Lana Oconnell
High school internships are a great way to gain practical experience in a professional setting and explore different career paths. They can also make a valuable contribution to college applications and resumes. While it can be challenging to find internships as a high school student, there are several ways to go about it. Students can search online on job sites or reach out to local businesses in industries that interest them. They can also leverage connections by talking to adults in their life, such as family members, teachers, or coaches, who may have connections to potential internship opportunities. Additionally, high school guidance counsellors can offer advice and connect students with alumni who have interned locally. When applying for internships, it is essential to showcase independence, professionalism, and knowledge of the company.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To gain practical experience in a professional setting, enhance resumes and college applications, and explore a career path |
| Timing | Start looking as early as September or October of junior or senior year; internships typically take place during summer break, lasting between one to two months |
| Sources for Opportunities | Online job sites, local businesses in industries of interest, high school guidance counselors, personal connections, LinkedIn |
| Application Process | Research companies, prepare for interviews by learning about the company and role, showcase independence and initiative |
| Benefits | Develop practical skills, understand workplace dynamics, build connections, gain insight into a field of interest |
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What You'll Learn
Where to find internships
High school internships are a great way to enhance your resume, gain real-world experience, and develop essential skills. While they may be challenging to find, there are several ways to go about your search.
First, consider your interests, talents, and passions. What academic subjects and extracurricular activities do you excel at? What do your classmates, coaches, teachers, mentors, friends, and family value most in you? Make a list of your interests, and think about the types of professionals you want to access. This will help you find an internship that aligns with your goals and gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
Next, start your search by looking online on job search sites or inquiring at local businesses in industries that interest you. You can also use a general search engine to search for internships for high school students near you. Job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn are also a great way to find internships accepting applications from high school students.
Don't be afraid to leverage your personal and community connections. Ask your friends and family about any internship opportunities at their companies, or reach out to former students who have interned locally. Your high school guidance counselors can also offer helpful advice and connections, as businesses often contact them directly to advertise internship opportunities.
If you're having trouble finding an internship, get creative! Think about what kind of job or skills you want to develop, and look around your local community for people and places that might offer relevant opportunities. You can also create your own internship or research project.
- The Bank of America Student Leader Program
- NASA High School Internships
- The Met High School Internship Program
- Smithsonian Internships
- Library of Congress
- Stanford Compression Forum Summer Internship
- Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
- The New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Internship Program
- Act Now Coalition of Illinois
- Adler Planetarium Teen Internship Program
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How to stand out
As a high school student, an internship is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting and explore your interests and values. Here are some tips on how to stand out as an intern and make the most of this opportunity:
Be Clear About Your Intentions
Firstly, understand why you want to do an internship. Are you looking to build a strong network, gain work experience, or explore a specific field? Defining your expectations and goals will help you maximise your internship experience and ensure you get the most out of it.
Be Curious and Ask Questions
Asking questions is a great way to show your curiosity and eagerness to learn. Don't be afraid to inquire about different roles and company projects. This will not only help you learn more about the organisation but also demonstrate your interest and engagement.
Be Proactive and Eager to Learn
If there's an opportunity to join a project or a team lunch, say yes! Showing enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved will make you stand out. Additionally, if there's something you don't know, be proactive in asking your colleagues to teach you. This will showcase your eagerness to learn and adapt.
Build Connections and Seek Feedback
Form connections with your colleagues and supervisors, as they may become valuable references for future job applications. Regularly check in with your supervisor to ask for feedback on your performance and ways to improve. This will show your commitment to growth and help you excel in your role.
Take Initiative
Look for ways to take initiative and make a unique contribution to the company. Whether it's offering to take on additional tasks or finding creative solutions to problems, showing initiative will make you a valuable asset to the team and help you stand out.
Remember, an internship is a great opportunity to explore your interests, gain experience, and make connections. By following these tips, you can maximise your internship experience and set yourself up for future success.
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Interview preparation
Know what to expect
High school internship interviews are an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and, more importantly, your communication skills. The interviewer will likely ask you to share something about yourself and what makes you a good fit for the organisation. They may also ask you to elaborate on your relevant experiences, projects, and achievements.
Prepare your application
A key part of the application process for most high school internship programs is the interview. A strong application that sets you apart from other candidates is essential. Your resume should be no longer than one page and should provide a general overview of your greatest accomplishments and other essential information, grouped into sections with headings. Include your name, school (and GPA, unless it's terrible), contact information, work experience, organisations or clubs you're part of, awards, relevant classes, and skills.
Prepare answers to common questions
Prepare answers to common interview questions, such as "What is an instance when you overcame an issue?" or "Tell me about a time when you made a big mistake." Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to structure your answers.
