Parenthood might feel like a constant balancing act when it comes to helping your teen prepare for college and a successful career. Parents know how important it’s to have good grades when applying for college, but these days it’s not enough. Employers are looking for candidates with actual work experience, leaving parents in a bit of a crunch wondering how to get their teens prepared! Luckily, there are plenty of ways for parents to support and encourage their teens to gain work experience.
From allowing them to work starting at age fourteen to checking out internships in their specific field of interest and talking them through a resume, there is much parents can do to give their teens a boost in their professional journeys. Encouraging teens to volunteer in their local community will also go a long way in showing employers that a teen has genuine interest in the field and an eagerness to learn more. There’s nothing like good references from community organizations to seal the deal on a successful career.
The Benefits of Work Experience for Teens
Work experience is a valuable tool for teens, giving them a chance to explore potential career paths and develop key skills. It provides an opportunity for teens to gain experience in a professional setting, make business contacts, and increase financial stability. Working can also help teenagers gain a greater understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and to get concrete direction for their career goals.
Develop Professional Skills
Work experience can provide teens with the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in a professional setting. From problem-solving to time-management, teens can gain the valuable know-how they need to succeed at work and in their future careers. Many employers also offer career counseling and mentorship, helping teenagers find a path they’re passionate about.
Improve Financial Stability
Part-time jobs are a great way for teens to make their own money, paving the way for increased financial stability. Doing odd jobs or freelance projects can help teenagers pay for housing, transportation, and other basic expenses. It’s also a perfect way for young people to begin to build their credit and save towards a college education or their first car.
On top of the practical knowledge teenagers can gain from work experience, it can also boost self-confidence and provide valuable direction for career goals. Working part time gives teens the chance to make their own decisions, learn about business and workplace etiquette, and develop the skills needed to succeed in their future career. Despite the challenges and hard work involved, it’s an invaluable opportunity for teens to learn about their unique skills and interests, and to make informed decisions about the future. It’s also important for parents to review options and discuss career paths with teens to ensure they’re getting the guidance and support they need.
Helping Your Teen Along The Way
As parents, we can feel overwhelmed with the transition to adulthood our teens are facing and want to do everything we can to support and set them up for success. There are a plethora of ways we can help our teens embrace and take advantage of the collegiate and job opportunities that come with the transition to adulthood, and the following tips will help you and your teen create a plan of action.
Encourage Exploration
As teens set out in the journey to figure out their passions and how to turn them into career opportunities, encourage your teen to explore many avenues. This exploration can take the form of shadowing or volunteer experiences, or simply engaging with their peers with similar interests and finding out what opportunities and challenges they are experiencing. These conversations can provide valuable insight to your teen and provide them ideas on where they should be focusing their energy.
Provide Guidance and Mentorship
As our teens set out on their new journey, they need all the guidance and mentorship they can get. As parents, we can provide quality advice and support to our teens that only we can provide. Encourage your teen to look into both team-based and independent pursuits, setting reachable goals, and provide hands-on guidance. Invite them to join professional networks or memberships that may spark curiosity and challenge them to learn more, and be there to provide reassurance with positive reinforcement when needed.
Seek Out Tutoring or Instructional Opportunities
Tutoring can provide invaluable assistance in bringing teens up to speed and helping them bridge gaps in knowledge or experience. Organizations or online schools that offer Instructional programs or one-on-one tutoring sessions for teens can be an excellent investment for your teen’s future. Additionally, there are several online academies and courses that can give your teen the more in-depth support they need, helping them discover their interests and develop a tailored plan to align themselves with their desired career.
Navigating the Job Market
Helping your teen figure out the job market can be a daunting task. If you are well-versed in the job market, provide insight into available roles and help them create a job search strategy that they can use to establish themselves in the job market. Assisting in the college or job application process, such as revising resumes, providing interview advice, and developing a supportive network, is beneficial for any teen embarking on their career.
As your teen embarks on their journey into adulthood and builds a meaningful career, there are several ways you can provide support to help them take advantage of the resources available to them. From providing guidance and mentorship to helping them navigate the job market, you can make a difference and create a lasting impact on the success of your teen.
In sum, parents can be extremely helpful when it comes to providing their teens with work experience before college graduation. By taking an active role, parents can help in the areas of guidance, mentorship, and access to resources to ensure that their teen is properly equipped to take on the world beyond secondary education. By turning these experiences into positive moments, parents can almost be sure that their teen will be ready to make their mark in the world, with newfound knowledge, insight, and drive.
So, whether it’s launching a business venture or pocketing extra cash in a retail setting, the power of work experience can be invaluable to a graduating teen. With such support in place, teens can set themselves up for success by taking charge of their futures, much to the content of their doting parents. It’s a win-win, as we’re sure any parenting crow would testify!