How to Get an Internship in High School: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Get an Internship in High School: A Step-by-Step Guide
Internships offer high school students a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths. However, landing an internship as a high schooler can seem challenging without the right guidance. This blog will walk you through the process of how to get an internship in high school, providing actionable tips and advice to help you stand out in the competitive world of internships.
Why Should High School Students Pursue Internships?
Internships can be an invaluable experience for high school students for several reasons:
Real-World Experience: Internships provide hands-on exposure to a professional environment, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-life situations.
Career Exploration: Internships help students explore various industries and careers, aiding in informed decisions about future education and job pursuits.
Skill Development: Interns learn essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as well as technical skills specific to the industry.
College Applications: A well-chosen internship can be a powerful addition to a college application, demonstrating initiative and commitment to personal growth.
Networking Opportunities: Internships open doors to valuable industry contacts that can help students find future job opportunities.
Steps on How to Get an Internship in High School
1. Start Early and Plan Ahead
One of the most important steps in securing an internship is planning. Begin searching for internship opportunities several months in advance. Many programs, especially competitive ones, require applications to be submitted in the spring or summer before the internship begins.
2. Identify Your Interests and Career Goals
Think about your passions and what industries or professions interest you. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, medicine, or the arts, narrowing down your interests will help you target internships that align with your long-term goals.
Example: If you're interested in technology, you might look for internships with local tech companies or software development firms.
Example: If you’re passionate about the environment, you could explore internships with environmental organizations, non-profits, or sustainability-focused businesses.
3. Research Internship Opportunities
Once you have a clear idea of your career interests, start researching available internships. There are several places to look:
School Career Services: Many high schools have resources or partnerships with local businesses to help students find internships.
Online Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized internship sites (e.g., Internships.com) often list opportunities for high school students.
Networking: Speak to family, friends, teachers, and mentors who might have connections in various industries. A referral or personal recommendation can increase your chances of landing an internship.
Company Websites: Reach out directly to companies or organizations you’re interested in. Many businesses don’t advertise internship opportunities but are willing to create one for motivated students.
4. Prepare Your Application Materials
Having well-prepared application materials is essential for making a positive impression. These include:
Resume: Your resume should highlight any academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and relevant skills. Focus on experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
Cover Letter: A cover letter should briefly introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the internship, and how you can contribute to the company. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to each specific position.
References: Teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well can provide strong references. Make sure to ask for their permission beforehand and provide them with some context about the internship.
5. Reach Out and Apply
Once your resume and cover letter are ready, it’s time to start applying. Be proactive in reaching out to potential employers, whether through an online application or by directly emailing a company you admire.
Tip: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. Persistence is key. If possible, follow up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application.
6. Prepare for Interviews
If your application catches the eye of a recruiter, you’ll likely be invited for an interview. This is your chance to make a strong impression.
Research the Company: Understand the organization’s mission, products, and culture. This will allow you to tailor your responses to show that you’re genuinely interested.
Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers to frequently asked questions such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want this internship?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
Dress Appropriately: Even for virtual interviews, dress professionally. First impressions matter, so be sure to present yourself in the best possible light.
7. Consider Volunteering or Shadowing
If you find it difficult to secure an internship immediately, consider volunteering or shadowing professionals in your field of interest. These experiences can be just as valuable and provide excellent networking opportunities.
Volunteering: Many non-profits and community organizations are eager to have the help of dedicated students. This experience can give you a sense of what it's like to work in a professional setting while giving back to the community.
Job Shadowing: Ask professionals if you can spend a day or two observing their work. This can give you insight into the daily responsibilities of different careers.
8. Be Open to Unpaid Internships
While paid internships are ideal, they can be more competitive and harder to find, especially for high school students. Don’t rule out unpaid internships, as the experience and skills you gain can be incredibly valuable in the long run.
Tip: If you’re concerned about the lack of payment, consider applying for internships in industries or sectors where you might receive school credit or gain valuable connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
9. Follow Up and Express Gratitude
After the interview or after you’ve submitted your application, send a thank-you email. This shows professionalism and gratitude for the opportunity, and it helps keep you on the employer’s radar. If you don’t get the internship, follow up with a polite message thanking them for considering you and asking if they would keep you in mind for future opportunities.
Additional Tips for High School Students Looking for Internships
Leverage Social Media: LinkedIn is a great platform for networking. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and professional.
Develop New Skills: If you’re finding limited internship options, take online courses to build skills that can make you a more attractive candidate.
Stay Organized: Keep track of all the internships you’ve applied to and their deadlines. Use a spreadsheet or a planner to monitor the status of each application.
Conclusion
Securing an internship in high school can set you on the path toward success. Not only will you gain invaluable work experience, but you will also develop skills that will serve you throughout your academic and professional career. By following the steps outlined in this guide—starting early, researching opportunities, preparing strong application materials, and being persistent—you’ll be well on your way to landing your first internship.
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.
