As students of PV mature, they take on responsibility in many forms. While some take rigorous courses to ramp up the difficulty of high school or juggle various extracurricular activities, some students opt to get their toes wet in the job market.
PV students can be found working anywhere from cafés to body shops, but many opt to work in retail for its generally higher pay and flexible working hours. Listed below are seven highlights for students to consider when looking to pursue a career in retail.
Target
Target is a top-tier choice for students looking for high pay and a fun work environment. While it is a hike from the campus of the high school, Target is committed to a starting pay of $15.00 per hour, so for many, it’s well worth the trek. Find Target applications here.
Walmart
Walmart is a staple of teen jobs, emphasizing its presence as the largest employer in the world. For many, Walmart is a step up from the likes of grocery stores like HyVee, but entering the leagues of department stores comes with its fair share of drawbacks, specifically in customer interaction. If you can stomach rude customers, you’ll enjoy comparatively high pay. For those interested, applications can be found here.
Best Buy
Best Buy is a specialty store, so if technology excites you, it should be on your radar. With pay starting at $15.00 an hour, it’s a perfect job for experienced high school students to make each hour count. They also hire seasonally, allowing for more flexibility. Senior Caleb Swinney is a Sales Associate and speaks to his satisfaction with his job. “Being surrounded by technology is one thing, but getting to share my love with customers is my favorite part. My job at Best Buy allows me to turn my passion into profit,” Swinney explained. Applications to Best Buy can be found here.
Home Depot
Not many would think to work at a store like Home Depot, but employees report high satisfaction and a comfortable work environment. It’s not too far from the high school, and with the size of the store, there’s always something to be doing. Senior Lexi Pelzer enjoys her job there. “I feel like the community of Home Depot is more welcoming than other places. We truly feel like a work family, and you just can’t beat working with your best friends,” Pelzer said. If hardware excites you like it does Pelzer, apply here.
Wallace’s
Wallace’s Garden Center has a great history with PV. With a simple application process, a beautiful work environment and great starting pay, many students opt to surround themselves with the natural atmosphere of horticulture. Many students from Bettendorf High School also choose to work there, which can allow students of both schools to build new connections with coworkers of their age demographic. To apply, simply walk into the store, which is only a couple minutes away from the high school.
HyVee
HyVee is an easy choice for PV students looking to make a solid first few paychecks. Their jobs pay well above minimum wage, and there is plenty of room for advancement. It’s an obvious choice for PV students, who go to school just a few blocks away from the popular grocery store. It’s a great option for students seeking flexible hours as HyVee hires troves of students to fill shifts. Whether you’re a student looking to work eight hours a week or 30, HyVee remains a great option. Apply online here.
When all is said and done, a high school job serves to build work experience. Whether you love or hate your first job, it’s all for the experience, so clock in and get to work, Spartans!
