Internship Access and Career Readiness

Internships are seen increasingly as a critical bridge between classroom learning and practical, real-world applications. A recent highlight from The Hechinger Report, referencing a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, confirms that employers see internships as the most effective early pipeline recruiting method. Similarly, the American Student Association’s 2020 “Spotlight on High School Internships” report acknowledges the significant value of internships as a vital early career experience. Nonetheless, participation rates among high school students remain notably low.

Addressing the Internship Opportunity Gap

Challenges such as inadequate compensation, scheduling conflicts, and lack of opportunities are exacerbated by systemic issues like labor laws and logistical barriers including transportation. A prevailing belief that internships are primarily designed for college students further reduces high school engagement levels.

I recently spoke with Melissa Capellan—an advocate for educational innovation and champion of a multifaceted approach to career readiness—to explore strategies for equipping students for the workforce and effectively addressing these challenges. 

Now, let’s get into it!

Q&A with Melissa Capellan

Question: Melissa, thank you for joining me today to discuss career readiness. In light of the competitive nature and scarcity of opportunities, are there alternatives to traditional internships?

Answer: It’s a pleasure to be here.  In today’s competitive internship market, short-duration career experiences such as micro-internships or employer-sponsored projects are practical alternatives to traditional internships. Often shorter and more flexible, these options can be offered through collaboration between schools and partners, allowing students to gain diverse experiences without a long-term commitment. It’s crucial to adopt this varied approach to better prepare for modern career demands.

Question: Can you elaborate on what a multi-faceted approach to career readiness involves?

Answer: Certainly. A multi-faceted career readiness strategy blends exploration, awareness, and skill development. Initially, students explore careers through fairs and conversations. Then, they deepen their understanding via job shadowing and interviews. Finally, they develop practical skills through internships and apprenticeships, equipping them for their chosen fields.

Question: Given the limitations educators and institutions often face, how can a multi-faceted approach to career readiness be maintained?

Answer: The key lies in crafting a comprehensive yet manageable strategy. With new and emerging careers, students are not always choosing the college path. With resources already constrained, educators need a centralized platform that organizes a wide range of experiences to facilitate a personalized approach, enabling all stakeholders involved in a student’s career readiness to provide effective support. By having a standard set of career readiness guidelines, students and educators can easily measure their progress and attainment, setting students up for success in their career trajectory.

Question: How do Micro experiences fit into this approach?

Answer: Micro-experiences are a practical and efficient way to introduce students to the professional environment. They offer a snapshot of various career paths and are less demanding regarding resources than traditional internships.

Question: Could you discuss technology’s role in delivering comprehensive school career readiness programs?

Answer: Technology serves as an enabler of career readiness. For instance, platforms like TomorrowToday can smartly match students with relevant experiences, monitor interests, and assist educators in customizing support to meet each student’s needs. Integrating mobile-friendly technology gives students the power to take ownership of the process, thus becoming self-directed learners who are positioned to thrive in the workplace. 

Question: As the workforce landscape evolves, how can educators effectively ensure the successful implementation of a holistic career readiness program to prepare their students for the future?

Answer: Educators should see themselves as facilitators of opportunity. Utilizing platforms to manage a diverse range of career readiness activities, they can tailor these to the distinct needs of students and the ever-changing demands of the job market. This also will build the capacity for educators to connect with industry professionals who will enrich the students’ experience. 

Question: What advice do you give educators and students to maximize career readiness opportunities?

Answer: Educators should aim to integrate various career readiness experiences into a student’s journey. Meanwhile, students should fully engage with each opportunity, understanding that these experiences contribute significantly to their personal and career development. Together, these experiences create a foundation for a smooth transition from the educational setting to the workforce.

Question: As we look to the future, how do you envision the evolution of career readiness for students?

Answer: I anticipate an educational environment where career readiness is embedded within the core curriculum, not merely an adjunct. This will involve personalized learning trajectories, enhanced use of data to inform student decisions, and strengthened partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders. The ultimate aim is to ensure that as the nature of work changes, our methods for preparing students to thrive in the global economy are also adapting.

Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Strategy

Thank you, Melissa, for shedding light on the essential aspects of career readiness for high school students. By integrating more experiences in a short duration and providing a structured journey managed through technology and automation, we can offer consistency and quality in career readiness for all students, regardless of background.

TomorrowToday aims to make this vision a reality, offering the infrastructure needed to streamline and personalize the career readiness journey. With a centralized platform, students, educators, and industry professionals can collaborate more effectively, preparing students for a successful transition to the workforce.

About Melissa

Melissa’s career shifted from an initial interest in television production to a dedication to educational systemic change, starting with Teach for America and later working with notable organizations such as The Posse Foundation and KIPP NYC. Recently, she was a founding member at Opportunity College, and her MA informs her work in Adult Learning & Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College; she is a passionate advocate for student potential, drawing from her NYC public school roots and her experience as a Posse Scholarship recipient.