just being christian

When we talk with the kids in our leadership development program, we spend a lot of time sowing the dreams of college.  I believe in higher education and would love to see every kid have the chance to set foot on a college campus.  But there is a reality that college isn’t for everyone.  So as the kids get older we start having other conversations with them about what they can do after high school if college isn’t in the cards.  Vocational school is always a good option, but even then there are some kids who will need a year or two before they can fit that into life.

Over the past couple of years I’ve been making a mental list of places I’d like our kids to try to get jobs with if they have to work right after high school.  Not every job out there is a good job.  And certainly, the list of good jobs one can get with just a high school diploma is limited.  But there are some out there that will allow you to earn a livable wage while working in a safe environment.  If you have other suggestions, you should post them in the comments section as a contribution to this week’s Watchlist…

Best Jobs for a High School Graduate:

• Costco – My understanding is that Costco pays well.  It’s also a well respected company that looks good on a resume and has decent hours.
• Quick Trip – I know, I know.  A gas station?  Seriously?  Yes.  Seriously.  Whenever I go into a QT (which is on a regular basis now that it’s slushie season), I am struck by how professional the staff is.  This leads me to believe that they pay well and that they have other ways to attract quality employees.  It would be an especially good second job since it is open all of the time.  And, quite frankly, QT’s are by far the cleanest of any gas station chain.
• Auto Parts Stores – This option is good because it provides practical knowledge that can save money.  If you can work on your own car, you are doing yourself a huge financial favor.  Even in the ‘hood, I notice that the auto parts stores attract quality personnel.
• Chic-Fil-A – guaranteed to never go out of business as long as I’m around.  This is one of the top franchises we would like to draw into the neighborhood.  It’s a higher quality product than most fast food.  The Christian ownership makes sure stores are closed on Sundays.  They promote from within.  They have a scholarship program if you decide to go back to school.  And you can even get on an ownership track to get your own franchise.  A lot of chances to move up as long as you work hard and prove yourself worthy.
• The Gap Family of Companies  (Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic) – Old navy has an awesome program where they will bring in groups of kids and do a couple of hours of training with them, and then let them work the floor for two hours.  During that time, they get to try out all of the different jobs you can do in the store.  Our kids did it last summer, and it was phenomenal.  Old Navy will hire you if you’re still in High School, and it’s the kind of company you can move up in if you do a good job.  Plus, between the three stores there are hundreds of locations all over the country. And you get a nice discount on clothes.  Would be a better deal if they sold more ManPris.
• Starbucks – Ok, so there’s this little tension with the Big S.  I don’t go there anymore. Haven’t for about 5 years.  I don’t like their coffee, and I prefer the intimacy of non-chain coffee shops.  And yet, they have a generous benefits plan and a handful of people that I like and really respect either work or have worked there.  I would also suggest that our kids apply there because of the opportunities to advance (see a theme here?), the number of stores and the fact that the clientele forces you to interact in a very professional manner.

My list is exclusively in the retail sector.  What should I add to diversify it?
Renew and Restore