Convincing Your Family About the Value of an Internship

How are young adults supposed to make potentially life-changing decisions when we rely on our parents? 

A large portion of graduates are wedged in the uncomfortable space between full legal independence and little financial independence.  

Sure, you are ‘free’ to go to the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona with your friends. But only if you can afford it. Or, if it fits your sponsor’s…sorry I mean, parents budget. 

However, the subject in focus here far outweighs any music festival – it’s the realisation of your career aspirations.

So let’s cut to the chase and see how best to gather courage and persuade the bank of mom or dad that an internship is right for you. 

Asking for support of this magnitude and importance can definitely make even the most confident among us nervous. And yet, it shouldn’t feel like this. 

Knowing your audience is the first step in convincing other people or to earn their trust and approval. And since this is your parent or guardian you’re addressing, you are already halfway there. 

Your family is most likely willing to support your dreams and aspirations. So resist the urge to go overboard in your explanations. Still, try to follow these subtle, generic techniques once it’s time to discuss your future career plan.  

Nothing wins over a crowd like a determined speaker. You’ll be negotiating an internship of your interest. It’s something that you wholeheartedly enjoy and refuses to leave your mind.  

By showcasing your passion to your parents you’ll better convey your desire and commitment to go. It’s important to initially manifest your interest in your field. 

The more you make your talent shine in their eyes, the easier it is to fish out a ‘yes’ out of their mouths. 

There’s so much information out there on the benefits of experience and the value of an internship. So use it! 

Collate them all into an email or document to show them. That way, you will demonstrate to them that this is not something you take lightly. Explain why you want to embark on such an immersive internship and be prepared to point out exactly why. 

For instance, we have a whole host of articles on our blog espousing the value of internships. Direct your family to explore our blog. Or offer up articles from high-authority news sites. 

We suggest the following as benefits of internships:

– Expand your perspective and horizons through travel
– Experience a new culture
– Learn or brush up on your language skills to impress future employers
– Develop skills and gain the practical experience needed to give you an edge in interviews over other candidates
– Build up an invaluable international network of business contacts and friends
– Learn how to cope and be independent in the wider world
– Stand out among the crowd in today’s overly competitive job market

And here are some great Beyond Academy articles and FAQs to guide them: 

– The Most Affordable International Internship Program
– Beyond Academy Internship FAQs
– The Value of a Remote Internship
– How It Works

Irrespective of what crosses our eyes or ears, everyone has their own internal doubts, objections and thoughts on every situation.  

That is why letting your parents speak and motivating them to think out loud is an essential step of your persuasion scheme. Communication is key. In fact, communication skills are incredibly valued by prospective employers. 

Oftentimes people project their own fears and doubts onto situations disconnected from their own walk of life. So it is important to distance yourself from your parents’ experience. For example, even though an internship might not be the right option for them, it is definitely the right one for you. 

You just need to make a note of all the reasons why you believe it is for you. Bring your notes if you need to!

Let your family share their opinions and thoughts, you’ll attain a better understanding of their emotional and rational fears that drive their decisions. Reassure them if they are worried about you travelling alone by reminding them that you will never truly be alone. In fact, you’ll be part of an international community when you arrive. 

Evade their uncertainties and efface any doubts they might have. It’s their job to worry about you, after all. If you manage to delicately navigate the direction of your conversation, your parents will eventually be convinced that this opportunity is hard to miss.

How often have you objected to your family’s advice or refused to be prohibited from doing something?

The truth is that while rebelling is a normal part of growing up – it will always be viewed as immature. So resist the urge to disagree outright. Let’s face it, everyone likes to be agreed with! 

Therefore, make sure you remain agreeable while negotiating. Even if you disagree. Wait for them to finish speaking, listen and then respond. Doing so will help you to come across as mature. Plus, it will hide the inner turmoil every time your parents shoot a ‘No’ at you. 

Agree to their reasoning, let them explain, point out the positives of their side, and then come back with your own argument. 

As stated earlier, you are not your parents. So ask them questions like ‘How would you gain experience in my place?’. 

After a while, they’ll slowly start to put themselves in your shoes and may very well alter their assumptions.

Of course, not all families have the means to help you out. 

But there is one way for you to enroll on the internship of your dreams without the help or financial backing from your loved ones. 

… Get a job! 

If you’re still studying, consider a part-time job. Many students work part-time alongside their studies for the extra bit of cash…and the freedom that comes with it. 

However, if you’re smart, you can save a small amount of money from each paycheck. 

It might take a bit more time to save than you expect. But maybe your family will see how responsible you’re being and offer to support some of the costs?

Embarking on an internship isn’t a decision to take lightly. In fact, many international internship programs can be pricey. However, at Beyond Academy, our prices are more affordable than other internships providers. 

Not to mention, we offer internship payment plans to help with the cost. We understand that not everyone has the means – and that’s okay – but we think everyone deserves the opportunity to gain valuable experience. 
Alternatively, if you want a cheaper alternative, try a remote internship – get all of the benefits without needing to leave your home!

Overall, convincing your family or loved ones can be a scary or stressful process for some. 

With that in mind, remember to pay attention to what is being said and how each message is delivered. Listen to their concerns, be mindful of the mood and of the other participants in the discussion. 

And above all else – stay calm. This is your family after all, they’re not bank managers… well, unless one of your parents is a bank manager!

It’s your future and well-being that is the main goal of your request! 

And, if your family can’t financially support you, only you can take the steps toward your goals yourself. 

So why not take a look at our internship prices and set yourself a target to save for and go Beyond!