Internships for High School Students
Your first internship—no matter where it may be—is an exciting step toward your future. Although academic classes are helpful in their own right, they don’t exactly expose you to hands-on work. However, through internships for high school students, you can explore the fields you’re interested in, and you can collaborate with skilled professionals. Not only that, but you’ll have something to add to your resume!
Whether you’re paid or unpaid, working virtually or online, an internship will leave you with invaluable knowledge. High school is the perfect time to start searching for internships—especially if you’re an upperclassman. At this age, you’re likely considering what to pursue in college and beyond. Whether you have a dream job in mind or you’re still unsure, you’ll benefit from a little exposure to the professional world.
You probably have some questions, like:
How do I connect with employers?
Where do I find internships?
Do companies hire high school students?
Don’t fret—in this blog, we’ll answer your questions and help you find the perfect internship!
Best Websites to Look for High School InternshipsFin
Chegg Internships
This is a database filled with thousands of job listings. Look for the ‘High School Internships’ tab. This will filter job openings so that they’re geared specifically toward you! You’ll be able to browse internships in your city and virtual internships too. These are found in a variety of industries from fintech to engineering.
Although you’re only in high school, it’s never too early to start networking (establishing professional connections). You can do this by creating a LinkedIn profile. You’ll be able to display your resume in an online format. More importantly, you can search and apply for jobs directly on the LinkedIn platform. This makes it easy to reach out to employers, and employers can reach out to you as well.
Career Centers
Check if your school has a career center or job openings bulletin. You should take advantage of these overlooked resources! Your school can guide you through this job-search process—for instance, staff members can inform you about hiring businesses. Even if nothing arises from reaching out to your school, it doesn’t hurt to send an email expressing your interest in internships!
Find Annual Internship Opportunities
Some recurring internship programs are offered to high school students annually. Keep in mind that these can be highly selective. Here are a few examples!
For those interested in criminal justice and civic involvement:
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Internship Program is offered to high school students living in Manhattan. Interns deepen their understanding of criminal justice and policy-making through workshops and discussions. Applications generally open in January, and internships are conducted during the summer.
For those interested in conservation:
Through the Student Conservation Association’s Community Crews Program, you can make a positive environmental impact by restoring parks and improving trails. Both paid and unpaid positions are offered in the summer and school-year programs. Apply if you are located near a Community Crews location—there are ten situated in major cities across the US. These cities include Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, and Houston.
The City Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization in NYC dedicated to environmental education and community-building. It has internship opportunities each year; the Coastal Classroom High School Internship Program and the Green Girls High School Internship Program take place in the fall. Paid interns learn about coastal ecology, water ecology, and climate change. They also facilitate activities and lessons for younger students.
For those interested in coding:
Google’s Code Next program connects Black, Latinx, and Native high school students with computer science education. Accepted students learn about coding and design from real Google mentors. Code Next Connect is offered virtually, which means students from across the US can participate! There are also in-person lab programs for students living in New York City, Oakland, and Detroit. Applications open in the summer.
For those interested in history:
New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Internship Program provides high school students with the resources to conduct historical research and develop digital projects. Applications for the summer session open in February.
For those interested in medicine:
Indiana University offers multiple medicine-related internship programs including the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Summer Research Program for high school students. This program is for current seniors who are interested in biomedical research. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with an experienced research mentor and other ambitious students.
For those interested in technology and national security:
Students in California and New Mexico can apply for a student intern position at Sandia National Laboratories. Working at Sandia, you’ll be able to support their mission to resolve national security threats through research, innovation, and collaboration.
For those interested in intergenerational connectedness:
DOROT is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of older adults through social connection and engagement. High school students in the Teen Internship Program lead creative workshops and meaningful discussions. Applications are currently open for summer internships; the program’s locations are Manhattan and Brighton Beach.
Look For Local Internship Opportunities
You don’t need a big-name corporation for a memorable internship experience. Seeking out small local businesses can be a more effective strategy to find internships. Don’t be afraid to directly reach out to local businesses that you’re interested in! Key tip: a well-crafted email and professional resume go a long way. It can boost your chance of receiving a response and potentially a job offer.
Working at a small business has many perks. Right off the bat, you won’t have to compete with as many applicants to get an intern position. You may also be assigned more tasks. This means that you can enhance your leadership skills through greater business involvement.
Besides businesses, places like libraries offer internships to students. Working in a local library will give you the job experience you desire. However, you’ll simultaneously be supporting your community by maintaining the facility or organizing youth events.
Final Thoughts on Internships for High School Students
The time is NOW to secure an internship! Remember to have an open mind while searching for opportunities. Who knows what cool skills you’ll acquire by working in an unfamiliar industry?
And of course, be confident! You have what it takes to accomplish amazing work in any physical or digital environment.
Need help working internships or work experience into your college resume? Sign up to meet with a college counselor, free! We wish you luck as you navigate the realm of internships. You got this.