As parents we need to constantly be looking for ways to encourage our children to use their interest and natural ability to have an enterprising mindset! As they get older apprenticeships and internships are a wonderful way to advance their education while at the same time they are realizing the importance of a good work ethic.

I asked my friend, Micah Ferrill, to share about the internship experience he had last year.

NCFIC Internship

January through June of 2009 afforded me the opportunity to participate in the first internship at the National Center for Family Integrated Churches (NCFIC) in Wake Forest, North Carolina. This time allowed me to work with strong men of the faith like Scott Brown, his son David, Peter Bradrick and the elders and members of Hope Baptist Church where Mr. Brown serves as an elder. During the internship I participated in conferences, book studies, discipleship, and writing projects as well as working on the NCFIC website. God used this time to teach me much about biblical manhood, the sufficiency of Scripture and some of its applications and the doctrines of grace. Through the experience I also gained a better vision for Christian business to the glory of God. I’m grateful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity and continue to benefit from the experiences, opportunities, and friendships forged during that time.

Early in the application process I was convinced this was something God wanted me to do. I was attracted to the internship due to the focus on building out the NCFIC website (ncfic.org). At the same time, my fledgling web development business needed my attention, and I didn’t want to leave existing clients hanging. At that point, I pretty much decided not to apply. God changed my mind, however, as He often does through the influence of some of the older men in my life. On the last day the NCFIC was accepting applications I was sitting with a group of these men and asked Matt Chancey, a former employer, what he thought of the opportunity. In the space of five minutes, he, along with one or two of the other gentlemen present, thoroughly convinced me of the benefits of pursuing the internship opportunity. I submitted my application that night.

If I were to do it over again, I wouldn’t change much about my preparation. I would say to anyone interested in participating in an NCFIC internship that they should go prepared to work and work hard. Secondly, if you’re accepted and are unsure of whether to pack something or leave it behind… bring it! 5 months can be a long time, especially when sharing a dorm with 3-4 other young men. Lastly, and of the greatest importance, diligence, discipline, and a heart to serve are the best preparation for such an internship. Go, making yourself available, knowing that God will do a work in your life.

You can check out Micah’s web design business at Inheritance Technologies .

So what comes naturally to your child? Is there anyone that they could learn more from in exchange for labor? How could they use their interest to create income?