As summer approaches, young people all over the country will begin to look for summer jobs. If you are a high school or college student, it is important that you begin to think about work experiences that can lead to careers. There are many internship programs that are geared toward high school students and offer great networking and professional support for young employees.
Although there are some paid positions - at the time of this writing, Hire Learning is looking for soon to be high school juniors for paid Marketing Assistant Internships - many internships are not. This should not be a reason not to consider summer internships. The experience and contacts that you develop from being in professional settings with decision makers earn you more in the long run than many summer job experiences. Now, I am NOT suggesting that young people not look for paid employment - after all, I am a mom of a college aged son - but I am saying that consideration should be given to real career experiences that can pay off big for your future goals. After all, most summer jobs often do not schedule employees 5 days a week. On those days that you aren't working, consider interning and get a jump on your career options!
If you don't want to listen to me, here's more information on the importance of internships even when they are unpaid!
http://chronicle.com/article/Internships-Have-Value/127231/
