12/01/2024

Test-Driving Success: How High School Internships Are Aided by Assessment

By Allison Montiel

Career development professionals help students explore their interests, skills, and options for post-high school paths, including enlistment, employment, or enrollment in further education. According to the National Career Development Association (2024), career professionals assist with skill development, decision-making, and ongoing support to guide students toward informed career choices. They can utilize tools for successful navigation toward a solid post-high school plan, including connecting students with internships that fit their personality, interests, and abilities.

Internships

Internships provide students with hands-on experiences in authentic, real-world contexts (Hora et al., 2017). By actively participating in professional workspaces, students gain crucial insights into whether their skills and interests align with their chosen career paths. For example, a student interested in becoming a barber might discover the profession requires business management skills, physical stamina, and strong interpersonal abilities. These revelations often lead students to either confirm their career choices or pivot to more suitable paths, saving valuable time and resources in their career journey. Research indicates that internship programs benefit all parties involved: the student, the employer, and the educational institution (Weible, 2010).

Career development professionals have resources that might not be fully appreciated for their power when considering internship placements. Internship placement following assessment may increase the chance of student retention and completion of the internship.

Using Career Assessments for Internship Placement

Assessments provide valuable insights into students’ skills, personality, and values, which can be used to help them plan their careers. Quality assessments complement internship experiences by measuring natural aptitudes and interests, thus providing insights into potential career paths. Career development professionals can utilize this to help align students with suitable opportunities. Counselors, teachers, and parents can feel confident that the work supports informed decision-making about post-secondary options.

An assessment report can suggest suitable career options based on the student’s aptitudes and interests, aiding in selecting appropriate post-high school pathways. It is essential to consider both aptitudes and interests, as while aptitudes are fixed, interests can change over time. The Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation (2023) states that aptitudes “stabilize at around age fourteen” (para. 2). This makes high school an optimal time for intensive career exploration and internship connections. When these two factors align, it can bring excitement, and career development facilitators know they have hit on something when they can see the spark in the young person’s eyes. The insights from assessments can help students develop comprehensive academic, military, and career plans that leverage their strengths and capitalize on their interests through internship exploration.

Types of Assessments That Can Be Used With Internship Placement

Interest and aptitude assessments come in various forms, and multiple benefits are available. It is essential to understand the purpose of each assessment and what it aims to provide when selecting which to use (NCDA, 2024). Some assessments are broad and high-level, while others delve into detailed specifics. Some focus solely on interests, while others measure both interests and aptitudes. Here are some examples of assessments that are appropriate for use with students:

• Strong Interest Inventory (SII) - measures an individual's interests and how the respondent compares to people in different occupations
• Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS)- assesses an individual's personality type and how it aligns with different career fields
• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) identifies personality preferences and how these relate to career choice and work environments
• Clifton StrengthsFinder - focuses on identifying and leveraging an individual's top talents and strengths
• YouScience - provides a data-driven understanding of the individual’s natural abilities and how these can be applied in the workforce

For example, an internship placement based on the results of both an aptitude and interest assessment can affirm the student’s thoughts about their future career plans while they are still in high school.

Conclusion

While internships remain the primary vehicle for real-world career exploration, integrating comprehensive assessments in the career planning process creates a robust support system for students transitioning to post-secondary life. This holistic approach empowers students to make informed decisions about their future, whether through employment, enrollment in higher education, or military enlistment. Career development professionals who effectively combine the use of assessments and internships can better guide students toward successful outcomes in their chosen paths.

References

Hora, M., Wolfgram, M., & Thompson, S. (2017). What do we know about the impact of internships on Student Outcomes? Wisconsin Center for Education Research. https://ccwt.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCWT-report-Designing-Internship-Programs.pdf

Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation. (2023, March 9). Interests vs. aptitudes. https://www.jocrf.org/about-aptitudes/interests-vs-aptitudes/  

NCDA. (2024). Code of ethics. https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/asset_manager/get_file/3395?ver=738703

Weible, R. (2010). Are universities reaping the available benefits internship programs offer? Journal of Education for Business, 85(2), 59–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/08832320903252397

Allison Montiel, M.Ed, RN, is an educator and healthcare professional residing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She serves as the Director of Experiential Learning at Future School of Fort Smith. With a diverse professional background including roles as a middle school teacher, labor and delivery registered nurse, high school principal, internship director, and career development facilitator, she offers valuable insights when counseling young individuals. During her leisure time, she enjoys traveling and cherishing moments with her six children. She can be reached at amontiel@fsfuture.org