<p>My college jr has secured a possible–his first— internship. It is local, it is in his field, and probably is paid (the call sheet from his dept says it is; this did not come up at the interview and he was too nervous to ask; is sending a follow up email today to do so and say thanks). It will not start until mid-June. </p>
<p>As the parent, I am really struggling because this is a small business firm, and one of the clients/advisors/owners is a prominent local figure who was involved in our Local Horrifying Scandal. As a peripheral figure, not at all accused of anything illegal, but in court and in the papers… I feel like this person has exhibited such poor judgement that I wish the internship was elsewhere. My hubby says if that’s my measure of business life, there will be no internship that doesn’t give me pause. </p>
<p>I would never forbid my student or give anything other than my opinion (and I have) but someone tell me I’m worrying too much. I envision some letter of recommendation from this firm actually hurting him, which on many levels is ridiculous, but my parenting alarms are ringing…</p>
<p>Well, thank goodness it’s not your decision.</p>
<p>You son is an adult now. As a fellow adult, you can tell him your concerns . . . and he can agree or disagree as he sees fit. As a parent, you can then support him in whatever decision he makes.</p>
<p>Wow, OP’s son is only 20-21 years old. This is probably the first “job” in his life. Besides, I don’t think OP is making the decision for him just giving him a bird eye view of life how in the future it may affect him. I think it’s not out of line.</p>
<p>It’s an internship - not a full time, 52 week a year paycheck. Summer internship??? </p>
<p>No internship is perfect. (or job for that matter). Internships are about seeing what works, what doesn’t. The team flow in an office. Opens your eyes, expands your horizons. If he likes the tasks he will be involved in THAT’S what should matter. Not necessarily the leadership which he may or may not even be involved with much. </p>
<p>Opinion is one thing. If he asks for it. Or just some general comments/guidance regarding talking out the decision - if he asks for it. But in my eyes, 20-21 = his decision to ultimately make. It’s a short term one - he will learn no matter what. </p>
<p>He’s a junior and this is his first internship, so next year he’ll be a senior and looking for work and if he takes this position has relevant experience to put on a resume and if he turns it down will be looking for a full time job in a year with absolutely no experience? Well, that just seems like a no-brainer. </p>
<p>If it’s a small, local firm the odds are good that when businesses see future letters of rec that they’ll have no knowledge of your local scandal, but even if they are aware, they’re not concerned about that, but will want to know the type of tasks your son performed and how he performed in a professional envirnonment. </p>
<p>Just to clarify – I would never, ever, choose for him. He will be working with this person and the partners , and my “local” scandal involves a certain former college football coach currently serving 30-60 yrs. for abuse of minors. And he has many other internship irons in the fire, and has other work experience in his field. </p>