Written by Brandon, Brown University

High school is a time of exploration and growth, and internships offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. As a high school student, engaging in internships can be a game-changer for your personal and professional development. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about high school internships, from understanding their value to applying for colleges to securing and making the most of these opportunities.

Why do internships matter for high school students?

1. Building your real-world experience: Internships provide a firsthand look at professional environments, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations. This exposure is invaluable in understanding how different industries operate and what various careers entail on a day-to-day basis.

2. Developing your skills: Beyond academic knowledge, internships help you develop crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are essential for success in college and future careers.

3. Enhancing your college application: Colleges are increasingly looking for applicants who demonstrate initiative and real-world experience. An internship can significantly boost your college application, showing admissions officers your commitment to learning and career exploration.

4. Exploring potential career paths: Internships allow you to test-drive potential career paths. You might discover a passion for a field you hadn't considered before, or realize that a career you thought you wanted isn't the right fit.

5. Networking for success: Building professional connections early can open doors to future opportunities. The relationships you form during an internship can lead to mentorship, letters of recommendation, and even future job offers.

What types of internships are available to me?

1. STEM Internships: These opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can range from assisting in research laboratories to working on coding projects for tech companies.

2. Business and Entrepreneurship Internships: Learn about marketing, finance, management, or experience the startup world firsthand.

3. Arts and Creative Internships: Explore fields like graphic design, theater production, music, or museum curation.

4. Nonprofit and Social Impact Internships: Gain experience in community service, advocacy, or environmental conservation while making a positive impact.

5. Healthcare and Medical Internships: Shadow healthcare professionals or assist in medical research, gaining insight into the medical field.

6. Government and Public Policy Internships: Work with local government offices or advocacy groups to understand policy-making and public service.

7. Media and Communications Internships: Explore journalism, public relations, or social media management in real-world settings.

Finding internship opportunities

To effectively secure an internship, begin by leveraging your school's resources. Consult your guidance counsellor or career center, as they often have valuable connections with local businesses and organizations that offer internships. Additionally, explore online platforms like Internships.com, LinkedIn, and Indeed, which provide extensive listings of internship opportunities. Creating profiles on these sites and setting up alerts tailored to your interests can significantly enhance your chances of finding a suitable position. Don't overlook local businesses; many are willing to host high school interns but may not actively advertise these opportunities. Research companies in your area and reach out directly to inquire about potential internships.

Expanding your search further, and consider checking with universities and research institutions, as many offer summer programs or research opportunities specifically for high school students. Networking within your community can also yield unexpected leads—attend local business events, career fairs, or industry-specific meetups to make valuable connections. With the rise of remote work, virtual internships have become increasingly available, broadening your options beyond geographical constraints. If you struggle to find an ideal internship, take the initiative to propose one to a company or organization you admire; this proactive approach can lead to tailored experiences that align closely with your interests.

Working through family and friends to secure internship opportunities

Leveraging family and friend connections can be a powerful strategy for securing internships. Personal networks often provide access to opportunities that may not be widely advertised. For instance, teachers, family members, or friends' parents might have insights into local businesses or organizations looking for interns. Engaging these connections can lead to valuable introductions or recommendations, making it easier to secure a placement. Approaching someone you already know can also create a more comfortable environment for discussing potential internships, as they may be more willing to assist you based on your existing relationship.

When reaching out to family and friends, it’s important to communicate your goals clearly. Explain what type of internship you are seeking and why it aligns with your career interests. This specificity helps them understand how they can assist you better, whether by providing advice, making introductions, or even offering you a position within their own organization. Additionally, showing enthusiasm and gratitude during these conversations can leave a positive impression and encourage them to advocate on your behalf.

Moreover, even if the connections you reach out to cannot offer an internship directly, they may still provide valuable insights or referrals to other opportunities. For example, they could suggest companies that are known for hiring interns or recommend networking events that could lead to further connections. This collaborative approach not only helps in finding immediate opportunities but also builds a network that can benefit you throughout your career.

Potential Internship Opportunities for High Schoolers

Internships can be a fantastic way for high school students to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and explore potential career paths. Whether you're interested in STEM, the arts, or community service, there are numerous opportunities available that cater to various interests and goals. This list highlights a range of internships specifically designed for high school students, including paid positions, summer programs, and unique projects that allow you to work with professionals in your field. Take a look at these options to find the perfect fit for your aspirations and start building your future today.

1. Adler Planetarium Teen Internship: Paid internships for Chicago area high school students to gain museum work experience; applications open from February to March.

2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program: Paid summer internships for upper-level high school students interested in STEM, with applications due early to mid-January.

