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Beyond the Lemonade Stand Summer Job Ideas for Teens BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES S chool's out, steamy mirages hover in sunbaked streets, and the smell of sunblock hangs in the air. But rather than hanging out by the pool, many teens will be pounding the pavement seeking part-time work. In this tough job market, enterprising teens who take a creative approach to summer employment may find it easier to rake in extra cash without competing with more seasoned job-seekers. UNLEASH AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT. Encourage your teen to begin by talking to family, friends and relatives who may know of entrepreneurs seeking to hire summer help. " Entrepreneurism has grown dramatically and it's not solely attributable to people wanting to be their own boss. It's coming out of necessity," says Pam Dobies, a business management instructor and director of University of Missouri Kansas City's Bloch School Career Network. "People are forced into finding ways to make money and forced to go out on their own to pick up a few extra bucks." 16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • July 2013 Also, they are wise to consider jobs that can evolve into interim work during the school year, a college internship or a full-time job after graduating college. Alvin Tan, an international student at UMKC and entrepreneur, says summer is a good time to take advantage of learning opportunities to explore interests. He recalls shadowing his parents, both financial planners, when they met with clients. " Start when you are still young and have little commitment. Those are the best times to get involved and active," says Tan, who is in the process of starting several new businesses including Natural Husk Ware, which is all-natural, dishwasher-safe, biodegradable tableware made out of rice husk and tree sap." GET CREATIVE. Lanie Dunn, 18, a high school senior, channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into a non-profit she calls "Shoes for Paws: An Animal Cause," in which she crafted artistic designs on shoes and donated the proceeds to a local animal shelter. While she continues to work out the marketing of her business, she takes pleasure in the creative process.