Whether your teen is trying to diversify their life experiences before college, or simply want to branch out and do something that may not pay, internships are the way to go! Internships can be quickly overlooked since they aren’t paying gigs, and with the world revolving around money, this can sometimes be a tricky sell for teens. But if they truly want to look into certain careers or experiences that may not have any paying jobs for their age range, these are truly the best route.
Get the Experience Now
For many teens growing up, it can be hard to figure out what you want to do when you grow up. Some professions require years and years of college and formal education, while others could rely on trade schools, an associate’s degree, or no college degree whatsoever. To really explore what your teen is interested in and to know if it’s really right for them career wise, it’s best to try and experience the work as early as possible. With some professions this can be tricky, but when offered as an internship, it’s much easier to get accepted and get training. This gives your teen a chance to try out the program for a specific amount of time, while also getting hands-on training they can also put on a college application or even resume down the road. It also shows dedication in that individual, and that they aren’t afraid to work and try new things every day.
If your teen goes through the internship and really didn’t enjoy themselves, then they have a better concept of the job and whether it’s right for them or not. They can try other internships in other areas that intrigue or interest them, to further their career or hobbies. Being able to complete an internship and deciding that area of expertise isn’t right for them will make a huge difference down the road when your teen is deciding on the future. Whether they go to college or not, they will have most likely already narrowed down their decisions based on those experiences from their internships.
Setting Your Teen Up for Success
The hardest part of completing the internships may be convincing your teen. They may want to work where their friends are, or in a location that just pays a decent wage so they can begin saving. And of course, all these reasons can be valid depending on the circumstances and what’s available. Talk with your teen further to see what would be the best course of action for them. There may be summer internships that are done after a month, or happening during the school year, that may fit your teen’s schedule easier. This can allow for them to experience an internship or two while also seeking a job during the summer or the school year when their internship isn’t happening.
Katie Kyzivat