Lots of high school kids have part-time jobs, and they’re a great way to earn some cash while learning basic job skills. But if they’re looking to prepare for their future career, an internship could be the way to go instead. Here’s why internships for high school students can be a good idea and how to find them.
What is an internship?
Think of an internship as a “job rehearsal.” It’s a chance to explore what working in a specific field or for a specific company can be like. Interns often shadow more experienced workers, first watching and then getting a chance to do different aspects of the job.
Originally, only medical students served internships. Over time, they’ve become popular in a wide variety of fields. They usually involve an application and resume (see terrific examples of high school resumes here), and one or more interviews similar to those you’d undergo for traditional jobs. Many internships are very competitive, since they can open a lot of doors to the future.
What’s the difference between an internship and a job?
An internship generally takes place for only a specified period of time, like a summer, a semester, or a school year. They’re usually filled by students who want to learn more about the field and start making connections as they plan for their future.
Interns are given more opportunities to learn, and there’s often more tolerance for errors. Companies who hire interns are willing to give them a learning experience in exchange for their assistance. Their expectations are lower in terms of performance, and companies usually recognize the need to coach interns on soft skills like behavior and business etiquette as well as career skills.
Are high school internships paid?
Internships can be either paid or unpaid. When they are paid, the compensation is often pretty low, because the focus is on the experience the student is getting. Still, the trade-off can be worth it for the experience and connections they’ll make.
If internships are unpaid, there are specific laws that apply to them. Companies must provide an experience that’s beneficial to the student, rather than just using them as free labor. Students should clarify up-front what’s expected of them in an unpaid internship and what educational experiences they’ll get in return.
What should students expect from an internship?
An internship can be a mixed bag. Some organizations have very structured programs, and interns can expect to be busy learning and doing all day long. In other places, interns might spend part of the day shadowing or getting hands-on experience, while other times they’re handling basic admin work like filing or getting coffee. It’s important to ask up front what skills and experiences a student can expect from an internship, and what duties they’ll take on.
Once a student starts an internship, it’s important to be open to every bit of feedback. They’re there to learn, often from the ground up. They should ask questions, take notes, and observe everything that goes on around them. If students feel they aren’t receiving enough learning benefit, that’s something they can address (professionally) with their manager.
Ask a Manager has lots of terrific posts about intern experiences and questions. Check it out to learn more about expectations, norms, and how to handle potential problems. You’ll also find terrific advice there about resumes and cover letters, job interviews, and student experiences.
What are the benefits of internships for high school students?
Ask a group of high schoolers what they want to do when they grow up, and at least half of them probably have no clue. And that’s just fine! Others, though, have a very clear career path in mind. Either way, these kids can benefit from internships in a variety of ways.
How can high school students find local internships?
It’s simple enough to find part-time jobs, but internships aren’t always so easy to pin down. If students know what field they’re interested in, they can contact local companies or nonprofit organizations in that field directly. Ask them about potential internship opportunities. If they don’t have a program already, they might be willing to create one for the right student.
Not sure where to start? Here are some general ideas by interest:
More Internship Opportunities for High Schoolers
For students willing to travel, or those who live in areas near some of these companies and organizations, big-name internships are definitely a possibility. Most of these internships are summer-based and have early application deadlines. Others offer opportunities year-round. Research each for more details.
Get hands-on experience working with Air Force Research Lab scientists and engineers on the newest technology and research. (Summer program)
This program is for geoscience students between their senior year of high school and freshman year of college. It includes lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and two for-credit college courses, plus stipend, housing, and travel costs. (Summer program)
Those who dream of spending time overseas between graduation and college will find internships around the world in almost any field they can imagine. (Year-round opportunities available)
With placement available in all 50 states, this program is for those interested in fisheries and the aquatic sciences. It includes a stipend and scholar’s summit conference. (Summer program)
Students living near Redmond, Washington, can spend the time between high school graduation and the start of their freshman year at college learning programming fundamentals from Microsoft mentors. (Summer program)
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has internship opportunities at campuses in Maryland, Virginia, NYC, and West Virginia. NASA also offers Pathways Intern Employment Programs at multiple sites. (Dates/times vary by program and position)
Students interested in medical research can gain hands-on experience with health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science. (Summer program)
Students in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut can learn about art, marketing, editorial, social media, and conservation from creative professionals at one of the most prestigious museums in the nation. (Summer program)
Want to chat about internships for high school seniors or other educational topics? Come join the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!
This content was originally published here.
