When you have kids, raising them to be self-sufficient, productive members of society is often the ultimate goal of a parent. If you have a teen who is interested in pursuing a new internship, regardless of the industry they are geared towards, you will want to take the time to walk them through the process of submitting an application and landing the perfect opportunity. The more familiar you are with the process of securing internships in relevant fields your teenager is interested in pursuing, the easier it will be for you to ensure they have the best possible chances of achieving success.
Educate Your Teen About the Benefits of an Internship
Before you allow your teen to begin submitting applications for various internships and opportunities, be sure to discuss the potential opportunities of internships they are most interested in. Discussing the benefits of internships with your teenager ahead of time is also a way to encourage them to remain motivated, even if they do not receive an acceptance letter from their first choice once they begin submitting applications on their own.
Discuss Potential Career Options Suitable for Your Teen
In the United States alone, more than 480,000 individuals are working as professional plumbers, according to OneDesk. Determining if your teen will benefit from a trade school or a traditional university degree is a serious conversation to have before you begin searching for and comparing suitable internships. Once you have an idea of the type of work your child is interested in pursuing seriously as a career, you can then begin searching for suitable internships that are most likely to result in opportunities that are just right for them.
Seek a Paid Internship Whenever Possible
An unpaid internship is not only often viewed as unfair, but it can also increase the risk to employers who are offering them. Internships that provide a minimum wage compensation plan can minimize their risk of defending against an allegation directly from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Anytime you are discussing internships with your teen, it is advisable to stress the importance of seeking a paid internship, even if they are entirely new to a market or industry and simply want to find a way to make connections. Paid internships are also more likely to come from legitimate companies and organizations, which can help you maintain your peace of mind when your teen receives the internship they desire.
Research and Compare Internship Opportunities Online
Currently, in America, there are more than 30,000 private schools and educational institutions, according to CAPE. You will want to take the time to research and compare various internship opportunities online that are available publicly and even via private educational institutions and organizations, depending on the type of internship that is ideal for your teen’s future. The more familiar you become with various internships that are relevant for your teen, the easier it will be for them to decide once it is time for them to begin formulating their application.
Encourage Extracurricular and Volunteer Activities
Anytime your teenager has an interest in pursuing an internship, it’s imperative to encourage outside activities, such as volunteering jobs and extracurricular groups. The more actively involved and engaged your teen is in your local community, the more likely their application is to stand out to recruiters or those in charge of permitting individuals into an internship of their choice.
Helping your teen secure an internship they love or truly desire can be tricky when the industry is rife with competition or already saturated with applicants. However, establishing a vision and having the right plan of action in mind can help your teen navigate any potential challenges and obstacles that come their way along the journey. With the right resources, you can ensure your teen has the best chance of being accepted into just about any internship they love and want to pursue today.
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