Does Your High Schooler Really Need a Resume Yet? (Short Answer: Yes!)
It may feel a little early to talk to your teenager about a resume. Especially when they are probably currently worried about their Chemistry lab or Friday night’s football game, right?
But here’s the secret: A high school resume isn't only about the job. It’s about helping our kids see their own growth on paper before the "Senior Year Stress" officially kicks in.
Why Start Now?
Even if your student is headed straight for a four-year degree or a gap year, here is why a "living resume" is a game-changer:
- Beating the "Common App" Brain Fog: When those college applications open, trying to remember what your teen did freshman year feels like a pop quiz no one studied for. A resume is their "memory bank" for every club, volunteer hour, and award.
- Translating the "Small Stuff": We know that babysitting the neighbors or mowing lawns takes serious responsibility. Building a resume helps your teen learn how to turn "helped out at the library" into "coordinated weekly literacy events for 20+ children."
- The Professional "Glow-Up": Whether it’s a competitive summer internship or a local lifeguard gig, a teen with a resume stands out. It shows they’ve moved past the "my mom told me to call" phase and are taking ownership of their future.
- Confidence on Paper: There is a powerful moment when a student sees all their hard work listed in one place. It stops being a list of chores and starts looking like a reputation.
A Little Advice for the Road
Keep a shared digital doc or a folder. Every time they finish a season of sports, a theater production, or a volunteer project, have them drop one bullet point in there.
Future-Them will thank you.✨💜
We want to learn from your experience!
Whether its for for a future job or for college apps, how do you keep track of your teen’s activities, awards, and hours? Do you use an app, a physical folder, or a shared family calendar?