A piece in the New York Times discusses an exciting trend among youthful job seekers. According to the director of the Arlington Employment Center, "I think the desire for summer jobs has changed a little bit; kids are looking not only for income, but what makes them look good for the next step in their life." Rather than settling for jobs as grocery store clerks or landscapers, students want internships or at least internship-like jobs -- summer experiences that may lead them toward a long-term career.

Youth unemployment, however, is on the rise at three times the national average, and the upcoming increase in the minimum wage could do little to help. But kids who seek jobs that they can bring enthusiasm and perhaps knowledge to should be able to distinguish themselves from the pack.

A few weeks ago, I gave readers my list of tips for summer-job seeking teens. If you are a teen and haven't started the summer job search yet, you need to get on that. Here are some sites that can help:

• About.com: TeenJobs
• SummerJobs.com
• Teens4Hire.org
• SnagaJob.com

Good luck with your summer job hunt. And remember, it's about more than money: Find something that will give you valuable life experience.