Key Takeaway
- High school internships help you get real-world experience in a career you’re curious about.
- Internships can be in-person, remote, paid, or unpaid. You can have one over the summer or during the school year.
- An internship can help you learn new skills, explore careers, and network.
- Internships look good on college applications and show you’re motivated.
High school internships are a great way get real world experience.
Thinking about getting an internship while you’re in high school? Internships are a great way to get real-world experience and explore different careers. Some of them can even pay you while you learn. They can also improve your college applications and give you a chance to try a career before choosing your major.
This guide shows you what high school internships are, why they matter, and how you can get started.
What Is an Internship?
An internship is a short-term experience where you work and learn in a real job. Every internship is different, so the hours, tasks, and settings can vary a lot. Some internships are paid while others are unpaid. Some only last a few weeks, and others may last a full year. You might work in an office, lab, or business. But some internships let you work from home.
No matter what type of internship you have, it can help give you valuable experience. It’s also a great opportunity to explore a career path you’re interested in and network with people who may be able to support you in the future.
What Kinds of Internships Are Out There?
Not all internships look the same. Here are a few options you may come across:
- Summer Internships: These are very common for high school students since you are out of school and have more free time. This could include working at a local business, hospital, nonprofit, or even helping out with a summer camp.
- Part-Time Internships: If a company is hiring a high schooler, they know that most of your time is spent in class. That’s why many part-time internships are flexible and work around your school schedule.
- Virtual/Remote Internships: That’s right—you can work from your couch! If you’re interested in a job that’s not local, you might find a remote internship (like social media marketing, graphic design, or data entry) that still gives you great experience.
No matter which types you choose, each internship gives you a chance to learn and build skills. It’s a great experience to strengthen your resume even if you haven’t had a job. Plus, you can meet people who may become references in the future.
Paid Internships for High School Students
While many opportunities are unpaid, paid internships for high school students do exist. These opportunities let you earn money while gaining real-world experience. They can also help you learn the value of your time and skills.
You can find paid internships in different places, such as:
STEM Programs
STEM internships focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. They often let students work on real projects while learning valuable technical skills.
Common examples include:
- Coding or programming internships, like the Microsoft Discovery Program
- Robotics or engineering projects through local tech labs
- Research opportunities at NASA or university labs, like the high school intern program at the University of San Francisco
Healthcare or Research Labs
These internships give students experience in hospitals, clinics, or labs. You can learn about medical research and patient care.
Common examples include:
- Assisting in lab experiments at universities or hospitals
- Supporting medical research studies
- Helping with patient care or administrative tasks in clinics
Local Businesses or Startups
Local businesses and startups often hire high school students for part-time work. These internships can teach professional skills like teamwork and customer service.
Common examples include:
- Marketing or social media support
- Retail or customer service roles
- Administrative or project support
Government or Community Programs
City and community programs often pay students for summer work. These internships can help students learn about community engagement.
Common examples include:
- Summer youth programs through city parks and recreation departments
- Library or museum internships
- Administrative or event support for local government offices
Tip: Paid internships are often competitive. Start searching early, ask your guidance counselor, and check online or local program boards.
Even if you don’t land a paid internship, you can explore other great opportunities. Unpaid internships, volunteering, or passion projects can still give you valuable experience. Plus, they look good on your resume and college applications.
Why Are Internships Valuable?
High school internships offer many benefits. They help you learn about the real world, gain skills, and explore your interests.
Here’s what you can get out of an internship:
- Real-World Experience: Instead of just learning in class, you get to do actual work in a field you’re curious about.
- Career Exploration: Internships help you figure out what you like or don’t like before choosing a major.
- Skill Building: You can learn job-specific skills and soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and time management.
- Connections: Meeting professionals can give you references, recommendation letters, or even future job leads.
- Improved College Applications: Internships show motivation and initiative, which can make your application stand out.
If you find a paid opportunity, it can be a great bonus. But unpaid internships offer many great advantages as well.
How Do You Find and Apply for a High School Internship?
Start your search online, but also check with your school counselor, local businesses, and social media. Some programs are specific to certain fields, like NASA or university research labs.
When you find an internship that interests you, you’ll likely need the following:
- Resume: A one-page document of your achievements, education, skills, and experiences.
- Cover Letter: A short, customized letter explaining why you want this internship.
- Personal Essay: Some programs ask for an essay about your goals and why the internship excites you.
- Recommendation Letters: These letters are usually from a teacher, mentor, or coach who can speak to your character and abilities.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for interviews. Research the organization, plan questions to ask, and pick an outfit that fits the role. For example, if you’re applying for an internship in agriculture, wearing jeans and boots might make more sense than a blazer.
Making the Most of Your High School Internship
Internships can be a great learning experience. Here is how you can make the most of one:
- Bring a positive attitude: Be respectful, willing to learn, and ready to work hard.
- Ask questions and listen: No one expects you to know everything. Use this time to learn from others.
- Take notes and show gratitude: Thank people who help you and pay attention to what you’re learning.
- Ask for feedback: It shows maturity and a willingness to grow.
Take time to think about what you’ve learned and enjoyed during your internship. This step can guide you as you make future career decisions.
What Happens if You Can’t Get an Internship?
If an internship doesn’t work out, you still have ways to explore your interests:
- Volunteer: Help at an animal shelter, library, nonprofit, or another organization you care about.
- Start a Passion Project: Create a blog, podcast, or small business to explore your interests.
- Job Shadow: Spend a day with someone in a career you’re curious about to see what the job is like.
Internships don’t lock you into a career. They help you explore, gain skills, and meet people. Even trying something new can open doors you didn’t expect.
Explore Your Possibilities
High school internships are more than just a line on your resume. They’re a chance to learn, grow, and look into what you want to do with your future. You can gain real-world experience and connections that can make a difference later in your career. It can be a great way to set yourself up for success in college and beyond.
Want to make sure the colleges you consider match your interests and goals? Try College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool. You can find schools that fit your strengths, passions, and career plans. Start exploring the possibilities today.
