From the beginning of my freshman year of high school, I have been employed. Whether it’s wedding planning, retail, babysitting, and hostessing, I’ve done it. I never really took the time to ponder about the importance of acquiring a job as a student. Not only does it build your resume for future careers, but you get real experience in the workforce. Through working all throughout high school and now as a college student, I have learned many beneficial traits and lessons I will keep with me for the future.

1. You will gain a better sense of customer service and how to treat not only friends, but complete strangers.

Respect is always necessary when working in any type of work environment as you are not only representing yourself, but the company or business as well.

2. You will understand time management and improve your organization skills.

You might find yourself writing notes, scheduling your iPhone calendar, or setting alarms to prepare yourself for the week. You will probably find yourself accidentally showing up 20 minutes early for dinner reservations, hanging out with friends, and so on because you are used to giving yourself extra time for getting ready.

3. You will recognize the value of a dollar.

Through working and seeing taxes cut out of paychecks after paychecks, I guarantee you will want to save more and figure out your spending habits. You will appreciate it so much more when someone pays for your milkshake or dinner, especially if they have a job, too. You understand that that person worked for that money and has the generosity to treat you. You might learn from them and do the same sometime.

4. You will value your purchases so much more.

Once you spend your own paycheck, you value those purchases so much more. Whether it’s clothes, food, car payments, or tuition payments, it has so much more worth. There’s a Miranda Lambert song, Automatic, where she sings, “...Cause when everything’s handed to you, it’s only worth, as much as the time put in…” When I hear those lyrics, it makes me think that today, so many students just have money and materialistic things handed to them. Whereas in the past, and fewer students today still retain that strong sense of work ethic.

5. You will stand out from other applicants for future careers by having work experience.

You know what a W-2 form is, contracts, taxes, and other policies that many organizations and companies provide. Employers will appreciate and recognize your true colors when it comes to priorities and work ethic. Experience in the workforce will improve your listening and communication skills as well as patience.

6. You will graduate feeling accomplished.

Once you’re actually out of the student world and part time work, you’ll be into the real world and full time work environment. Once you go from part time to full time, you already will have a general idea of how you work under pressure and in certain situations, so it will be an easier adjustment.

It will really make you become a more well rounded individual and meet so many new people. It will improve your communication skills and prepare you for not only future careers, but your social life as well.