How to Get an Internship in High School: A Step-by-Step Guide
Internships are an excellent way for high school students to gain valuable experience, explore career paths, and boost their college applications. But landing an internship as a high schooler can seem daunting. Where do you start? What do you need to prepare? This guide will break down everything you need to know about securing an internship while still in high school.
Why Should High School Students Pursue Internships?
Internships provide numerous benefits for high school students, including:
Real-World Experience: Internships give you hands-on exposure to professional settings and teach skills that go beyond the classroom.
Career Exploration: They help you explore industries or roles you are curious about, giving you a clearer sense of your future goals.
Networking Opportunities: Interning allows you to connect with professionals who can mentor you and open doors to future opportunities.
Strengthening College Applications: Colleges love to see initiative. An internship demonstrates maturity, drive, and a willingness to learn.
Skill Development: From technical skills to communication and teamwork, internships help you build competencies that will serve you throughout your career.
1. Identify Your Interests
Start by considering your passions and potential career goals. Do you enjoy coding, art, writing, or science? Knowing what interests you will help narrow down the industries and roles to target. Some popular areas for high school internships include:
Technology (coding, web development, robotics)
Journalism or content creation
Healthcare or biomedical research
Business and entrepreneurship
Arts and design
2. Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
Even if you lack formal work experience, you can create a strong resume by highlighting:
Academic achievements (GPA, honors, relevant coursework)
Extracurricular activities (clubs, competitions, volunteering)
Skills (coding languages, writing, design tools, or any other relevant expertise)
Personal projects (a blog, app, or science experiment you worked on independently)
Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in the internship, what you bring to the table, and how the opportunity aligns with your career aspirations. Be concise, enthusiastic, and professional.
3. Search for Internship Opportunities
Here are some effective ways to find high school internships:
School Resources
Speak with your guidance counselor about internship programs in your area.
Check if your school has partnerships with local businesses or organizations offering internships.
Online Platforms
Internship Websites: Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Internship.com to find listings.
LinkedIn: Build a profile and search for internships for high school students. Many companies post opportunities here.
Specialized Programs: Look for programs tailored to high schoolers, such as the Google Computer ScienceSummer Institute (CSSI) or STEM camps.
Networking
Personal Connections: Ask family, friends, or teachers if they know of any opportunities.
Community Events: Attend local career fairs or industry meetups to learn about internship opportunities.
Direct Outreach
If there is a company or organization you admire, email them directly. Share your resume and explain your interest in interning with them, even if they do not have an official program.
4. Ace the Application Process
When applying for an internship, keep these tips in mind:
Follow Instructions: Carefully read the application requirements and submit all requested documents.
Be Professional: Use a formal tone in your emails and proofread all written materials.
Highlight Your Passion: Since you may not have much experience, emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and willingness to learn.
If selected for an interview, prepare by researching the company, practicing common questions, and dressing appropriately. Confidence and curiosity go a long way in impressing interviewers.
5. Consider Virtual Internships
In recent years, virtual internships have become more common. These allow you to work with companies or organizations remotely, opening up opportunities regardless of where you live. Platforms like Forage and Intern from Home specialize in virtual internships.
6. Explore Volunteer Work and Shadowing Opportunities
If finding a formal internship proves challenging, do not be discouraged. Volunteer work or job shadowing can provide similar benefits and sometimes lead to future internships. For example, you could:
Volunteer at a local hospital if you are interested in healthcare.
Assist with coding projects at a community tech center.
Shadow a family friend or teacher in their workplace.
These experiences still give you valuable insights into professional environments.
7. Take Advantage of Programs for High School Students
Many organizations and universities offer structured internships or summer programs specifically for high school students. Some examples include:
Smithsonian High School Internship Program: Explore opportunities in museums, research, and education.
NASA High School Internships: Work on real-world science and engineering projects.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program: Gain leadership experience and engage in community service.
8. Follow Up and Stay in Touch
After completing an internship application or interview, follow up with a thank-you email. If you do not get the position, do not be discouraged—ask for feedback and use it to improve.
Once you complete an internship, maintain your connections. Building a professional network early can lead to future opportunities.
Boost Your Skills with Inspirit AI
If you are a high school student passionate about technology and innovation, Inspirit AI can help you gain the skills and confidence needed to stand out in internship applications. Created by Stanford alumni, Inspirit AI offers hands-on programs that teach artificial intelligence through real-world projects.
By joining Inspirit AI, you will learn:
Machine learning and data science fundamentals.
How to build AI-driven projects.
Skills that prepare you for internships and college-level work.
Whether you dream of interning at a tech company, research lab, or startup, Inspirit AI’s programs provide the expertise and support to get you there.
Landing an internship in high school may seem intimidating, but with preparation, persistence, and the right resources, you can secure an opportunity that sets you on the path to success. Take the first step today and unlock your potential!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10-session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
How To Get An Internship In High School
