What is an internship? A parent-friendly guide for teens and families

When your teen starts thinking about their future, one word may keep popping up: internship. But what is an internship, really? And how can it help your child build the confidence, skills, and clarity they need for what comes next?

Let’s break it down together.

What is an internship?

An internship is a short-term, often temporary role that gives someone early in their career a chance to gain hands-on experience in a specific field. Internships may be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and can take place during the school year, summer break, or after graduation.

Unlike a traditional job, internships are designed to be learning-focused. Interns usually work under supervision, complete real-world tasks, and get exposure to the inner workings of an industry. It’s a way to test-drive a career without a long-term commitment.

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Who are internships for?

Internships are most common for high school students, college students, and recent graduates. But younger teens can also find internships, especially through school programs, community organizations, or family connections.

Internships are especially helpful for teens who:

• Want to explore different career paths

• Need experience for a college application or resume

• Hope to build professional connections

• Are curious about what working in a real-world setting is like

What kinds of internships are out there?

There’s more variety than you might think. Internships exist in nearly every industry, including:

• STEM: Work in labs, tech companies, engineering firms, or hospitals.

• Creative fields: Help with social media, design, photography, or video editing.

• Business and finance: Support marketing, HR, or data analysis teams.

• Nonprofits: Contribute to mission-driven work and community outreach.

• Government: Gain experience with city or state offices, even congressional internships.

Remote internships are also more common than ever, allowing teens to gain experience from home.

Paid vs. unpaid internships

Some internships offer an hourly wage or stipend, while others are unpaid but may offer school credit. It’s important to consider your family’s goals and your teen’s schedule when weighing these options. Paid internships are ideal, but unpaid roles can still be valuable if they provide mentorship, skills, or future job opportunities.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students who complete internships (especially paid ones) are more likely to get job offers post-graduation.

How to find an internship

Your teen doesn’t need to have connections at a big company to land a great internship. Here are a few ways to find them:

• Talk to a school counselor or teacher: Many schools have partnerships with local businesses or programs that offer internships to students.

• Search online job boards: Check sites like Indeed and LinkedIn for listings geared toward students.

• Use your personal network: Encourage your teen to talk to family, friends, coaches, or mentors. Someone may know of an opportunity or be willing to make an introduction.

• Look into local businesses and nonprofits: Small companies and organizations often welcome help and may be open to creating an internship if your teen shows initiative.

• Reach out directly to companies: If your child is interested in a specific company or field, help them craft a short, professional email or message expressing interest in internship opportunities. Even if there’s no official posting, some employers may be impressed by the enthusiasm and open to a conversation.

• Explore summer programs or career prep courses: Some programs combine coursework with internship placements or job shadowing.

Remind your teen that being proactive and persistent is key. Following up on applications and showing genuine curiosity can go a long way.

What makes a great internship experience?

Not all internships are created equal. A standout experience can boost a resume while also helping your teen grow. The best internships:

• Offer meaningful work: Interns should be doing tasks that matter, even if they start small. Whether it's organizing events or helping on a project, the work should feel purposeful.

• Provide regular feedback and mentorship: Supervisors should guide and support interns, answer questions, and check in regularly.

• Teach new skills: A strong internship helps teens pick up tools, software, or practices relevant to the industry.

• Welcome curiosity: A safe environment for asking questions helps interns get the most out of the experience.

• Build professional connections: Internships that end with a letter of recommendation, future job lead, or ongoing mentorship are especially valuable.

If your teen comes home excited about what they learned or proud of what they accomplished, that’s a good sign.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.