I work for a large organization that brings on interns, and over the years I have gotten most of (but not all) my nieces and nephews interviews. They are never guaranteed spots. All I do is get them in the interview pile.
My nephew is graduating. His mom (my SIL) asked me about the internship, and I told her that Eric needs to be the one to reach out to me. When he finally came to me, it was obvious he was just doing it because she told him to. He did not seem interested, and if I am honest, the way he speaks is childish. It’s all braindead “bruh” “fam” tiktok speak. He could not articulate WHY he wanted the internship.
I told him that if he really wants this, I need him to show me, and asked him to write me a brief note giving me the reasons he wanted the internship and what he planned on doing with the experience. I was surprised he sent me anything at all, but when I read it, it was obviously generated. I told him that I could not put in a good word for him because he could not even do the bare minimum.
He had a complete meltdown over it, telling me that I was being unfair and that no one these days actually writes stuff like this. His mom came at me too saying the same things. I told them both that I’m not going to risk my own reputation. I asked him, point blank, WHY do you want this internship? “I dunno”
My brother made the case that my nephew had struggled during the pandemic, the academic landscape has changed, and he needs someone to give him a chance to show what he can do. And that years ago, someone had given me a chance despite not being a straight A student, which is true. Part of me thinks I should get him an interview just so he can see how unprepared he is, but I know that would be a mean thing to do.
Am I wrong to not get him an interview? Is this just how kids are these days?
