Working with a high school intern…
Blog by Emma Whitson
As a high school intern in 2023, there are certain things I feel employers should know in order to create a more enjoyable and productive experience. High schoolers are in a stage of life where they are constantly learning. They are learning about themselves and the world around them, trying to figure out where they fit in and what their role is. This means that high school interns have to be approached differently than other employees in the workplace.
High school interns will need more guidance since they are learning so much. I believe there are times where adults need to give their interns more direction, but there are also situations when interns need to problem-solve for themselves. There should be a balance of both. Internships are designed to help students grow and gain experience before entering a career. This allows high schoolers to ease into the work environment. Giving interns guidance shows them the way things can be done. Interns can better understand what they are doing, which makes things run smoother. When they see these examples, then they are able to work out a problem better on their own. Interns can then complete tasks independently. This balance of guided and independent learning creates room for students to gain experience while being productive.
High schoolers have a lot on their plates. They have responsibilities outside of their internship that they are attempting to balance. This means that when having high school interns, employers will have to be willing to be flexible. The interns will also have to be ready to be flexible. If interns are facing the challenge of a busy schedule, then that presents the opportunity to teach time management skills. It is important for employers to be understanding and ready to work their young interns to find something that works best for all involved.
The world is continuously advancing and changing. Teenagers are very involved on social media and aware of what is going on in the world. Young interns are full of fresh and new ideas. They know what is appealing or trendy, so they know what can be effective for businesses. Even though high school interns may not have much experience in the workplace, they still have knowledge to contribute. Employers should use the youth to their advantage to get a different perspective. It is also important for employers to let their interns know that they appreciate the skills and talents their interns are bringing to their business. I don’t want the work I put in as an intern to go to waste or to not mean anything, so I believe it is important to give young people a chance to be heard and make a difference.
As an intern, I don’t want to go to work everyday and just clock-in and clock-out. I want to enjoy my work and who I work with. A way employers could help create this kind of environment is by finding ways to connect with their interns. Employers should show their interns that they really do want to get to know them. Most high schoolers are involved in several activities, so employers could ask interns about school, sports, or hobbies. These are easy ways to start conversation. Common ground can be found where employers can relate to interns. I believe that employers should tell their own stories and experiences from their lives. This allows interns to see their employers as real people and helps them mesh together easier. After having these interactions, interns are able to feel more comfortable in their work environment and enjoy coming to work.
These few things give slight insight to how high school age interns want to be treated during an internship. Employers can use this information to connect with interns and create a successful environment for young people to work in.