3. Bank of America Student Leaders program: Paid internships connecting junior and senior high school students to local nonprofits, with applications typically due in mid-January.

4. Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC): Paid summer internships for 10th and 11th graders in NYC nominated by partner programs; applications open in October.

5. Carnegie Museum of Art’s Youth Art Initiative (YAI): Paid internships for teens (13-19) in the Pittsburgh area to collaborate on arts projects; application timelines vary.

6. Cincinnati Museum Center Internships: Unpaid internships for graduating high school seniors enrolled in college, with varying application timelines throughout the year.

7. Expanding Horizons Institute: Paid internships for first-generation high school juniors and sophomores in Los Angeles, with applications typically due at the end of January.

8. Geosciences Bridge Program: Paid six-week summer internships for graduating seniors interested in geosciences, with applications due at the end of May.

9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program: Paid eight-week summer internships for high school students interested in fisheries, with applications typically opening mid-November to mid-January.

10. Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center: Paid summer internships for high school students interested in cancer research, with varying application timelines typically opening in the last quarter of the year. The internship is limited to high school juniors attending an Indianapolis or Marion County public school with a minimum GPA of 3.0, or graduating high school seniors belonging to an underrepresented population who are interested in cancer research.

11. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS): Paid summer research internships for high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds, with applications opening December and closing in March.

12. Kaiser Permanente Launch Program: Paid seven-week internships for current high school students (16-19) from Northern California, with applications usually due mid to late December.

13. Library of Congress High School Summer Internship: Unpaid four-week summer internship for current high school students interested in libraries, with applications typically due at the end of April.

14. Met High School Internship Program: Paid internships for high school juniors and seniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to develop professional skills; applications open early February to early March.

15. NASA Internship Programs: NASA internships are for students interested in NASA’s mission of advancing aeronautics and space exploration, and provide mentoring and career development. Interns are placed within NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM)

16. Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute: Paid six-week internships for high school students (16+) at Cornell University and USDA, focusing on plant science and computational biology; applications accepted from November to March.

17. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program: Unpaid full-time research internships for high school students (16+) interested in sciences or engineering, offering mentorship from Princeton faculty; applications typically open from February 15 to March 15.

18. Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Research Internships: Unpaid 10-week summer internships for high school students (16+) interested in genomics or mHealth translational research; applications usually due at the end of March.

19. Smithsonian Internships: Various internship opportunities for high school students, with eligibility and pay varying by program; application timelines also vary by specific opportunities.

20. Bank of America Student Leaders: Paid summer internships for high school juniors and seniors to gain business experience; applications typically due in January.

21. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI): Leadership mentoring program for motivated youth in middle and high school, focusing on essential skills for community impact; applications vary.

22. DOROT Summer Teen Internship: Paid summer internships for sophomores, juniors, and seniors to support older adults while earning community service hours; applications vary.

23. Interns4Good: Virtual internships connecting high school students to nonprofits in areas like graphic design and social media management; applications open year-round.

24. Ladders for Leaders: Prestigious paid summer internships for high school and college students in New York City, offering real-world work experience; applications typically open in spring.

25. Department of Education Internship Opportunities: Internships for students interested in government and education policy, providing valuable work experience; application timelines vary.

26. Forage Virtual Internships: Short virtual work experience programs with companies like Walmart and JP Morgan, designed to give students a career advantage; applications open year-round.

27. Youthbridge-NY: Two-year fellowship for high school students focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, involving workshops and experiential learning; applications vary.

28. KPMG Future Leaders Program: Mentorship program for female high school seniors interested in STEM and business, offering scholarships for college; applications typically open in early spring.

29. Wharton Global Youth Program: Summer program for high school students interested in business and entrepreneurship, featuring courses and team projects; application timelines vary.

30. Inspirit AI Scholars: Live online AI-project building class for high school students taught by top university alumni, focusing on artificial intelligence applications; applications open until September 30.

31. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI): Online introduction to computer science for graduating seniors from marginalized groups, emphasizing fundamentals and career development; applications typically due in spring.

32. Microsoft Discovery Program: Paid summer internship for graduating high school seniors at Microsoft, focusing on programming fundamentals and career readiness; application timelines vary.

33. Meta Summer Academy: Paid externship program for high school students at Meta, providing practical experience and skills development in the tech industry; applications vary by year.

34. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Summer Internship Program: Paid internship program for rising college freshmen focusing on STEM fields with mentorship opportunities; application timelines vary by year.

35. Meyerhoff Scholars Program: Nomination-based program for high school students aiming for a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D., offering research opportunities and paid internships; application timelines vary by nomination process.