Practice makes perfect
Engage in mock interviews with friends or family to gain valuable experience and become more comfortable with the interview process. Practice answering common interview questions and maintaining a professional approach, eliminating filler words like "um" and "like".
Dress appropriately
Dress to make a good impression. Ensure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well. Avoid anything too tight, baggy, or revealing. For corporate internships, it is generally expected to wear business casual attire.
Show your interest and enthusiasm
Demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the company and the role. Do your research on the organisation, its history, mission, and ongoing projects. Show genuine interest by attending sessions, connecting with current employees, and expressing your commitment to being part of their community.
Ask thoughtful questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This displays your curiosity and engagement with the opportunity. For example, "What has been your favourite part about working in this company?" or "What is the typical career trajectory for someone in this role?" Ensure your questions cannot be easily answered by information provided in the job description or on the company website.
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Benefits of interning
Internships offer high school students a range of benefits, from gaining foundational work skills and knowledge to making valuable connections.
One of the most significant advantages of interning as a high school student is the opportunity to gain early work experience and insight into a chosen industry or career path. Internships allow students to “try on” a career, providing a short-term, low-risk way to explore their interests and determine if a particular field is a good fit for them. This can help students make more informed decisions about their future education and career choices.
In addition to career exploration, internships provide high school students with the chance to develop and refine their skills. Interns can acquire valuable professional skills such as communication, self-advocacy, and teamwork, which are highly transferable across different industries. These skills not only enhance their resumes and college applications but also give them a head start when they enter the workforce or pursue further education.
Another benefit of interning as a high school student is the opportunity to build a professional network and make valuable connections. Networking during an internship can open doors to future opportunities, including potential job offers or references for college applications. It allows students to interact with professionals in their field of interest, gain insights, and build relationships that can support their career aspirations.
Furthermore, internships can help high school students develop personally and professionally. They provide a platform for students to step out of their comfort zones, build confidence, and discover their strengths and weaknesses. This self-discovery can guide students in making more informed decisions about their future paths and help them set goals for personal and professional growth.
While interning as a high school student may pose scheduling challenges, with careful planning, it can offer a wealth of advantages, from skill development to industry exposure and networking opportunities. These benefits can set students up for success in their future endeavours, whether pursuing further education or entering the workforce directly.
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What to expect
As a high school student, an internship can be a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting. Here's what to expect when seeking and participating in an internship:
Finding an Internship:
- Start your search early, ideally in your junior or senior year.
- Make a list of your interests, talents, and passions, and look for internships that align with them.
- Explore online job sites or inquire at local businesses in industries that interest you. You can also search for specific organizations' internship programs for high school students.
- Tap into your network by talking to family, friends, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults. They might have connections or know of opportunities.
- Reach out to your high school guidance counselors, who often have information about internship opportunities.
- When you find an opportunity, research the company, and showcase your independence, professionalism, and initiative in your application and interactions.
During the Internship:
- Expect to gain hands-on, short-term work experience in your field of interest.
- Your responsibilities as an intern will likely be on the lighter side, including tasks such as data entry, organizing files, or shadowing professionals.
- Take the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain insights into the industry, and develop a better understanding of your field of interest and yourself.
- If your internship occurs during the school year, ensure you manage your time effectively to balance your academic commitments.
Remember, the primary goal of an internship is to explore and deepen your interests and gain valuable experience that can enhance your college applications and future career path.
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Frequently asked questions
An internship is an opportunity to get hands-on, short-term work experience in a field you might be interested in pursuing. It can help you gain practical experience in a professional setting, allowing you to shadow professionals and get mentored.
A high school internship can enhance your resume and college applications, allowing you to explore a career path that interests you. It can also help demonstrate your commitment to a particular field and allow you to develop valuable skills and understand workplace dynamics.
It is recommended to start looking for internships early, as early as September or October of your junior or senior year. This gives you ample time to explore different options and find the right opportunity.
Here are a few ways to find internship opportunities:
- Search online on job sites or inquire at local businesses in industries that interest you.
- Reach out to high school guidance counsellors who may offer advice and connections.
- Talk to adults in your life, such as family members, friends, teachers, or coaches, as they may have connections or know of opportunities.
- Look into organisations that offer internships specifically for high school students, such as the Bank of America Student Leader Program or NASA High School Internships.
Once you've found an internship that aligns with your interests and goals, reach out to the company or organisation. You can send a short email or letter expressing your interest, highlighting your strengths, and explaining how you could contribute to their team. Treat the interview as a conversation, ask questions about the role and the company, and showcase your independence and initiative.
