All students should have a Resume right from their first year in secondary school. Students in the primary years can also have a special folder where they keep copies of certificates and awards. Some primary students also have an e-copy of achievements. Once students see that they have little to add to a Resume, this can be a wakeup call. Suddenly they realise that they should consider becoming more involved in sport, school events and activities outside school.
Here are some activities and short courses that are free or don’t cost a lot of money. All of them are fun and will help young people make new friends while learning great new skills and building an impressive Resume.
Consider a first aid course
Contact a local TAFE or St John Ambulance which has branches in the Northern Territory and every state in Australia. These are practical, fun and an opportunity to make new friends and pick up invaluable skills.
Local councils
Contact your local council. Most have suggestions on how young people can obtain voluntary work which is a very impressive addition to any Resume.
Extracurricular activities at school
Students should become more involved in extracurricular activities at their own school. Most schools have an amazing array of clubs and activities.
Participate at every opportunity
There are often subject-specific events and opportunities at school. If there is an English writing competition, a science or maths competition, students should participate. The good news is that students don’t have to win! Participation in a wide range of competitions and activities is highly valued on Resumes and shows that students are willing to try new things.
Leadership opportunities
Apply for a leadership role at school. Even if they are not successful, the process of applying is a great learning experience for young people.
Join school clubs
Consider becoming a part of school committees and groups such as the SRC or Environment Committee. Sometimes these groups are looking for volunteers.
Coach
Offering to coach a junior sports team is gold. Coaching a team teaches young people to be:
- Good communicators
- Well organised
- Empathetic and patient
- Able to accept responsibility
- Mature and reliable
All of these skills and attributes are wonderful for young people and impressive additions to Resumes.
Find a part-time job
Part-time work in the local neighbourhood is always a good option. Teenagers can water the garden for neighbours when they go on holidays or offer to look after the pets. These are extremely important jobs and require young people to be very responsible.
Volunteer
All schools have annual working bees to tidy up school grounds or repair and paint fences or other equipment. Students can offer to be a part of this day.
Undertake leadership training
Most schools have leadership training opportunities or opportunities to help out at school functions or information evenings. Sometimes leadership skills can also be developed in clubs outside school or through a part-time job.
All of these activities look great on a teenager’s Resume and through them they will be developing many highly valued skills and qualities. Importantly, teenagers will almost always be making new friends through these activities and also gaining greater self-confidence.
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