|

Get a Summer Internship While in High School

ByCheree Liebowitz

Do an internship in high school and it can do a lot for you. Few other activities can have a greater impact on a student. Internships are opportunities for students to explore their interests, learn more about possible careers, and gain real world experience while still in school. Through an internship, a student can also strengthen a resume and meet professionals to turn to for letters of recommendation and as mentors in the future. Not sure where to start? Here are five tips on where to look for internship opportunities:

  1. Start at your school. The office of the high school guidance counselor may have a current listing of opportunities and programs available in the area.  High school administrators and-or teachers may also have connections to businesses with internships.
  2. Contact companies and organizations of interest. For students interested in medicine, Google to see if healthcare related businesses in the area, like hospitals, offer internships. For students interested in architecture, Google architecture firm internships. Many different organizations and companies offer internships; students just have to find them. Check a company’s website. Or make a quick call. Even if the business does not have a formal internship program in place, they still might consider hiring a hard working student who wants to learn. Students interested in a particular field or type of company should send out cover letters and resumes to a top 10-15 list of businesses. Many companies respond positively to students who take such initiative, and even if they don’t have an established internship, they might create one for a student who takes initiative.  Research local colleges and universities to see their internship opportunities, as well.
  3. Ask your family and friends of the family for help. Parents are encouraged to introduce their students to people they know who may help connect them to an internship. Parents, make sure your student is ready for an interview and understands the responsibilities of a work environment.
  4. Look for an internship online. If a student is not sure what kind of internship he or she wants to do, type: “high school” internship <> into Google and see what comes up. com is a source of high school internships. Students in Miami-Dade can also visit http://www.miamidade.gov/aim/high-school.asp.
  5. Look for volunteer opportunities. Volunteer work can be very similar to an internship. The difference is the student will not get paid. Though, an internship can be unpaid as well. No matter. The real value is the experience.

The educational consultants at International College Counselors highly recommend internships for high school students in any grade. In addition to the benefits listed above, internships can help build a case for a “passion” and help students set themselves apart from their peers.