36. MITRE’s High School Student Program: Paid summer positions for high school students (14+) to engage in engineering and technology research; applications typically open in spring.

37. Summer@Brown: Various computer science summer courses at Brown University for high school students, both online and in-person; application timelines vary by course offerings.

38. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY): Nationally recognized summer program offering advanced courses in computer science topics for motivated high school students; application timelines vary by course selection.

39. Summer Science & Engineering Program (SSEP): Cooperative learning program at Smith College designed for exceptional high school students interested in STEM fields; application timelines vary by year.

40. Stanford Introduction to Logic: Online course offering symbolic logic training to high school students through summer camps; application timelines vary based on session dates.

41. Seeds of Change: Stanford program addressing the gender gap in STEM by pairing high school students with undergraduate mentors; application timelines vary by year.

42. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics ASPIRE Program: Internship program allowing high school juniors and seniors to explore STEM careers at the Applied Physics Lab during summer or academic year; application timelines vary by year.

43. Fermilab QuarkNet Summer Research Program: Seven-week internship at Fermilab working alongside scientists on research projects related to particle physics; application deadlines typically open in winter/spring months.

44. Inspirit AI Scholars: AI-focused program empowering high school students to apply artificial intelligence across disciplines through project-based learning; applications open until September 30th each year.

45. University of Texas Welch Summer Scholars Program: Hands-on college-level research opportunities for Texas high school students using advanced technology; application timelines vary each year.

46. Cooper Union STEM Scholars Internship: College-level courses offered during summer at Cooper Union focused on engineering topics for high school sophomores and juniors; application deadlines vary.

47. Fermilab TARGET Program: Competitive six-week internship opportunity for Illinois sophomores and juniors with interests in math or engineering; application deadlines typically open in winter/spring months.

48. University of New Hampshire Interoperability Laboratory HighTech Bound: Paid summer internship program exposing rising seniors to real-world technology projects from major companies; application deadlines vary each year.

49. University of Rochester Laboratory of Laser Energetics (LLE) Summer High School Research Program: Paid research internships at LLE providing scientific research experience under staff supervision during the summer.

50. Sandia National Laboratories Pre-College Internship Program: Various internship options at Sandia providing competitive pay and mentorship opportunities while working on challenging projects.

51. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program: Free full-time research experience in science or engineering under Princeton faculty supervision, with customized participation dates.

52. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program: Internships at various AFRL sites offering diverse research projects for interested high school students across the U.S.; application details available on the site.

53. University of Texas at Austin My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) Program: Five-day camp introducing current juniors to engineering through team projects and campus life experiences.

54. Engineering Summer Academy at University of Pennsylvania (ESAP): Intensive three-week engineering program combining theory with hands-on experience while earning college credit.

55. Columbia University Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE): Introductory college-level engineering courses offered during summer sessions at Columbia University.

Perfecting the application

Here’s a quick rundown on how to apply for success in your internship journey!

Creating a great resume

Crafting a standout resume is essential, especially for those with limited work experience. Focus on highlighting your academic achievements, such as honors, relevant coursework, and projects that showcase your skills. Include extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership abilities and teamwork, as well as any volunteer work that reflects your commitment to community service. Don't forget to list special skills that may be relevant to the internship, such as proficiency in programming languages or fluency in multiple languages. By presenting a well-organized and comprehensive resume, you can effectively convey your potential value to prospective employers.

Writing an engaging cover letter

An engaging cover letter serves as your personal introduction to the organization and is an opportunity to make a memorable impression. Tailor each letter specifically to the internship you are applying for, ensuring that you express genuine interest in both the role and the company. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the internship requirements, and demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s mission and values. A well-crafted cover letter not only showcases your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm and passion for the opportunity, setting you apart from other candidates.

Preparing for interviews

Preparation is key when it comes to succeeding in interviews. Start by thoroughly researching the organization to understand its culture, values, and recent developments. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses and ask insightful questions during the interview. Practice common interview questions to build confidence and articulate your thoughts clearly. Additionally, prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer; this shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organization is a good fit for you. Finally, remember to dress professionally and arrive early for in-person interviews or log in ahead of time for virtual ones, as first impressions matter.

Following up after the application

After submitting your application or completing an interview, it’s important to follow up with a polite email. This simple gesture can reinforce your interest in the position and leave a positive impression on the interviewer. In your follow-up email, express gratitude for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Mention any specific points from the interview that resonated with you or highlight how your skills align with the organization’s goals. A well-timed follow-up not only demonstrates professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewer’s radar as they make their final decisions.