A Closer Look at Summer Internships for High School Students

What Happens In A Summer Internship?

What happens in a summer internship? An internship is essentially a first job in a professional sector of employment. It is occasionally compensated, usually at the bottom of the pay scale, and it is additionally occasionally unpaid. Summer internships for high school students aim to get knowledge and experience in certain subjects while simultaneously doing some useful work in exchange for the experience. For instance, if you land an internship at a research lab, you won’t likely start doing actual lab work right away. Instead, you’ll begin by performing tasks like lab cleanup and data entry.

While this may seem monotonous, it will also give you the chance to interact with the staff, learn about how the workplace operates on a daily basis, and get a sense of whether or not a career in this industry could be of interest to you.

Always make sure you are aware of the expectations before agreeing to summer internships for high school students. Know how much time will be required, how long the internship will last, what you will be expected to do, and whether or not you will receive anything in return. Other benefits like free classes at associated universities, travel reimbursement, or even housing may be included in some unpaid internships. Additionally, make sure that you are comfortable accepting and adhering to your obligations.

Internships are a fantastic method to enter competitive employment fields. An internship is a way for students who desire to obtain experience in fields like research, medicine, law, or other professions that typically call for a graduate degree to do so without committing to a degree. You will gain knowledge of the industry and establish vital ties with people who may ultimately write you a recommendation or perhaps make you an offer of employment.

Why Is It Important For High School Students To Hold Internships?

Now, you might wonder “Why is it important for high school students to hold internships?” Let’s tackle some of the reasons why summer internships for high school students are beneficial for you.

Check to See if Your Career Option Fits

You still have time to achieve professional success. Find out which of your passions can lead to employment right now. Helping a non-profit for stray animals is the ideal option if you want to help animals but struggle with needles. You may have dreams of designing websites but discover that you prefer to write copy. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to be a nurse but discovered that being outside and with plants makes you happy.

You can learn these things about yourself through an internship, which will also position you for success. There is no danger in doing an internship to see whether you appreciate the field or job you are pursuing because internships are intended to be temporary positions.

Acquire Relevant Experience

Summer internships for high school students are perfect opportunities to rapidly acquire the fundamental work skills, information, and experience needed in any chosen field.

They enable you to begin with the fundamental work abilities and quickly expand upon them from there. Often, developing a strong foundation of expertise in one job can readily apply to other fields that interest you as well, thereby increasing your future career options!

Connect With Others And Network

Internships involve a lot more than just knowledge and abilities. Making connections and establishing relationships is a big part of an internship since you never know when one of those interactions can lead to a job offer. It occurs more frequently than you might imagine.

Additionally, if you choose an internship in a field that interests you, you’ll be surrounded by others who share your interests. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and get feedback on your ideas.

Improve Your Applications or Resume

Perhaps you want to begin your professional path while still a high school student, or perhaps you want to determine whether the college degree you want to pursue is a suitable fit for you. A high school internship will be extremely beneficial to you and will make you stand out on any application you submit, whether it be for a career or college. Summer internships for high school students assist students in acquiring the relevant experience that hiring managers seek.

According to research conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers frequently favor individuals with internship experience over others who are similarly qualified.

When requesting a job or college, you can also ask your internship supervisor to serve as a reference. Additionally, they will be able to discuss their mentorship and working with you in a letter of recommendation.

Embrace Opportunity

Contrary to what we see in the movies, an internship does not involve running errands and getting the boss coffee. You can quickly and significantly increase your expertise through internships. It’s where you can travel or meet someone from a big business. It’s also a chance for you to gain your first paid professional experience because certain internships are willing to pay!

How To Find Summer Internships For High School Students?

Ten steps are listed below that you might follow to answer “How to find summer internships for high school students?”

1. Take into account your goals and interests.

Determine your hobbies or the type of employment you wish to pursue first. Think initially in terms of broad areas like science, media, or finance. List potential internships under its heading to explore the alternatives in the broader field. For instance, scientific enthusiasts can look for internships in the following fields: biology, biomedicine, environment, engineering, physics, astronomy, and aerospace.

2. Enroll in clubs or classes.

Start taking classes in your chosen field, if you can, regardless of what grade you’re in. Join clubs in high school or explore organizations at your community college. Make use of social media and join online discussion forums or groups to learn more about the profession and start networking. You can share ideas and get career-related questions answered by connecting with other experts in the field or those who are just starting.

