Best Summer Jobs for Teens in Jackson, Tennessee

Pringles Park in Jackson, Tennessee offers a multitude of job opportunities for teens who want something different this summer. Internships are available for high school and college students to learn the business of running a minor league baseball park and gain valuable experience for resume, college applications and future jobs and careers. Pringles Park also hires teens for part-time jobs to help with the gamut of responsibilities at the ball park including vendors, concessions, ticket sales, field crews, and entertainment teams for activities and contests between innings.

Although the pay scale for minor league baseball parks like the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx is usually on the low side, comparable to other theme parks and entertainment venues, there are some perks for teens. You will get to watch one of the best minor league baseball teams in action during baseball games and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of a ball park in the summer. This summer job is not for teens looking for a quick, easy dollar, but is perfect for teens who truly love baseball and getting paid to hang out at the ballpark. You are also guaranteed a front row seat to the only fireworks in Jackson on special game nights. Fill out an initial application at DiamondJaxx.com or visit the ballpark during regular office hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at its location at 4 Fun Place road near Liberty Technology Magnet High School.

For the truly adventurous, try out for a spot playing Ribbee, the lovable West Tenn. Diamond Jaxx teddy bear mascot. Past Ribbee antics have included handstands on the handlebars of a moving four-wheeler and cartwheels in the over-sized mascot suit. A summer job experience as mascot Ribbee is great preparation for teens who are interested in learning stunts or physical training for further entertainment and acting careers.

For other teen summer jobs in Jackson, Tennessee entertainment industries, check out Jackson Family Fun Center off the 45 Bypass at Old Humboldt Road. This entertainment hub offers bowling, miniature golf, batting cages for baseball and softball, racing carts, and a small arcade in addition to the adult karaoke and club venues. Perks include discounts in the facilities, a casual work environment and high social exposure to the scores of locals who use the Fun Center throughout the summer. Overcome the minimal wages with networking opportunities and cheap entertainment.

Old Hickory Mall on North Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee is another destination for the Jackson teen on a summer job search. Anchor stores include Victoria's Secret, Belk, JC Penny, Macy's, Sears, Buckle, Express and Abercromie & Fitch. Teens should choose a store where they shop often so the discount will counter the lower wages typical of summer jobs. Consider long-range career opportunities with employers like Chick-Fil-A in the food court. Companies like Chick-Fil-A offer college scholarships for enterprising teen employees and are easily transferable to different towns when you move for college.

Fill out an application for each store in pen and be sure to write clearly. Research each company to have questions ready during the interviews. Most interviews at Old Hickory Mall stores are group interviews with five or six other applicants. A teen hoping to score the job will have a basic knowledge of the company, three intelligent questions ready to ask, and dress appropriately with minimal jewelry and make-up. Questions that impress mall retailers include, "What is your shrink ratio and how do you combat that issue in this store?" (shrink is the amount of money lost to theft and lost merchandise) and "What schedule do you most need an employee to be available? Which hours are the most needed here in your store?"