How To Find Internships as a High Schooler To Jumpstart Your Career

Participating in an internship while in high school is a great way to gain hands-on experience. It will push you to learn new skills, discover your interests, and see what a day in life looks like in that career — all of which are valuable experiences to have before heading off to college, trade school, or entering the workforce. 

There are plenty of worthwhile internship opportunities while in high school. You just need to know where to look! 

What Is an Internship?

An internship is a short-term program where a student or a recent graduate works for a company or organization for a period of time to gain practical experience in a specific field or industry. As a high schooler looking for an internship, these opportunities can be either paid or unpaid and are designed to help you gain work experience, develop professional skills, and network with professionals in your field. Internships can vary in duration, but typically last from a few weeks to a few months, providing you the chance to put what you’ve learned into action. 

 

How Do High School Internships Work?

For high school students, internships come in all shapes and sizes. Some are fully online, so you can dive in remotely from wherever you are. Others may be scheduled after school or have a summer option, where you can get an immersive experience during the break. These options mean you can pick an internship that fits your busy life and doesn't clash with schoolwork or other commitments. With so many internships available, there's bound to be an internship out there that's just right for your schedule and goals. 

Because you are just starting in the workforce, the work you complete will likely be less complex. You may be tasked with organization, completing small projects, research, or other duties as assigned. Express your interests to your manager and let them know of any skills you possess that may be of use. Speak up if you need more work to keep you busy, and ask to shadow others if free time allows. 

Are Unpaid Internships Worth It?

Internships give you a place to put what you know into action and make connections that can help your career take off. You get to see what a job is really like and add some serious weight to your resume, which can make a big difference when you're just starting out.

While unpaid internships offer valuable experience, they might not be the right choice for everyone. Some industries are notorious for not paying interns. You’ll need to personally decide if the time spent gaining experience is worth skipping out on paycheck. Consider asking mentors in the field if an internship played a large role in their career success. It's all about finding the sweet spot between earning top-notch experience and keeping your own finances on track. Take a good look at your cash situation to decide what kind of internship works best for your needs and goals.

How Is an Internship Different from an Apprenticeship?

An internship and an apprenticeship are both types of work-based learning programs, but there are some key differences between the two.  

An apprenticeship is a longer-term program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeships are typically offered in skilled trades, such as construction, plumbing, or electrician work, and involve working under the guidance of a skilled professional to learn a trade. Apprenticeships are paid positions, and apprentices earn a wage while they learn. Apprenticeships can last for several years, depending on the trade and level of training required.  

How To Get an Internship as a High Schooler

Whether you're interested in the trades, healthcare, technology, or any other field, finding the right internship is important. Here are some tips to help you uncover the right internship for you:  
 

Start With Your Interests

The best way to find internships is to think about what you're passionate about and what kind of career you want to pursue. Look into companies, organizations, and industries that align with your interests and explore internship opportunities within those fields. ACT’s interest inventory is a great place to start if you’re looking for help connecting your interests with a career! Before committing to an internship, you can benefit from job shadowing to confirm that you’re actually pursuing a career path that fits your interests and goals. 

 

Network With Personal Connections 

Networking is a game-changer when it comes to landing an internship. Chatting with professionals in a field you're looking into can unlock doors to exciting opportunities that aren't always available elsewhere. Talk to family members, friends, teachers, and guidance counselors (aka, networking!) to see if they know of any internship opportunities or can refer you to someone in the field you're interested in. Don't be shy about reaching out and making those connections – they can be your ticket to a rewarding internship.

 

Check Online Job Boards  

Looking at online job boards can be a big help when you’re searching for internships. Because so many companies use online job boards it will be easy to get an idea of what's out there. Start by narrowing your search by location, kinds of work, program start date, industry, and more so it can better match you to what you're looking for. Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can be great resources for finding internships. Be sure to read each listing carefully and tailor your application to each opportunity. 

 

Attend Career Fairs and Events

Career fairs and events are a great way to meet potential employers and learn more about different career paths. Bring copies of your resume, be prepared to ask questions, take notes, and make connections. First impressions matter! Some companies offer interviews on the spot for internship openings. 

Where To Find Internships for High Schoolers

High schoolers can find internships in many places, including through school counselors or local community organizations. Your state may also have an online database of available internships and apprenticeships, along with details on how to apply. Research these opportunities and apply early to increase your chances of being accepted.  

Here are some websites where you can look for internships: 

  • USAJobs.gov: The government's official site for jobs and internships, which includes options for high school students. 
  • Idealist.org: Great for finding internships with nonprofits and social causes. 
  • Apprenticeship.gov: The government's website showcases a variety of apprenticeship jobs and programs throughout the US.  

Benefits of Completing an Internship in High School

There are many compelling reasons to pursue an internship while still in high school — from building your skills and learning new information, to exploring your career interests and discovering if a field is a good fit.
 

Gain Real-World Experience

One of the biggest benefits of an internship is gaining hands-on experience. Learning about what a job entails in a learning environment is a good start, but it’s different from solving challenges in a real-world setting. And that’s exactly what an internship is designed to give you! You’ll also gain experience that will help you build your resume and introduce you to mentors who can help guide your career with advice and support. 

Develop Professional Skills

Developing the professional skills you’ll use during an internship, like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, are all necessary for success in any career. Even if your internship turns out to be different than you were hoping, you’ll still come away with deeper knowledge of the field and clearer expectations about the working environment.  

What To Look for in Internships

When looking for internships, it's important to keep in mind a few key considerations:  

  • Make sure the internship aligns with your interests and career goals.  
  • Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build new skills.  
  • Research the company or organization to ensure it has a positive reputation and aligns with your values.  
  • Make sure the internship is a good fit for your schedule and other commitments.  
  • Be prepared to work hard and make the most of the opportunity.  

By exploring internship opportunities and being intentional in your search, you can discover a path that aligns with your passions and sets you on a journey toward a successful career.

Get More Career Planning Advice with ACT

If you're a student, ACT offers a wealth of career planning resources to help prepare you for your future career, from exploring careers that match your interests to helping you nail your internship or apprenticeship program interview. Dive into these resources early to create a solid game plan for a path that's right for you.