Kid Doing Unpaid internship In Hometown

[Anonymous]

Rising college sophomore who’s home for the summer and doing an unpaid internship this summer. They worked three summers during high school. Part of me is tempted to suggest they work a few hours a week during the school year but I don’t want their grades to suffer because of that.

How much spending money during the time they’re home? For what? I’m providing enough for gas/transport to the internship location. Of course food and everything else is covered. They’re expected to pack lunch from home and help out around the house. We’re well-off/UMC but I don’t want my kid to pick up unrealistic lifestyle expectations. I’m wondering what other parents in the same situation do.

[Anonymous]

Does the internship have any relation to your son's career goals ?

[Anonymous]

I think you have to accept that lots of kids will need to choose btw making money in a “dead end” job and having an internship in area that might help their career ultimately (or help them figure out what type of career, etc).

Sure, some kids get well paying, relevant internships, but that’s not common, esp early on in college career. Heck, there are plenty of college grads who are struggling to find work.
If kid is working reasonably hard and learning, and you can afford to help some, why wouldn’t you????

[Anonymous]

I thought unpaid internships were illegal unless you get college credit?

[Anonymous]

DC hasn’t had this come up yet (still in HS), but DH and I have discussed it as part of our financial planning for college. We will do as you are, cover transportation costs, groceries, and lodging (ie, DC lives at home) plus a small allowance that would provide for a few dinners/reasonable outings with friends if saved and budgeted for carefully (or maybe one bigger one if that’s how they chose to spend it - total of a few hundred dollars for the whole summer).

[Anonymous]

If it’s for his major, you take it as life experience and pat for his needs. Don’t punish him for taking an internship.

[Anonymous]

I did this in college - -the internship was one that would (and did) advance my career.

In terms of spending money, I took on a second job on evenings/weekends doing yard work for a neighbor.

[Anonymous]

I give him the same amount each month that I give him when he is away at school.

[Anonymous]

I would never punish a child for doing something useful during their summers. I didn't have paid work at any time before graduating from college, OP, apart from a few hours of babysitting, and I am still a frugal, responsible adult.

[Anonymous]

Get a job on campus- ten or so hours a week.

[Anonymous]

OP- thanks for the feedback. that’s my take. An unpaid internship that’s relevant to major/future career plans is no different than taking a summer class or going on a college-affiliated study abroad program (which we would have paid for for). The landscape re: summer jobs and expectations has changed since my time, so I was just trying to get a feel…

[Anonymous]

I would not push my kid to work during college unless it was their idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would never punish a child for doing something useful during their summers. I didn't have paid work at any time before graduating from college, OP, apart from a few hours of babysitting, and I am still a frugal, responsible adult.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought unpaid internships were illegal unless you get college credit?

College credit or work for a qualified charity.

OP has not shared whether the work is for a qualified charity or private sector position. Maybe government internships are exempt from minimum wage laws--all sure.

[Anonymous]

He can do DoorDash when he isn’t working.