3. Clearly state what you expect from an internship.

Summer internships for high school students are distinct from ordinary employment in that they swap labor for education and training. Find out the benefits of an unpaid internship, such as the opportunity to participate in free classes or pay for travel, or be prepared to accept less money for paid internships.

Prepare to dedicate yourself to a high school internship. Take into account the internship’s duration and the duties of the position. Ensure that you are prepared for the rewards and challenges of a summer internship. Make a list of the benefits you expect from the encounter, then look for situations where you can benefit both parties.

4. Make your search known to everyone.

Turn to your existing network, such as friends and family, as you create a network of business professionals. Inform your contacts that you are looking for a high school internship and ask for recommendations or advice. Perhaps a friend’s father is hiring for their small business, or perhaps a former coach is aware of an internship that would be helpful.

Your network may consist of: Parents, Friends of Parents, Friends of Friends, Friends of Friends’ Parents, Teachers, Coaches, and Counselors.

5. Make contact with businesses.

Nowadays, almost every business has a website or a social media account. By following their pages and responding to their posts, you can establish connections with businesses that interest you. Use the hashtags that businesses use when tagging them in your social media posts. In your bio, include links to your website, portfolio, or crowdsourcing platform.

Make it simple for potential companies to contact you, and express your interest in an internship. You can still inquire about the possibilities and demonstrate enthusiasm and a good attitude even if the company doesn’t actively offer high school internships.

6. Go online.

Use different search engines to look for internships in your area or elsewhere. Look through job postings or contact nearby businesses. For a better understanding of the position, carefully read the job description. Consider a global initiative. A lot of national organizations provide summer internships for high school students across the nation.

7. Consult a professional guide.

Ask the guidance counselor at your school if they are aware of any internships you can apply for. Guidance counselors may be aware of internships that other students have taken, or they can point you in the right way for finding one that is right for you. Additionally, you can ask them for suggestions when creating a resume or cover letter.

8. Place a call.

Although making a cold call to a firm may initially appear intimidating, it could be a good approach to discovering an internship. Even if they don’t typically offer them, some companies might nonetheless take you under consideration for an internship. Make sure to conduct research on the business to identify the important individuals and direct your questions to them.

For internship options, think about contacting neighborhood resources: Libraries, hospitals, museums, zoos, YMCA, churches, media, senior centers, and nursing facilities are just a few examples.

9. Compose a cover letter and resume.

The next thing you’ll need for your high school internship is a resume and cover letter. Even if it is not a working experience, like involvement in organizations or extracurricular activities, it includes all experience that is pertinent to the position. Create a strong aim statement that, in three or fewer statements, outlines why you are the ideal candidate for summer internships for high school students. Write your resume specifically for the job.

Create a cover letter, especially for the internship in high school. Examine the job description to find pertinent keywords for your letter. Describe any abilities you can contribute to the role, how it connects to your future career, and why you are excited about the chance. Keep in mind that cover letters and resumes are marketing materials designed to land you an interview.

Consider having a friend or member of your family proofread your cover letter and resume for accuracy, punctuation, and typos.

10. Get ready for a job interview.

Lastly, get ready for the internship interview in high school. You get the chance to properly explain why the organization should recruit you during the interview.

Research the company to learn more about what they do in order to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a list of inquiries you want to make about the job. Use sample interview questions to gain an idea of what to expect and practice answering questions with a friend or member of your family to better your preparation.

Which Companies Are Best For Internships?

There is never a bad time to start applying for internships. While many students wait until their senior year of college to look for summer internships for high school students, doing so in high school is a great approach to begin considering your alternatives.

Furthermore, including an internship on your resume will make you stand out from the competition when applying to colleges.

So, which companies are best for internships? This list below reveals some of the top internships for high school students:

Internships at NASA

Numerous internship opportunities are available at the Goddard Space Flight Center of NASA for students at various educational levels, from high school to graduate school. Students can work and research STEM career possibilities while still in school thanks to the NASA Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP). High school students must be at least 16 years old and in their sophomore, junior, or senior year to qualify. The comprehensive list of all available NASA internships is on their website.

Met Internship in High School

Rising juniors and seniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are eligible to apply for paid internships at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which take place both during the academic year and over the summer. The department that best suits an intern’s interests is assigned to them.

