get experience in the workforce. So, I interviewed for a job at Kumon and was hired on the spot, but still need to take a placement test to ensure I’m properly qualified. The problem is, my transportation situation is complicated and my parents said I cannot work at all during the school year with the fall SAT, and 6 AP classes. However, the manager specifically said he wanted committed workers who would stay on board even after summer ended. So my other option is to work at the grocery store near my house since I could just walk there and it would be hassle-free, and since it’s hours are more flexible and I could convince my parents to atlas let me work one day from the weekend throughout the year it might be more convenient. Both jobs pay about the same so money isn’t really the focus. Does anyone know whether college’s would prefer to see tutor or grocery story cashier on the resumé of their applicants? Which one seems more impressive, or can both work with the general idea of summer experience in the workforce?
P.S- Sorry if this is the wrong thread but I had no idea where else this would fit.
Tl;Dr: Are colleges more impressed with having an experience tutoring or is having another type of summer job worthwhile?
IMHO having any job will make you stand out. I wouldn’t stress it. Grocery store may even look better as it shows you are willing to be a “regular person” and get the experience that will give you.
From what I gather colleges just want you to do something productive over the summer (as opposed to sitting on the couch watching tv). Any type of job would be just fine.
If you can show some responsibility in your job even better. What I mean is rather than being the stock person, be the shift manager. Which they obviously would not give you the minute you walk in but ask what the next level is and when you reach it.
I’d take the grocery store job. It shows maturity and responsibility. People that I know that have worked for Kumon haven’t always had the best experience anyway. I wouldn’t go through the extra hassle for a job that won’t make a huge difference in college apps
Doing otherwise is unfair to the Kumon manager, since you’re letting him think he’ll have an employee for the fall when you know you’re misleading him.
Do the grocery store job. Work with people who, as a middle class kid (I’m making an assumption about you here that may be totally wrong), you may not have a lot of contact with. Experience what low-skilled labor feels like hour after hour, day after day and what under-employment feels like too. It will make you a better manager/employer some day. It’s deeply humbling. And has it’s own satisfactions too, although not of the kind you may be used to. It’s also highly motivating once you are back in school.
Lots of kids tutor. It doesn’t differentiate you in any way from the pack. Unless you are seriously considering being a teacher, I don’t see much advantage.