July 17, 2024

How internships, career-connected learning experiences prepare students for success

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the transition from the classroom to careers can be daunting for many students. The gap between academic learning and real-world application often leaves graduates underprepared for the workforce.

Internships, apprenticeships and other experiential learning opportunities play a crucial role in bridging this gap. TGR Foundation’s Career-Connected Learning program demonstrates the importance of such experiences, providing students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate their chosen career paths effectively.

Anaheim Union High School District students participate in science activities aligned with healthcare career pathways during the inaugural Career-Connected Learning Program Industry Academy at the TGR Learning Lab.

Internships and other real-world career focused learning experiences are an essential component of career preparation. They provide students with a practical understanding of their roles of interest, enhance their résumés, build professional networks and develop critical soft skills that are often not taught in the classroom. For students from under-resourced communities, the opportunities are often limited. According to a 2023 Gallup study, 73% of college students lacked internship experience.

Dejie Zhen, a first-generation Bowdoin University graduate and Earl Woods Scholar Program alumnus, applied to 60 internship opportunities before securing software development internship with Unum.

“As with most low-income, first-generation students, we were not given anything to start with,” said Zhen. “Even though I didn’t know what would happen at the end of the tunnel, I knew I had to grasp at every opportunity that came my way. At the end of the day, there will be that one acceptance, big or small, that will push you to the next steps.”

Dejie Zhen, Bowdoin College and Earl Woods Scholar alumnus, participates in peer-to-peer networking during annual Winter Workshop at the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim.

Preparation for successful careers begins well before secondary and post-secondary education. The TGR Learning Lab supports students on their path to meaningful careers as early as elementary school, expanding opportunities and addressing barriers to access. Collaborating with school districts and partners in the workforce provides students with exposure, skills and exploration, the foundation to a solid post-secondary blueprint. Through a partnership with Find Your Grind Foundation, TGR Learning Lab members have access to an assessment designed to help them discover interests and aligned career paths and engage in post-secondary planning.

Additionally, students have access to certification programs, apprenticeships and trade programs, as well as advisor-led training such as résumé drafting and mock interviewing. These comprehensive preparations ensure that students are not only ready to enter the workforce but also confident in their abilities to succeed.

Practical Understanding

Internships offer students a glimpse into the daily operations of their chosen industry. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. It also provides better context to day-to-day responsibilities beyond industry-specific skills. For instance, a student interested in engineering can learn about the complexities of project management and the importance of teamwork through an internship at an engineering firm. This practical understanding could not only solidify their interest in the field but also make them more attractive to future employers.

Résumé Enhancement

In a competitive job market, having relevant work experience can make a significant difference in a student’s job prospects. Internships provide students with applicable experience, which can be highlighted on their résumés. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated their ability to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting. By participating in internships, students can showcase their experience and stand out from other candidates.

Earl Woods Scholar Alumna Loren practices public speaking skills.

Development of Essential Skills

Essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management are essential in any career. While these skills are often emphasized in academic settings, career-connected learning experiences provide students with the opportunity to develop and refine them in a professional environment. For example, working on a team project during an internship can enhance a student’s ability to collaborate effectively, while meeting project deadlines can improve their time management skills. These soft skills are highly valued by employers and are often a determining factor in hiring decisions.

Professional Networks

Building a professional network is a crucial aspect of career development. Internships, job shadowing, boot camps and other career-connected learning experiences like internships allow students to connect with industry professionals, mentors and peers who can provide valuable guidance and support throughout their careers. These connections can also lead to job opportunities, recommendations, and a deeper understanding of the industry. Networking helps students build relationships that can be beneficial long after an internship has ended.

TGR Learning Lab Impact

At the heart of TGR Foundation’s mission is the belief that every student should have the opportunity to follow their passions and accelerate their careers. To prepare for a rapidly changing job market, the Foundation helps students gain the skills and experiences needed to learn, grow and prepare for their futures. Through year-round programming at the flagship TGR Learning Lab Anaheim and national programs focused on workforce development and career readiness, students are given the tools and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their future. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with practical skills and experience.

John Lee, senior vice president of programs at TGR Foundation, welcomes high school students to the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim for the Career-Connected Learning Program.

Piloted in 2023, TGR Foundation’s Career-Connected Learning program offers local high school students real-world learning experiences aligned with their career interests. This enrichment of high school studies helps students develop a post-secondary plan through various components, including Industry Academies, Career Explorer projects, and workforce readiness workshops. These components are designed to in a comprehensive approach to career preparation, ensuring that students have multiple opportunities to explore and solidify their career interests. The program was executed in partnership with Providence, the Anaheim Union High School District and the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program.

“The most beneficial component of this partnership was the opportunity to co-design an experience,” said Scott Reindl, Anaheim Union High School District Coordinator, 21st Century Career Readiness. “All of us had input on designing the experience for the students. In addition, embedding the learning experiences within the school day ensured that all students had access to the benefits of this partnership.”

Industry Academies

One of the key components of the program is Industry Academies. These immersive yet condensed learning experiences allow 9th – 12th-grade students to explore high-growth industries through interactive activities, industry panels, and work-based challenges. Industry Academies help students discover a wide array of careers aligned with their interests. They also enable students to collaborate with peers to develop solutions to real-world challenges, receive industry-specific post-secondary guidance and interact with industry professionals. This early exposure to various career paths helps students make more informed decisions about their futures and ignites a passion for lifelong learning.

Career Explorer

Another vital aspect of the program is the Career Explorer projects, which take place during the academic year. High school students participate in activity-based projects aligned with specific business units of an industry, providing opportunities to accrue real-world experience and gain applicable skills. These projects often involve job shadowing and collaboration with industry professionals, allowing students to witness the real-world impact of their work and contributions. By engaging in these hands-on projects, students can better understand the practical applications of their academic learning and how it translates into a professional setting.

Anaheim Union High School students connect with Joe Wilkins during professional networking session at the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim.

TGR Foundation’s Career Connected Learning program demonstrates the critical importance of internships and real-world learning experiences. By providing students with the opportunity to explore their interests, gain practical experience, build professional networks, and develop essential skills, the program helps prepare them for a successful transition from education to employment. Comprehensive career preparation not only equips students with the tools they need to thrive but also empowers them to follow their passions and achieve their goals. TGR Foundation is paving the way for the next generation of skilled and confident professionals.