Career Development 5 min read

Internship Coaching

Internship coaching helps teens navigate professional experiences, develop workplace skills, and maximize learning from early career exposure opportunities.

You're not alone

If your teen is anxious about their internship, unsure how to interact with supervisors, or not maximizing the opportunity, coaching helps. Many parents want to help but lack specific workplace mentoring experience. Professional coaching provides objective guidance parents can't offer. Families using internship coaching report teens gaining more from experiences and building stronger professional foundations.

What it looks like day to day

Student

Your teen proactively asks supervisors for feedback and additional responsibilities rather than passively waiting for assignments.

Parent

You see your teen developing professional confidence, discussing workplace experiences maturely rather than complaining or feeling overwhelmed.

Tiny steps to try

Support internship success through preparation and ongoing guidance.

1

Goal clarification

Identify learning objectives beyond "getting experience." What specific skills to develop?
2

Professional persona development

Practice workplace-appropriate communication, dress, and behavior before starting.
3

Weekly debriefs

Regular conversations about challenges and successes. Process experiences for maximum learning.
4

Network building

Encourage informational interviews with various department members. Relationships matter more than tasks.
5

Portfolio development

Document projects and achievements. [Create tangible evidence](/the-parent-bit/study-skills-for-high-schoolers-mastering-note-taking) of growth.

Why internship support matters

Internships bridge academic and professional worlds, but teens often lack the skills and confidence to maximize these opportunities without guidance.

Internship coaching addresses:
• Professional communication skills
• Workplace culture navigation
• Goal setting for the experience
• Networking and relationship building
• Skill development tracking
• Future opportunity leveraging

Support transforms internships from resume lines to genuine growth experiences.

References

Nunley, J. M., Pugh, A., Romero, N., & Seals, R. A. (2016). College major, internship experience, and employment opportunities: Estimates from a résumé audit. Labour Economics, 38, 37-46.

Silva, P., Lopes, B., Costa, M., Seabra, D., Melo, A. I., Brito, E., & Dias, G. P. (2018). Stairway to employment? Internships in higher education. Higher Education, 72(6), 703-721.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is internship coaching necessary for unpaid or informal internships?

All internships benefit from coaching, sometimes informal ones most. Without structure, teens might not extract learning from casual experiences. Coaching helps identify growth opportunities in any setting. Even volunteering becomes professional development with proper framing and reflection.

How involved should parents be in teen internships?

Minimal direct involvement preserves professional boundaries and builds independence. Support behind scenes: transportation, clothing, emotional support. Avoid contacting supervisors unless serious issues arise. Coaching provides professional guidance while parents provide personal support. This separation helps teens develop work identity distinct from family identity.