1) You make your own money.
The feeling of receiving your first paycheck is a milestone in your life. You have put in the hours and done the work and now you have money that is yours to spend as you please. You can do things like open your first checking account and have your own debit card.
2) You learn how to budget your own money.
Now that you have your own money, you quickly learn how to prioritize spending it. You learn that money is not quite as fun to spend when you are the one doing the work to earn it. Things that you once viewed as essential now seem frivolous and expensive.
3) You develop marketable skills for your career.
Whether you are bussing tables at a restaurant or working for your dream company, every job is full of learning opportunities. You learn how to get along with others and the nuances of the work environment in addition to the specific skills required to do your job. I can't tell you how many times experiences from my previous jobs have helped me navigate tricky situations at my current jobs.
4) You learn time management skills.
Juggling classes, extracurriculars and work is definitely a balancing act. In order to maintain your sanity and be a successful student, you have to become the most organized and focused version of yourself. As a full-time student who is heavily involved in extracurriculars, volunteering and works two part-time jobs, I have developed an extreme love for Google Calendar, my planner and the calendar on my phone. Being organized is key in order to ensure that you do not overcommit yourself.
5) You build a network.
No matter how entry-level your job is, you will begin building your network from day one. From your co-workers to your supervisor, the people who surround you and work with you become the people who you bond and grow with over the course of your job. These are also the people who can write letters of recommendation for you when you are applying for leadership positions, graduate schools or even other jobs.