CEO Urges Parents to Stop Pushing Kids for Internships NOW
UPDATE: In a striking revelation, Scott Tannen, CEO of luxury bedding company Boll & Branch, has urged parents to stop directly contacting him to advocate for their children’s internship opportunities. Tannen’s candid remarks, shared during a recent interview, highlight a growing concern over parental involvement in the job application process.
In an era where the job market remains fiercely competitive, Tannen emphasizes that parents must allow their children to advocate for themselves when seeking internships. He noted a significant increase in parental outreach this year, especially during the Black Friday weekend, when one parent even called the company’s customer service line demanding an interview for their child.
Tannen stated that many parents mistakenly believe that their involvement will improve their children’s chances of getting hired. However, he warns that this approach often backfires. “When a parent reaches out to me, it signals that their child may lack the independence needed to succeed in a professional environment,” he explained.
The urgency of this message resonates as Boll & Branch prepares to announce its 2026 internships, with 15 openings available across various departments including marketing, product development, and finance. Interviews are expected to begin in January.
Tannen shared an awkward incident from last year when a parent insisted on an interview for their son, who remained silent throughout the encounter. “This experience underscores a critical issue: parents are not teaching their children how to advocate for themselves,” he remarked, highlighting the detrimental effects of over-involvement.
He further elaborated on the qualities that make candidates stand out. “The best interns are those who demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to learn. They proactively reach out and express their interest,” Tannen added. He stressed that learning from failure is an invaluable part of personal and professional growth, a lesson that children often miss when parents intervene too heavily.
The reaction to Tannen’s stance has been mixed. After posting about the issue on LinkedIn, he received both support and pushback. One commenter even suggested sending their child’s resume directly to him. Tannen reiterated that he would be more than willing to review applications if the candidates themselves take the initiative to reach out.
As the hiring season approaches, Tannen’s insights serve as a crucial reminder to parents: the best way to support their children is to empower them to take charge of their career paths. “Teach them to stand out, to be proactive, and to embrace challenges,” he concluded.
This urgent call for change in parental involvement comes at a pivotal time as students prepare to enter the workforce. Tannen’s message is clear: empowering young adults to navigate their career journeys independently is essential for long-term success.
