Struggling For Career Direction? 50+ Real Job Skills Examples That Actually Land Teens Employment
TSWAG (Teen Strategic Advancement Group): Struggling For Career Direction? 50+ Real Job Skills Examples That Actually Land Teens Employment
What is TSWAG? It's the Teen Strategic Advancement Group at Youth Career Commission, Inc.—a community-powered, cohort-based experience where teens and young adults build real job skills with real mentors through hands-on activities that translate directly to employment.
Mission: equip ages 13–17 (Level 1) and 18–24 (Level 2) to discover, develop, and showcase marketable skills—while building confidence, professionalism, and a supportive network across Bulloch County and surrounding communities.
Program highlights:
- Weekly cohort meetups and mentor check-ins
- Résumé and portfolio labs, mock interviews, and job-shadow days
- Digital skills sprints (AI basics, spreadsheets, content creation), financial literacy, and entrepreneurship pop-ups
- Service-learning projects with local partners and end-of-cohort showcases
TSWAG tip: Join a cohort and pick 3–5 skills to practice each week. Track your progress in a simple portfolio so employers can see your growth.
TSWAG tip: After every mock interview or project, ask your mentor for one thing to keep and one thing to improve. That quick feedback loop speeds up your progress.
50+ Real Job Skills That Actually Land Teens Employment
Tech Skills That Actually Matter
Let's start with the obvious ones – tech skills are huge right now, but you don't need to become a coding genius overnight.
Coding and Programming
Start with basics like Python or JavaScript—lots of free resources online (Codecademy, freeCodeCamp). Even basic knowledge opens doors in every industry.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Understanding the basics is becoming essential everywhere. Free intro courses are on Coursera or edX.
Data Science
Learn about spreadsheets, charts, analyzing info—master Excel or Google Sheets. Super valuable skill for almost any job.
Digital Marketing and SEO
If you love creativity + numbers, learn how to help businesses get found on Google and create great content. Try starting your own blog or account.
Software Development
Not just building apps—could be websites, tech support, or setting up systems for small businesses.
People Skills That Pay
Communication Skills
Can you explain complicated stuff simply? Write clear emails? Handle tough conversations? All employers care about this.
Emotional Intelligence
Reading the room, understanding people, managing emotions, and listening makes you a top candidate.
Customer Service Excellence
Teaches problem-solving and how to keep cool with challenging people. It’s not just about “smiling” at work.
Leadership and Teamwork
You don’t have to be “the boss” to lead. Helping others in projects counts!
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
See a problem? Suggest a fix! This mindset is highly valued.
Creative Skills With Real Value
Content Creation
Videos, blog posts, graphics—if you can make stuff that grabs attention, there’s a market for you.
Digital Design
Design graphics, websites, logos—even learn Photoshop or Canva through free YouTube tutorials.
Writing and Copywriting
Needed everywhere—website copy, product descriptions, blog posts.
Photography and Video Editing
Phones have great cameras—practice and learn basic editing with free apps.
50+ Real Job Skills That Actually Land Teens Employment
Tech Skills That Actually Matter
Let's start with the obvious ones – tech skills are huge right now, but you don't need to become a coding genius overnight.
Coding and Programming
Start with basics like Python or JavaScript—lots of free resources online (Codecademy, freeCodeCamp). Even basic knowledge opens doors in every industry.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Understanding the basics is becoming essential everywhere. Free intro courses are on Coursera or edX.
Data Science
Learn about spreadsheets, charts, analyzing info—master Excel or Google Sheets. Super valuable skill for almost any job.
Digital Marketing and SEO
If you love creativity + numbers, learn how to help businesses get found on Google and create great content. Try starting your own blog or account.
Software Development
Not just building apps—could be websites, tech support, or setting up systems for small businesses.
Digital Marketing and SEO
If you love creativity + numbers, learn how to help businesses get found on Google and create great content. Try starting your own blog or account.
Software Development
Not just building apps—could be websites, tech support, or setting up systems for small businesses.
People Skills That Pay
Communication Skills
Can you explain complicated stuff simply? Write clear emails? Handle tough conversations? All employers care about this.
Emotional Intelligence
Reading the room, understanding people, managing emotions, and listening makes you a top candidate.
Customer Service Excellence
Teaches problem-solving and how to keep cool with challenging people. It’s not just about “smiling” at work.
Leadership and Teamwork
You don’t have to be “the boss” to lead. Helping others in projects counts!
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
See a problem? Suggest a fix! This mindset is highly valued.
Creative Skills With Real Value
Content Creation
Videos, blog posts, graphics—if you can make stuff that grabs attention, there’s a market for you.
Digital Design
Design graphics, websites, logos—even learn Photoshop or Canva through free YouTube tutorials.
Writing and Copywriting
Needed everywhere—website copy, product descriptions, blog posts.
Photography and Video Editing
Phones have great cameras—practice and learn basic editing with free apps.
Technical Skills That Impress
Microsoft Office/Google Workspace
Know your way around the basics and advanced functions to stand out.
Social Media Management
Build content strategies, analyze engagement, building online communities.
Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping
Learn how to budget, read paychecks, and understand basic finances.
Project Management
Plan, organize, track deadlines—great for all jobs.
Jobs That Let You Practice These Skills
- Retail Associate (sales, inventory, customer service)
- Food Service Worker (multitasking, teamwork, time management)
- Tutor (communication, patience, teaching)
- Camp Counselor (leadership, creativity)
- Data Entry Specialist (accuracy, computer speed, remote work)
- Virtual Assistant (organization, tech, manage schedules)
- Social Media Assistant (content, community management)
- Customer Service Rep (professionalism, communication, patience)
How to Actually Build These Skills
- Start with free online courses (Coursera, Khan Academy, YouTube)
- Practice on real projects (volunteer, help local businesses, school activities)
- Create a simple portfolio (keep screenshots, track your growth)
- Get certified (free certificates: Google, Microsoft, HubSpot)
- Find a mentor (ask caring adults, or connect through TSWAG and Youth Career Commission!)
Skills Employers Actually Want
- Reliability and work ethic
- Adaptability
- Basic tech literacy
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Making It Work Together
You don’t need to master every skill. Pick 3–5 you genuinely enjoy and focus on getting good at those. Combine them as you go—every skill adds value and confidence.
Remember, most successful adults didn’t have it all figured out at 16 or even 25. They learned, tried stuff, and built skills along the way. You’re ahead just by being here!
Ready to plug in?
If you’re in Bulloch County or nearby communities, learn more and get involved with TSWAG at Youth Career Commission, Inc. Explore cohorts, mentorship, and upcoming sessions at youthcareercampinc.com.
In : T-SWAG (Teen Strategic Workready Advancement Group)
Tags: ""youth careers"" ""teen jobs"" ""life skills"" ""job readiness"" ""financial literacy"" mentorship steam ""bulloch county"" ""financial literacy for teens""
