Internships before university can provide young people with a valuable head start. Beyond filling time during school holidays, early work experience helps students develop real-world skills, explore potential career paths, and make more informed decisions about their academic future. It also builds essential soft skills such as confidence, communication, and independence — all of which are highly regarded by universities and future employers.
At this stage, internships can also signal a student’s maturity, motivation, and ambition. They offer a chance to build professional networks, discover personal interests, and open doors to future opportunities — from glowing university references to further internships or even future employment.
However, the reality is that most sixth form students (Years 12 and 13) are not actively thinking about internships yet — and many structured programmes are geared towards undergraduates. That is where parents can play a powerful role in encouraging early exploration. With your guidance and the right strategies, your teen can overcome these barriers and gain a meaningful head start. Here are seven creative ways to help them do just that:
1. Leverage Your Network
Start by reaching out to your own contacts — friends, extended family, colleagues — and let them know your child is interested in gaining experience. A warm introduction or personal recommendation can be especially helpful at this stage, when formal programmes may not be available.
2. Introduce Them to LinkedIn
Help your teen set up a professional LinkedIn profile and show them how to identify people in roles or industries they are curious about. Many professionals are open to messages from motivated students. Encourage them to write a brief, polite message expressing their interest — it is a great way to build confidence and initiative.
3. Guide Your Teen to Connect with Past or Current Interns
Encourage your teen to speak with older students — perhaps from school or extended social circles — who have interned at companies they admire. These informal chats can offer insider knowledge and sometimes lead to referrals or helpful guidance on how to approach similar roles.
4. Suggest a Personal Project or Portfolio
If your child has a particular interest — whether in writing, coding, design, or business — encourage them to develop a portfolio or complete a project. A simple blog, app prototype, or case study can make their applications stand out and help them reflect on their passions.
5. Explore Online Communities Together
Introduce them to forums and platforms where internships and career advice are discussed — such as Reddit, Discord, or industry-specific communities. These spaces often share leads, advice, and offer peer support that can make the process less intimidating.
6. Encourage Organisation with an Internship Tracker
Support your child in creating a simple spreadsheet to track opportunities, deadlines, application materials, and any contacts they have made. It is a great way to stay on top of opportunities and show that they are taking initiative.
7. Think Beyond Traditional Internships
Formal internships are not the only option. Micro-internships, virtual work experiences, volunteering, and project-based work can all offer relevant exposure and skill-building without long-term commitments. Many are flexible and better suited to sixth form schedules.
The first step is helping your teen reflect on their interests and what they would like to gain from the experience. This clarity will help focus their efforts and strengthen their applications. While setbacks are natural — especially at this early stage — encourage them to see rejection as part of the learning process. With your support, a thoughtful and proactive approach can go a long way. Even if the first opportunity does not come through, each effort builds confidence, skills, and connections. Most importantly, it helps your child grow in self-awareness and resilience — qualities that will serve them well in university and beyond. By encouraging exploration early, you are helping your child take meaningful steps towards a brighter, more confident future.
Internship Programmes That You May Be Interested In:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
AIP Internship Programs
Explore internship opportunities across Asia with the Asia Internship Program. Gain experience in countries like Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam, each offering unique industries. Comprehensive support ensures a smooth and rewarding internship journey.
Immerse Education – Academic & Career-Oriented Summer School Programs
Immerse Education is a leading provider of transformative educational experiences for students aged 13-18. We offer a comprehensive range of academic and career-oriented summer school programmes, delivered both in-person and online. Our flagship residential programmes are hosted at prestigious universities in major global cities, including Cambridge, Oxford, London, Sydney, New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Singapore, Boston, and Tokyo.
Law Mind – Work Experience Summer Camps
Medic Mind – Work Experience Summer Camps
Medic Mind’s summer camps in London offer an intensive medicine work experience, giving students firsthand insights into the medical field. The program includes UCAT prep and mock MMI interviews, designed to boost confidence and performance, providing essential support for aspiring medical students.
Next Step Connections - Virtual / Hybrid Internship Program
Next Step Connections offers real-world experiences across Asia since 2008, providing students with essential technical and intercultural skills for success in the global workforce. Programs include Virtual Internships (3-8 weeks) and Hybrid Internships, with some offering academic credits.
Oxford Scholastica Academy – Online Internships
Join Oxford Scholastica Academy online internship to gain real-world experience in your field. Work with an academic researcher to co-author a paper, supported by a mentor. If the paper meets standards, it may be published in OxJournal or other academic journals, helping you stand out when applying to university.
Study Mind – Work Experience Summer Camps
Study Mind’s summer camps in London offer an enriching educational experience, blending learning with personal growth. Set in a city rich in history and culture, these camps inspire students through exploration, discovery, and development, providing a gateway to education beyond the classroom.
