By Eduardo Calderon | Staff Writer

With the freedom of summer fast approaching, many jaguars are venturing out into the working class; trading fun and free time for a job.

“They do it to make money, learn responsibility, and get out in the work force,” senior Thomas Garvey said.

Having a job at a young age can teach responsibility that will help out in the long run.

“[Students] can learn the responsibility of saving and having your own money,” junior Maximillian Salmeron said.

Starting to look for jobs from scratch can be difficult, but certain businesses are most likely hiring as a tide of young employees finds itself with nothing better to do.

“[The best place for hiring] would probably be a big chain place,” Salmeron said.

In a steady job at Papa John’s, Salmeron has experienced the waiting process jobs so often require.

“It wasn’t that hard, because I applied at a few places over summer and waited for the call,” Salmeron said.

Throughout the year, hiring seasons come and go at most businesses, and it is important to realize when that time comes to ask for the almighty application. With that first step, teens have a chance to demonstrate responsibility and initiative.

“It shows a lot to your parents; with the ability to get up and go to work, be where you need to be on time, and make your parents respect you more for having a constructive summer,” AP Mitch Brown said.

“The secret is applying at the right time, which is, like, late May,” Salmeron said.

With big chains being big hirers, first time job searchers should be looking toward franchises located near them.

“Bill Miller’s, HEB, or Whataburger are good first-time jobs,” Garvey said.

Although everyone can apply for a job, not all meet the requirements to be hired- or stay hired.

“[They might not] get hired if they are too young or too immature,” Garvey said.

When applying for a job, it is important to maintain a good appearance.

“Sloppy dress, inapropriate language or slang language at the interview [demonstrate] no desire for the job,” Brown said.

First appearances are critical for the green employee.

“I think the interview process is one of the most important things,” Brown said. “How you conduct yourself is monumental.”

More than any other factor, desire should motivate students to relinquish their summertime liberties.

“Your job should be something you want to do,” Brown said. “If its a job you’re not interested in, don’t go into it, because you will hate it.”