Specific Employment to increase competitiveness

boatsnplanes

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Nov 15, 2020
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I am in high school, and I am currently interviewing for a life guard position at the local indoor water park. Aside from everything else (academics, athletics, of which I already know about and am very competitive and disciplined in, varsity, honors, etc.) would this job specifically be a more attractive application filler than other jobs? I've had a fast food and Walmart job in the past but life guarding is much more APPLICABLE to the Coast Guard Academy. I understand admissions like seeing jobs along with sports and grades so my question is will the fact of holding a life guard job be more attractive to admissions as a job than something like fast food due to it's applicability?
 
I'll give this one a stab. No, this job won't be looked better upon because of it's applicability. In fact, it's not really applicable at all, and if you're under the impression that it is, you might want to do more research about the what the actual future career you're getting into really is. As an officer in the Coast Guard, you won't be swimming to rescue people from the water (and even as enlisted, unless you're an AST/rescue swimmer, the odds are remarkably low), and you more than likely won't be providing first aid or pumping, that will almost certainly be done by a Health Services Technician or AST or some other enlisted if not. Performing first aid is more likely than swimming, though, but still, absolutely no requirement to hold a certification or anything like that. Additionally, if there was, it would be provided if needed.

However, Cadets at the Academy do take a class on lifeguarding, because there are good skills there for anyone to know, and because the 2/c Cadre serve as the lifeguards for the 4/c Swabs in swim class.

With all of this said, while I don't believe it will be looked especially well upon because of "applicability," it may be looked better upon because of the responsibility and independence of the job as opposed to where you've held jobs in the past.

If I've misunderstood your meaning, I apologize. But seriously, if you think being an officer in the Coast Guard and being a lifeguard are going to be super similar jobs, definitely do some more research before deciding to apply.
 
The bigger effect on your application will be in demonstrating your ability to manage a work/life balance of sports, school, studies and work. As that a huge piece of being successful at a SA. So in that sense, the actual job your hold doesn’t matter. Having any job, and balancing it all is what’s shown by having a job during high school.

Beyond ‘having a job’, being able to demonstrate responsibility in your job, is what will help. Do you train others ? Handle money? Open? Close? Manage other people? For example, my son was a lifeguard and a baseball umpire. As an umpire, he could speak to having to deal with parents, coaches and kids. Making decisions and calls and then speaking to groups who didn’t agree. That kind of thing. Manage gameplay, that was always different, often stressful and required quick decision making. As a (new) lifeguard, he didn’t have those kinds of experiences (his season was also cut short due do covid pool closures...). Look for those kinds of opportunities to show on your application (or in essays/interviews) when you apply! It’s an example of demonstrating leadership beyond a varsity sport.

But in the most basic level...having a job involving swimming vs one that doesn’t won’t give you an advantage. USCGA will train everyone in their methodology. Early on it may make things slightly easier/comfortable for you should you receive an appointment. It may also give you something different to do at the academy (DS lifeguards at the pool).

No matter your job, look for ways to lead/have responsibility. It will be good for you (personally and on resumes/interviews) no matter where you end up!!
 
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would this job specifically be a more attractive application filler than other jobs?
This phrase is worrisome.

You have very little space in which to describe you choice for attending USCGA and your suitability.

Don’t waste it on ‘filler’s. If you want a job whilst at school choose one that you want to do, not one that you think will bolster your application.

You have received some good advice on here already. Having a job whilst at school is more about your ability to manage your time.

Good luck!!
 
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