As the job market continues to evolve, internships have become an increasingly popular way for recent college graduates to gain experience and start building their resumes for their desired field. Unfortunately, for older applicants, the internship process can be a bit more daunting as employers often prefer to hire young, inexperienced interns over more experienced applicants. Although experience may have its advantages, it can also be a major hindrance when it comes to applying for internships, as age can be a limiting factor when employers are making a decision. In this blog post, we will discuss the various issues that older applicants may face when seeking internships, as well as strategies they can use to increase their chances of success. By understanding the challenges they may face and learning how to navigate them effectively, older applicants can increase their chances of securing an internship and furthering their career aspirations.
What are the benefits of an internship at any age?
Completing an internship can also benefit you by:
What is an internship?
Whether you’re switching industries, improving your credentials, or getting back into the workforce after a break, you might want to think about applying for an internship. Regardless of your age, an internship can help you learn new skills that will advance your career. Additional justifications for choosing to pursue an internship later in life include the following:
How can you get an internship?
If you’re an older applicant, take into account using these suggestions to locate the ideal internship:
Adapt your internship search
Older internship candidates are often working professionals in other fields. They may already possess a degree, but they may also be burdened by financial obligations like paying bills or providing for children. Think about looking for paid internships that are available to those not enrolled in a program of study.
Revamp your application materials
Reach out
Join a professional organization
What are some alternatives to internships?
While most employers accept interns of any age, some only accept those who are enrolled in an educational program. It would be helpful to be aware of additional options that can ease your transition to a new career if you aren’t enrolled in college courses.
Here are five different jobs that can help with training for a new profession:
Temporary workers, or temps, typically work for a staffing firm that places them with a company for a brief time. Temporary workers can fill in for absent permanent employees, help with a specific project during a busy season, or take on a temporary position. Candidates can gain a variety of experiences through temp work, and it occasionally results in a permanent position.
Building a network in a new industry, enhancing your transferrable skills, and meeting mentors who might offer you a long-term position in your target field are all benefits of volunteering. You can continue to earn your current income while gaining the experience you need to advance your career because the majority of volunteer positions don’t require a full-time commitment.
Consider becoming an apprentice if you’re looking for work that requires advanced technical abilities, such as that of a tailor, electrician, or medical coder. While you are learning new skills, an apprenticeship can give you on-the-job training, additional education in your field of interest, and a steady income.
While internships are typically temporary jobs, cooperative education positions, also known as co-ops, are long-term jobs that combine work and education. People enrolled in educational programs who are also interested in full-time employment can usually apply for paid co-ops.
A fellowship is a type of training course where participants conduct research and learn skills they can use in the workplace. Fellowships emphasize professional growth and may be a good choice for those looking to advance in their current field.
What are some examples of getting an internship?
Take a look at these three hypothetical situations where older individuals obtained internships for various reasons.
1. Shifting industries
Dominic, a manager of a grocery store, aspires to work in the automotive industry as a mechanical engineer. He looks into the courses he needs to take, then enrols in a bachelor’s degree program. He then submits an internship application to American Muscle Motors, his desired employer, and begins receiving on-the-job instruction in automotive design.
2. Returning to the workforce
Zara is a stay-at-home mom and former human resources representative. She took some time off to concentrate on raising her child, and is now prepared to go back to work. She receives a one-month internship to sharpen her skills and make new contacts in the industry as she applies for long-term positions.
3. Changing career goals
David is a professional graphic designer for a corporation. He concentrates on logos and advertising in his current position, but he’s interested in changing his career focus to book cover design. He submits an internship application with his target employer in order to build his book design portfolio, and he makes it clear that he is interested in a permanent position.
How Old Is Too Old For An Internship
FAQ
Can a 30 year old be an intern?
Even though many internships are only available to college students and recent graduates, they can help you at any age break into a new industry, make a decision about the career path you should take, or, at the very least, provide a worthwhile learning experience.
Is 40 too old to be an intern?
In fact, a requirement that the employee complete an internship is part of many effective retraining programs. However, just because 40-year-old interns are more accepted doesn’t mean that working alongside 23-year-olds is simple. Especially if your boss is a decade younger than you.
Is 25 too old for internships?
Taylor, Jr. You can do something that makes you happy at any age. In addition, 25 isn’t old, especially when you consider that your career will probably last for at least four decades. Have you seen the movie “The Intern” about getting an internship?
How old are interns usually?
While some organizations accept interns as young as 16, others set the age requirement at 18.
