Douglas Olsen
Internships are a great way for high school students to gain practical experience in a professional setting, build their resumes, and explore potential career paths. While internships are more common for college students, having one on your resume as a high schooler can set you apart during the college admissions process. High school internships are typically held during the summer break and can last between one to two months. There are many internships available for high school students, including those offered by NASA, the US Army, the US Department of Education, and various museums and news outlets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To gain work experience, learn about professional opportunities, and network within career and academic fields |
| Time to start searching | As early as September or October of their junior or senior year |
| Where to search | Job search sites, local businesses, or general search engines |
| What to prepare | Resume, introduction, and elevator pitch |
| Dress code | Professional |
| Types | Paid or unpaid |
| Benefits | Stand out during the college admissions process, gain practical experience in a professional setting, and learn about your interests |
| Examples | Simons Summer Research Program, Microsoft High School Discovery Program, NASA Internship Program, SMUD Internship Program |
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What You'll Learn
- Internships for high school students are rare, but they exist
- High school internships are a great way to explore interests and career fields
- Interns are not considered employees, but they gain valuable experience
- High school internships can be found through online searches and local businesses
- Some high schools offer mandatory internships as part of the diploma
Internships for high school students are rare, but they exist
Internships for high school students may be rare, but they do exist. They are a great way for students to explore their interests and gain valuable experience in a professional setting. Internships can help students learn about different career fields and network with professionals, which can be beneficial when applying to college or for future job opportunities.
High school students interested in internships should start their search early, ideally in their junior or senior year. They can look for opportunities by searching online, inquiring at local businesses, or reaching out to organizations they are interested in. It is important to have a clear understanding of the expectations, time commitment, length of the internship, and responsibilities before committing to one.
Some examples of internships for high school students include the Simons Summer Research Program, which provides hands-on experience in science, math, or engineering; the New-York Historical Society's Student Historian Internship Program; and the Microsoft High School Discovery Program, which offers hands-on experience in tech and computer programming. There are also internship programs offered by NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, City Light, and SMUD, which provide exposure to various fields such as engineering, information technology, marketing, and more.
While some internships for high school students are unpaid, others do provide a stipend or even pay. It is important to consider the value of the experience and whether there are other perks offered, such as free classes, travel reimbursement, or housing. High school students should not underestimate the power of their network and should leverage any connections their parents or school may have to help secure an internship opportunity.
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High school internships are a great way to explore interests and career fields
There are many internships available for high school students. For instance, the Simons Summer Research Program provides hands-on experience in science, math, or engineering. Students work closely with faculty mentors on real research projects and receive a stipend upon completion. The USSS Pathways Program is another internship that provides insight into the Secret Service, along with valuable personal and professional skills. Students are paid for their participation and must be at least a junior in high school with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
High school students interested in tech and computer programming can apply for the Microsoft High School Discovery Program, which offers hands-on experience and personalized mentorship. The Port of Seattle's High School Internship Program provides exposure to careers in aviation, maritime, local government, community engagement, and environmental fields. City Light and SMUD also offer paid internships for high school students in various fields, including information technology, engineering, marketing, and more.
Students can also find internships at museums, such as the Smithsonian Institution, which has multiple internship positions in art history, science, anthropology, and gardening. NASA offers high school internship programs with sessions to fit students' schedules, providing research and experiential learning opportunities. These internships are a great way for students to explore their interests, develop useful job skills, and build their resumes as they work towards their career paths.
High school internships can be challenging to find, as many are geared towards college students or graduates. However, students can start their search early, utilize job search sites, inquire at local businesses, or leverage personal connections to secure internships. Structured internship programs specifically designed for high school students offer well-defined roles and can be impressive on college applications. Overall, internships are a valuable opportunity for high schoolers to gain experience, explore interests, and make informed decisions about their future careers.
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Interns are not considered employees, but they gain valuable experience
Internships are a great way for high school students to gain work experience, learn about professional opportunities, and network within career and academic fields. They can help students explore and deepen their interests and values, allowing them to reflect on what they have learned and how their experiences have shaped them. For example, internships can help students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine to gain some insight and experience without the commitment of a degree.
While internships are not always paid, they are still valuable opportunities for high school students to gain experience in a professional work environment. The function of an internship is to gain experience and insight into a certain field while also performing some functional work in exchange for the experience. Internships can also be a great way to break into difficult career fields. For instance, internships in research, medicine, or law can provide a pathway to gain experience and forge important connections without the requirement of an advanced degree.
