Whether it’s for extra spending money, to embellish ones resume, or just a way to gain experience, a number of factors cause teens to get jobs.

Teens often struggle to maintain a balance among doing well in school, having a social life, working, and participating in extracurricular activities such as athletics or clubs, especially during high school years.

According to an analysis by Pew Research Center, teen employment tends to increase during the months of June, July and August. About 1.3 million more teens were employed in July 2014 than in April. However, the average employment rate for 16- to 19-year-olds has been steadily falling since 2000. The U.S. Census also released data that more than one in four high-school students ages 16 and older work, which accounts for about 3 million teens nationwide.

Some teens see jobs as an extra burden that should not be undertaken unless absolutely necessary. But others see working as equal in importance to having good grades because of the upsides that come from it.

Wendy Patrick, behavioral expert and business ethics lecturer at San Diego State University, says, “Working while one is still in school enhances the ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and effectively structure time blocks.” She adds, “It instills a sense of discipline, responsibility, structure — all elements that contribute to a successful life.”

According to a CNBC article, the staffing firm of Robert Half Technology reports that 71 percent of chief information officers prioritize skills and experience over college degrees when hiring.

Teens who work become more aware of the value of money, especially those who help provide for their family or themselves. Even if this is not the case, making money from one’s own effort helps teens learn the importance of budgeting — how far money can go as well as how quickly it can be spent.

Junior Madeline Grantham-Philips, who has worked at Blue Corn Cafe and currently works at the “Santa Fe New Mexican,” explains why she works: “I believe that work helps teens like myself bring on responsibility that prepares them for what it’s really going to be like in the real world after high school. You aren’t always going to have your parents or other resources for support.”

Others may want to work because it provides a sense of accomplishment. While doing so they gain skills that are hard to learn outside of a working environment, such as interpersonal communication, adjusting to higher expectations and making quick decisions when things go awry, according to Caitrin Blake in a Concordia University article.

Madeline adds that while she largely enjoys working, “Work is still work. Sometimes customers will be really mean or the workload will feel huge, but I still take pride in having a job and making myself money for my future.”

Likewise, junior Brad Moffett says that although he loves swimming and being a lifeguard, “It is extremely tiresome to sit on the stand and remain diligent all day long.” He says he is typically exhausted by the end of a shift.

Junior Mariza Rodriguez, who works at a local gymnastics studio, says, “I enjoy working because I learn responsibility and life skills.” She adds that she sees herself and other teens as “underestimated” at their places of employment just because they are young.

Another reason teens may want to work is to navigate their interests. Jobs present an opportunity to gain experience and “test the waters” in a field they may or may not enjoy as a career, says Concordia University.

While it may be argued that students have too much going on to also handle a job, it is important to consider that having work experience along with good grades might catch the attention of college admission officers more than having no work experience. A job can complete the picture of a well-rounded applicant that colleges always seem to be seeking.