Adult Internships: A Great Way to Try Before You Buy

Are you interested in making a career switch to a new job or industry? Have you been out of the workforce for an extended time and are ready to return? Retired but still have so much to offer the next generation career hopefuls?

Whether you're actively searching or just daydreaming, I know the thought of starting something new or changing your career can be scary and feel a bit overwhelming. In fact, according to the American Institute of Stress, of the 43 most stressful life events that one can experience, "changing careers" is #18!

However, one of the best ways to lessen the stress of potentially jumping into the unknown is to try out your new career direction before jumping all in. Think about it. You'd never buy a car, choose a school, pick a home, or even purchase lipstick without trying it out first to ensure it's a good match for you. Well, this should be no different as a midlife career professional seeking a change. One of the best ways to do that is through an internship, returnship, or apprenticeship.

Watch my live segment on AM Northwest.

Most people think internships are reserved for students and young graduates weighing their job options, and that's true. However, the choice is available for anyone wanting to explore their options.

These "work programs" are effective because they provide an excellent way to gain exposure and visibility while allowing you to learn the ins and out's of a particular job role or organizational culture. So why not take advantage of this opportunity as a mid-career professional?

Since 2016 adult internships have been on the rise because they've been equally effective for adults seeking to reenter the workforce or make a career pivot without leaving their current employer. Remember the movies The Intern and The Internship?

In The Intern, bored with retirement, Robert DeNiro's character becomes an intern not only to uplevel his technological skills but to serve as a business mentor to the young CEO played by Ann Hathaway, providing her with insight on how to manage her staff. While there was quite a bit of resistance (after all, it is a movie), in the end, they both saw the value in DeNiro's presence within the company and to its bottom line.

The Internship looks at midlife career professionals needing to make a shift in their career because their industry is becoming obsolete. However, the movie does a great job of showing how specific skill sets never become outdated, which explains why you never want to disregard all of your vast knowledge, experience, and training. Instead, it's simply a matter of learning new approaches and applications for what you already know.

While these two movies may not exactly be similar to your personal situation, you get the idea.

I did an internship years ago when I first considered leaving the law. I interned for a small family law practice for a few hours in the morning, three days a week, and sometimes at the end of the day to determine if I wanted to leave the law or simply change fields. It was the best thing I could have done because through that work; I realized it would have been the worse possible career move for me! 

It's common to think that all you need to do is make a slight shift of focus when sometimes you need to make a complete career change. An adult internship will help you figure that out.

You can seek out internship opportunities in many ways, but networking within your current connections is the best place to start. You can also attend conferences or events related to your industry of interest.

There are also places like Path Forward, an organization dedicated to helping caregivers return to the workplace. In fact. They've partnered with organizations like Oracle, NBCUniversal, Walmart, and Verizon to provide things like a 16-week paid internship that can lead to full-time employment. This provides an excellent opportunity for skills training, experience, and mentorship.

You can also take on a non-paying internship if you're currently employed. This will allow you to gain the same opportunities and benefits without worrying about pay. 

The workplace landscape is changing, and more employers are getting comfortable with nonlinear professional career paths. With that in mind, if you're interested in a particular company, organization, or industry and you don't see any internships listed, no worries, do like I did and create one through networking. Just be specific about the training you want and how your presence will benefit them instead of being a distraction.

Regardless of what you decide, keep one thing in mind: the same rules of workplace etiquette apply to internships as to full-time employment. 

What do you think? Is it time to try out an internship or apprenticeship? I can help you map a plan for success in the Career Rebel Academy. Click HERE to learn more.

Watch my live segment on Adult Internships on AM Northwest here:  https://youtu.be/JtVJYrZA5WI