In the US, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs internship programs. The FLSA requires "for-profit" employers to pay employees for their work. However, interns and students may not be considered "employees" and, therefore, may not be entitled to compensation. Courts use the "primary beneficiary test" to determine whether an intern or student is an employee. This test examines the "'economic reality'" of the intern-employer relationship to identify which party benefits more from the arrangement. Factors such as the expectation of compensation, the nature of the training, and the duration of the internship are considered in this determination.
While interns may not be legally considered employees, they still gain valuable experience and skills through their internships. They work under the direction of skilled professionals, allowing them to develop practical skills and understand workplace dynamics. Additionally, internships can help students build their professional networks and make connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
Overall, while interns may not be classified as employees, the experience they gain is invaluable. It provides them with a glimpse into the professional world, helps them develop essential skills, and can even influence their career choices.
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High school internships can be found through online searches and local businesses
High school internships are a great way to explore your interests and gain work experience in a professional career field. They can also help you build your resume and college applications. While many internships are traditionally for college students, high school internships are gaining in popularity.
To find a high school internship, you can start by searching online on job search sites or using a general search engine to look up internships for high school students in your area. You can also use sites like Google or Yelp to learn more about local companies, their workforce programs, and government agencies in your county. Networking is another effective way to find internships. Reach out to your parents, teachers, coaches, and extended family to let them know you are looking for an internship. You can also connect with your high school guidance counselors, who may offer advice and information on local internship opportunities.
Additionally, you can inquire at local businesses in industries that interest you. If you are interested in a particular field, such as business, consider what skills you would like to improve and look for local opportunities that align with your interests and goals. For example, if you want to develop soft skills like time management or verbal communication, you could reach out to a local entrepreneur to gain first-hand experience.
There are also several organizations that offer internships specifically for high school students. For instance, the Bank of America Student Leader Program connects juniors and seniors with nonprofits in various communities. NASA offers high school internships at their facilities in several states, and the Met High School Internship Program provides museum internships for students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The Smithsonian Institution also offers internships at their museums in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, the Act Now Coalition of Illinois maintains a database of high school internships and youth job opportunities in the Chicago area.
Online databases such as StandOutSearch provide a curated list of internships, research opportunities, and summer programs specifically for high school students. This can be a valuable resource to explore a variety of opportunities in one place.
Remember, when applying for internships, it's important to showcase your strengths, talents, and passions. Prepare an "elevator pitch" and work on your interview skills to make a strong impression.
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Some high schools offer mandatory internships as part of the diploma
While internships are not a requirement for high school students, they are becoming increasingly popular among students aiming to strengthen their college applications. High school internships are relatively rare, and most applicants do not have any internships on their resumes. However, some high schools do offer mandatory internships as part of the diploma.
For instance, some public magnet high schools set up opportunities and require internships for their senior students. These schools facilitate the process of finding an internship placement for their students. The duration of such internships can vary, with some lasting about a month.
High school internships are important because they provide students with an opportunity to develop essential skills and gain work experience. They can also help students build influential relationships and secure strong letters of recommendation for their college applications. Additionally, internships allow students to explore their interests and determine if a particular career path aligns with their strengths.
There are various ways to find internship opportunities as a high school student. Leveraging personal and community connections can be a helpful strategy. Asking family and friends about internship opportunities at their companies or within their networks can increase the chances of securing an internship. Additionally, utilizing job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn to search for internships accepting high school students can be beneficial.
Some examples of organizations offering internships for high school students include the Smithsonian Institution, NASA, City Light, SMUD, and various universities such as Columbia University, Indiana University, and Stanford University. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience and exposure to different fields, including research, engineering, science, and business.
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Frequently asked questions
Internships are a great way for high school students to gain work experience, learn about professional opportunities, and network within career and academic fields. They can help demonstrate your commitment to and experience in a particular field, and allow you to reflect on what you learned and how your experiences shaped you.
You can find internships by searching online on job search sites or by inquiring at local businesses in industries that interest you. You can also reach out directly to businesses in your community or family network.
There are many internships that accept high school students. Some examples include the NASA High School Internship Program, the Smithsonian Institution Student Internship Program, the Microsoft High School Discovery Program, and the Port of Seattle's High School Internship Program.
Internships for high school students can be either paid or unpaid. While some internships are paid, others may offer stipends or other benefits. It is important to carefully review the details of each internship program to understand the compensation offered.
It is recommended to start looking for a high school internship as early as September or October of your junior or senior year. Starting early will provide you with more opportunities and increase your chances of finding a suitable internship.
