Why Real-World Experience Matters More Than Ever

Welcome back to MyFirstJob Weekly! This week, we’re focusing on one of the most powerful— and often overlooked —ways to prepare for future success:

Gaining real-world experience.

For students, internships, volunteering, and job shadowing aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re stepping stones to confidence, career clarity, and real-world skills.

For parents, this is your chance to help your teen find experiences that open new doors. And for employers, offering opportunities to students isn’t just goodwill—it’s smart talent-building for the future.

Let’s break it down.

For Students: The Power of Internships, Volunteering, and Job Shadowing

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have experience, so how do I even start?” —you’re not alone.

The good news?

You don’t have to wait for your first "official" job to start building experience.

Here are three powerful ways to get started:

1. Internships

Internships aren't just for college students! Many local businesses, nonprofits, and startups are happy to offer part-time internships to motivated high schoolers.
✅ Why It Matters:

• Get real-world exposure to different industries.
  

• Build a network of professionals who can mentor you.
  

• Add impressive experience to your resume before your peers.
  

Pro Tip: Reach out to local businesses or nonprofits and ask if they have short-term internship programs or summer opportunities. It doesn’t hurt to ask—and it shows initiative!

2. Volunteering

Volunteering is one of the best ways to gain leadership skills, teamwork experience, and community involvement.
✅ Why It Matters:

• You develop critical soft skills like communication, time management, and empathy.
  

• You often take on leadership roles faster than you would at a paid job.
  

• It shows employers you care about more than just a paycheck.
  

Pro Tip: Choose causes you're passionate about—animal shelters, food banks, tutoring programs—and dive in. Passion shines through in interviews!

3. Job Shadowing

Spend a day or two following someone in a job you're interested in.
✅ Why It Matters:

• See the day-to-day reality of a career.
  

• Understand what skills matter most in the field.
  

• Ask questions and make connections that can help you later.
  

Pro Tip: Start with people you know—family, friends, neighbors. Ask if you can shadow them for a day at work. You’ll be surprised at how willing people are to help when you show interest!

For Parents: Supporting Your Teen's Journey Toward Practical Experience

Real-world experience doesn’t just build a better resume—it builds confidence, maturity, and purpose. Your role as a parent is crucial in helping your teen find the right opportunities.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Start Conversations About Interests

Ask your teen:

• "What are you curious about?"
  

• "Is there a job or career you’ve always wondered about?"
  

Helping them connect the dots between interests and opportunities makes the idea of working feel exciting instead of intimidating.

2. Help Them Research Opportunities

Search local businesses, community organizations, or online platforms for internships, volunteer programs, and job shadowing events.

Pro Tip: Schools, local chambers of commerce, and city youth programs often have hidden gems when it comes to student-friendly opportunities!

3. Encourage Short-Term Commitments

Not every opportunity needs to last months.

Even a one-day volunteer event or a week-long internship can make a lasting impression and give your teen something meaningful to add to their resume.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Landing an unpaid internship or completing a volunteer project deserves just as much excitement as landing a paid job. Every experience matters!

Pro Tip: Remind your teen that even small experiences teach big lessons—and that confidence is built one step at a time.

For Employers: Offering Opportunities to Young Talent

Want to future-proof your organization?

Invest in young people. 

Offering internships, volunteer roles, or job shadowing opportunities benefits not just students—but your business as well.

Here’s why and how to do it:

1. Start Small

You don’t need a formal internship program. Offering a student 5-10 hours a week to help with projects, social media, customer service, or operations can be hugely valuable.

2. Assign Meaningful Work

Give students tasks that matter. Not busywork. Projects like assisting with events, organizing files, or supporting marketing campaigns help them (and you) grow.

3. Foster Mentorship

Pair each student with a mentor or supervisor who can answer questions, provide feedback, and encourage growth.

Pro Tip: Students often bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and new energy into your workplace.

Treat them as future full-time hires, not just “extra help.”

App Update: We’re Almost There! 

Big news—MyFirstJob will officially launch in the next 3 weeks! 

We’re incredibly excited (and yes, a little nervous too) to share this project with all of you.

We know that in the early days, we’ll be building from the ground up—there won’t be thousands of jobs or users right away. And that's okay.

This is a marathon, not a sprint.

We’re committed to listening, learning, and growing during our beta period, which will last 6–12 months.

Your patience, your feedback, and your belief in this mission mean the world to us.

Thank you for being early adopters.

You’re not just helping us—you’re helping the next generation build their future. 

Interactive Elements:

• For Students: 
  
  Summer Jobs for Teens: How to Find Seasonal Work
  

• For Parents:
  
  Building a Strong Work Ethic in Teens: A Parent’s Guide
  

• For Employers:
  
  Creating a Positive Work Environment for Young Employees

Closing Message:
Real-world experience builds more than resumes—it builds futures.

Whether you’re a student stepping out, a parent guiding the way, or an employer opening doors, your role in this journey matters more than you know.

🔍 Spot the Odd One Out!

☑️ Walk the dog
☑️ Finish homework
☑️ Save the world
☑️ Take a 5-question survey

(Hint: All take <5 minutes except saving the world. Start small!)

Your ideas = Better experience for everyone. Let’s go!

The MyFirstJob Team

P.S.: Next week—“Digital Etiquette in the Workplace: How Students, Parents, and Employers Can Prepare for Success.”