We have all seen those characters in movies: a young, overworked intern works in a huge corporation. And their only job descriptions seem to be getting coffee and taking insults with a straight face. But the reality is far more exciting than the TV makes us believe. In fact, an internship is one of those programs for high school students that may become a life-changing opportunity. Such experience gives students a competitive edge over their peers in their college applications and even future careers.
Still, it can be challenging to figure out where to find summer internships for high school students, especially when you already have a lot on your plate, like college application fees, SAT scores, personal statements, etc. In this post, we will give you handy tips to make your life easier.
What Are the Benefits of High School Internships?
But why should you care about high school internships? Let’s see. If you are interested in a career in STEM fields, it makes sense to try and see what it’s like to work in the chosen industry or niche. Sure, you might not get the full, unfiltered experience, but you do gain relevant knowledge and skills that will come in handy if you go ahead with your plans.
High school internships let you do more than just explore career interests, and you’ll find it out when you start working on your job application or create a resume. Usually, companies favor applicants with related work experience, which is what an internship program for high school students gives you. In addition to these benefits, you also acquire connections you might need for your future career development.
Ways to Find Internships for High School Students
Getting into a good program can be a hassle, but the good news is that you won’t need a private tutor to get ready for an internship. There are several hacks you can try when looking for a perfect summer internship program. Here are just a few ideas:
#1. Do a Google Search for Non-Profits in Your City
Depending on your location, there may be a few non-profit organizations in your city. If you are not sure if there’s one around you, do a quick Google search with the keywords “non-profits close to me.” Chances are you will get multiple hits on the result pages. So, take your time to do more research on the likely prospects by checking which ones offer internships for high school students, what the requirements are, and what the application process looks like.
#2. Check the Websites of Government Agencies
Some government agencies turn out to be goldmines for finding engineering internships for high school students and high school seniors with an interest in STEM fields. One of the examples is the NASA internship, which is one of those one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that can boost your career prospects. Check the official site for the eligibility criteria, like US citizenship, a GPA limit of 3.0 for an OSTEM intern or 2.9 for a pathways intern, English language proficiency, etc.
#3. Speak With Your Teachers and School Guidance Counselors
Just like your teachers and guidance counselors may have the latest scoop on how to get into Ivy League schools like Harvard, they can also know about good high school internship opportunities that you might not even think of. Besides, they might have connections you need to get into some competitive spaces.
But you will never know if you don’t talk about your interests with teachers. In some cases, beyond suggestions, recommendations, and connections, they will be happy to help you meet the requirements for graduating and getting into your dream college.
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#4. Reach Out to Companies You Are Interested in
Nothing stops you from writing to a firm you know has a paid internship program. You can do it even if you aren’t sure if they have such programs – that’s what an inquiry letter is for. Remember to put your best foot forward, especially when you win an interview opportunity.
#5. Ask Local Hospitals or Health Organizations
This is a great way to find medical internships for high school students who need research experience. You could also contact health or scientific organizations whose program offers professional development opportunities for students studying Sciences in high schools and colleges.
#6. Use Your Own Networks
High school and college students may think they don’t have networks yet, but that is not always true. Sure, you may not have the principal’s or dean’s personal numbers, but you might know someone who does. Besides, some of your family members or their friends might work in reputable organizations that offer internships.
Leverage your personal relationships when trying to find an internship. One day, someone might point you in the right direction or give you helpful information to make your search easier.
5 Top Internships for High School Students
Most students focus on improving their SAT/ACT scores as a way to increase their chances of college admission, but your internship is just as important as tests, if not more. So, apart from NASA, what are the other top internships for high school seniors? Here are our top picks.
- MET high school internships. This program offers students in grades 10 and 11 a paid internship experience designed to gain a deeper understanding of arts-related topics.
- Harvard Medical School Project Success. This paid medical internship is for high school students who reside in Cambridge or Boston and meet the set criteria.
- Microsoft Discovery Program. If you are interested in exploring a tech-related career, this is a good fit for you. It offers hands-on experience and a pretty sweet chance to learn from experts.
- MAGEE-WOMEN’s summer high school internships program. If you are one of the students passionate about medical research, consider this option. You’ll get a chance to participate in clinical research under the mentorship of a specialist.
- Google Summer of Code. Ideal for any budding coder, this program is designed to help students 18 years and older grasp the Google Cloud infrastructure and other technical skills. You’ll have a chance to learn from the mentors working in big organizations.
Conclusion
Despite the initial difficulties, landing the desired high school internships can feel like a huge win. Use these tips to spend less time on your search so that you can focus on other big dreams you are nurturing. Take your chance to learn from the best!