Summer Research Program at Indiana University

Underrepresented high school students who want to work in the behavioral or biomedical sciences are the target audience for this summer internship at Indiana University. Interns get the opportunity to engage in research initiatives at the university’s cancer center and become familiar with a variety of clinical research activities. Weekly sessions that offer guidance on applying to graduate and professional schools are also a part of the internship.

Microsoft High School Internship

Summer internships for high school students are a fantastic starting point for students who are interested in investigating STEM-related subjects of study. Students have the opportunity to network with Microsoft staff members, investigate potential career routes, and hone their computer science and programming abilities. Although the program is now on hold, you can fill out this survey to be kept informed about potential opportunities in the future.

Google Summer Institute for Computer Science (CSSI)

This 4-week summer program introduces incoming college students who are interested in technology to computer science. Participants gain technical expertise, discover potential career paths, and gain an understanding of Google’s distinctive work culture. The COVID-19 has caused the program to move online.

KP Launch Volunteering

Underrepresented and low-income high school students interested in a career in healthcare are offered paid internships through the KP Launch program. Northern California’s medical facilities and Oakland are among the places where interns will work. Participants in the program have the opportunity to network with healthcare professionals and learn about the many non-medical occupations that are available in the healthcare sector.

Geosciences Bridge Program

This internship is an excellent place to start if you’re interested in learning more about the Earth and its natural resources. High school seniors interested in a career in geosciences should apply for the 6-week paid summer internships for high school students. Geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques, atmospheric sciences, and ocean sciences are all introduced to interns. The curriculum consists of lectures, outings, practical exercises, and two college courses that can be taken for credit.

The Intern Group Global Internship Program

An overseas internship is an ideal method to fill the year between high school and college. Students can intern in one of 14 cities across the world through the Intern Group’s worldwide internship program if they are 18 years old or older (in rare situations, 17-year-olds are eligible). This program is a great way to obtain work experience, stand out on college applications, and open doors to travel and adventure. There are internships available in many different professions.

Internships at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution offers internship programs in almost every discipline imaginable, from business and public administration to art, science, and history. One such program is the Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) internship, which offers high school students in the Washington, D.C., area hands-on science training. There are several chances for students who are interested in the arts, cultures, and histories.

Program for Summer Internships at Johns Hopkins

This internship is a fantastic chance for anyone interested in a career in biomedical or public health research. Participants gain useful research and experimenting skills during the 10-week curriculum. At each step of the journey, mentors from academia and the world of research assist them.

The program at Johns Hopkins University welcomes everyone. It is intended to help students from low-income families, those with impairments, and those from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the fields of science and medicine.

Program for Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology

This paid summer internship and mentoring program are intended to pique the attention of students underrepresented in the field of fisheries science. By hiring women and underrepresented groups, Hutton has pledged to diversify the next generation of fishery experts. This internship is a fantastic chance if you want to learn more about fishery science or start a career in the industry.

Internships at the Library of Congress

You can probably find your ideal internship at the Library of Congress, no matter what your area of interest is. There are numerous internship possibilities available, ranging from archaeological study to conservation and preservation. In reality, the Library of Congress, which is known as the national library of the United States and the site of the richest collection of human creativity and knowledge in the world, offers more than 80 programs.

Program for Student Leaders at Bank of America

High school students have the opportunity to give back to their communities by working with charities like Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club through an 8-week paid internship. The Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., which provides a glimpse into how corporations and governments work together to fulfill local problems, is also attended by participants. This internship is a great way to get your foot in the door if you’re serious to pursuing a career in government or the nonprofit sector.

Internships at the Adler Planetarium

For Chicago high school students, the Adler Planetarium offers chances for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) engagement and career preparation. Numerous activities, ranging from the Youth Leadership Council to the Astro-Science Workshop, are available to kids with different interests and aspirations. All summer internships for high school students are virtual till further notice because of COVID-19.

United States Secret Service Volunteer Program

Students who take part in this internship get knowledge about the U.S. Secret Service’s nature and its mission to safeguard the country’s top elected officials. Although the internship is unpaid, academic credit is available. For students interested in a career in intelligence, it’s also a wonderful stepping stone.

Summer internships for high school students offer the chance to learn, get experience, and network while also helping them to develop their resumes. Keep in mind that the internship that is best for you will fit your interests, hobbies, and long-term professional objectives.

AdmissionSight can also assist you in looking into your options and deciding the best fit for your academic goals. Feel free to contact AdmissionSight and set up an initial consultation to know more.