Soaring to Success: Why internships are essential for school children

In recent years, internships for schoolchildren have gained tremendous popularity in India. While these have long been a part of higher education and professional development, the work experience gained is now being recognised as valuable for younger individuals as well.

Let’s explore the significance of internships and highlight the benefits for students. In addition, let’s delve deeper and look into the key points to consider while choosing an internship opportunity.

Read on.

Are internships for school students new?

Internships for school-going students are not entirely new to India, but their prominence and recognition have significantly increased in recent times. Traditionally, internships were primarily associated with college and university students. However, with the evolving education landscape and changing career expectations, internships have now become relevant for all. This shift has been driven by the desire to gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and build an advantage in an increasingly competitive job market.

Adam Bashneen, a student of class IXat Apeejay School, Saket says, “The trend of seeking internships for school students is apt because many want to add value to their profile and apply at foreign universities. So, these students are expanding their horizons and reaching out to grasp such opportunities. In my view, one gains a lot of experience from these internships. From meeting different people to learning a variety of things, it is truly a unique experience. One is able to learn skills such as leadership, cooperation, understanding of workplace culture and how to put one’s knowledge to a more practical use.” The high-achiever recently made his school proud by securing a summer internship offer from Yale University, one of the top universities in the United States.

As per Vedha Jangir, a Diploma Programme (DP) – II student at Apeejay School International in Panchsheel Park, “Internships are like observations wherein students go to the field to experience work. If one bags an offer from a good organisation based on the person’s CV or profile, then it must be considered.” In addition to this, she opines, short-term courses and programmes at prestigious universities are gaining prominence among students these days simply due to their educational value.

Why are internships important?

Practical Exposure: Internships offer students a chance to apply theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms to real-world scenarios. This practical exposure helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their understanding and comprehension of various subjects.

Skill Development: Internships provide an excellent platform for students to develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and critical thinking. These skills are crucial for success in both academic and professional settings.

Vedha further shares, “Skills that are required to excel can vary from field to field. However, the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum equips one to research, self-manage, think, communicate and socialise.” Other than this, the student is learning entrepreneurial and leadership skills in the school.

Career Exploration: By interning in different industries or job roles, students can gain valuable insights into various career options. The hands-on experience helps them make informed decisions about their future career paths, allowing them to align their academic pursuits accordingly.

Networking Opportunities: Internships enable students to build a network of professionals in their chosen field. Networking can open doors to future job opportunities, mentorship, and access to valuable resources. It also helps students learn from experienced individuals and gain industry-specific insights.

Confidence Building: Taking up an internship equips students with confidence and self-belief. They get a chance to step out of their comfort zones, face challenges, and overcome obstacles. The experience nurtures their personal growth and enhances their ability to handle real-life situations effectively.

Enhanced Resumes: Internships add value to a student’s academic profile and resume. They demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and show potential employers or universities that the student has gained practical experience and relevant skills even before completing their formal education.

How to choose the right place to work?

Here are some key points to consider before you sign up to work at a company:  

Field of Interest: Choose an internship that aligns with your area of interest or potential career path. This will ensure maximum engagement and a meaningful learning experience.

Relevance: Look for internships that offer practical exposure and opportunities to develop specific skills that will be valuable in the future.

As per Ananya Gupta, a DP – II student at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, “One must learn social and time management skills when they indulge in hands-on experiences because professional spaces require people to interact with others. So, a person who lacks social skills but has wonderful ideas may not be as successful as someone who knows how to communicate them effectively. Knowing how to set boundaries can be helpful too. Moreover, writing skills are also crucial to be “employable” in 2023 because everything that happens in a professional space is documented.”

Reputation and Credibility: Research the organisation or institution offering the internship to ensure it has a good reputation and provides a credible learning environment.

Mentorship and Guidance: Deliberate internships that provide adequate mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals. This ensures students receive proper support and mentorship throughout their internship journey.

Duration and Time Commitment: Study the duration and time commitment required for the internship to ensure it fits well within your schedule and allows for a productive learning experience.

When asked Tejas Kapil, another student DP – II of Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park if his school curriculum supports internships, he says, “Very much. IB helps learners explore the current and real world implications of problems. For instance, in Mathematical applications, along with business management tools, graphs and theories are used to explain the concepts to students. These tools are again used in a regular job as well. Furthermore, due to the element of Creativity, Activity, Service known as CAS, students are much more incentivised to seek internships. In my view, the right time for IB students to take up internships is before their last two semesters.”

Hence, internships for school students have become increasingly important in recent years. They offer practical exposure, skill development, career exploration, networking opportunities, and confidence building. For parents, internships provide exposure to the real world, aid in career guidance, and enhance their child’s resume. Overall, encouraging students to pursue such experiences can have a profound impact on their personal and professional growth, setting them on a path towards success in their chosen fields.