Also read: DiversityInc.com Career Center, career advice, Aetna, KeyBank, UNCF, Accenture, networking

When George Scurlock got the e-mail from his employer looking for interns, he immediately forwarded it to his son, John, then a sophomore at Bentley University. Months later, John landed a paid internship in Aetna's information-systems division.

What's more, "John has a good chance of getting a job here," says his father, diversity alliance lead at Aetna (No. 48 on The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity^® list).

What can you do to help your kids secure work in this tough economy? How can you walk the fine line between job-hunting help and overbearing "helicopter" parent?

Is your child looking for an internship position? Check out the openings on DiversityInc.com's Career Center.

For more on how Aetna and other companies effectively brand themselves as employers of choice, read the Diversity Collateral Material on DiversityIncBestPractices.com.

Tip 1: Make Introductions--and Then Step Out of the Picture

Although a job is "a chance for your child to stand on his or her own two feet," says George Scurlock, there's nothing wrong with making connections within a company. For instance, he has arranged lunchtime meetings between his son (now on his second internship) and Aetna's recruiter to "open some doors."

"What I like is when a parent calls and asks, 'Would you mind if I had my child call you?'" says Margot James Copeland, executive vice president and director of corporate diversity and philanthropy at KeyBank (No. 50 in The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity). "It's fine to make connections as long as the child takes it from there."

That's because the decision maker at a company may not be who you know; rather, it may be someone two or three levels higher. So your child still needs to have a well-written résumé that highlights his or her strengths and responsibilities, a polished elevator pitch, the ability to make a positive first impression and a professionally crafted posting on LinkedIn. Then, continue to make introductions online by offering your child the opportunity to connect into your LinkedIn network.

Tip 2: Spread the Word

Don't be reluctant to let everyone you know be aware that your child is looking for work, and one effective place to start is your corporate employee-resource groups.

For in-depth information on the effectiveness of employee-resource groups, case studies and trends, visit DiversityIncBestPractices.com/erg.

To learn more about employee-resource groups, check out our Sept. 22 webinar.  Also, be sure to read the Sept./Oct. 2009 issue of DiversityInc with new research on employee-resource groups.

In addition to workplace connections, make introductions for your child through professional organizations, such as NSHMBA or PRIMER, and sororities/fraternities.

"Leverage your affiliations with professional organizations and attend networking events, conferences, etc.," advises Pedro Suriel, U.S. geography and public service inclusion director at Accenture (No. 23 in The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity). "Look for any opportunities where companies may be present, such as not-for-profit volunteer events." 

Tip 3: Encourage Kids to Tap Their Own Networks

Has your child worked all of his or her own connections? Has he or she approached former camp counselors or Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts leaders seeking employment?

To find a job, "you really have to help your youngster think outside his field of interest," says Scurlock. "It's really the experience that you're looking for."

Tip 4: Help Them Seek Volunteer Work

Everyone from nonprofits to government organizations needs a helping hand today. Start by checking the web sites of reputable diversity-focused groups. UNCF, for instance, hosts fundraising, awareness and other types of events throughout the year. To volunteer, contact your local area office found at UNCF.org.

Also, visit the web site of your town/city to find out if the Department of Aging or Office of Disability Affairs accepts volunteers. Alternatively, encourage your child to volunteer to coach sports at, say, the local middle school or YMCA. "Having the responsibility for a 10-year-old on a résumé shows leadership qualities," says Scurlock.

Your goal is to help your child become "as self-reliant as possible," adds Copeland, a mother of three. "Let them think through strategies and make connections themselves. But always be there to serve as a coach and consultant."

For more on community involvement at corporations committed to diversity, visit DiversityIncBestPractices.com.