If a career as a mail carrier sounds interesting to you, explore the field by first observing their work. Take advantage of the weekend mail delivery and talk to your carrier for a few minutes about the job. You may even be able to arrange a tour of the local post office to see the sorting processes. Seek information from your high school counselor for opportunities to learn more about this job.
Opportunities are sometimes available for older high school students to work part time in post offices and other companies during Christmas holiday rush periods without taking any examinations. However, preference is given to those who have taken the necessary examination and are listed on the eligibility lists.
Try to get a part-time job in the mailroom of an office or large store to help develop the skills needed for this type of work. Although no previous training is required for these positions, a business or academic high school program is a definite asset.
Also be sure to spend time on the USPS Web site (https://www.usps.gov) for information about everything from the history of the Pony Express to how much mail was delivered this past Christmas.
Participate in information interviews with mail carriers. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask mail carriers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews.